As many readers will remember, actor Robert Pattinson, who portrayed Cedric Diggory in “Goblet of Fire,” has been cast in the role of Edward Cullen in the upcoming film version of Stephenie Meyer’s novel, “Twilight.” A number of news reports have appeared online recently featuring Mr. Pattinson along with an interview with Ms. Meyer, who talks of the comparisons made with Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling. We now have a few news updates regarding all of this as follows:
First, the teaser trailer for “Twilight” was released earlier in the week, showing Robert Pattinson as Edward sweeping Bella off her feet in the sixty-second spot. You can view Robert and actress Kristen Stewart, who portrays Bella Swan in the “Twilight” film, in the trailer right here. A number of screencaps from the trailer are also available and can be found in our Image Galleries. In addition, Robert can be seen in a new official picture of the Twilight cast as well as the first official poster from the film in our galleries as well.
Next, actors Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart gave an interview with MTV during which the Harry Potter novels were briefly discussed. Once again, the comparison between the Twilight series and Harry Potter was made, to which Mr. Pattinson replied:
“[The difference is that each are] using different metaphors for things. The strange thing about this is it’s so deeply entwined with sexuality, much more so than “Harry Potter,” as virtually all vampire things are — mainly because it’s a love story. “Harry Potter” isn’t really a love story, so a lot of the metaphorical stuff [in “Twilight”] is about teen lust…”
Finally, Time Magazine has an extended profile of author Stephenie Meyer and her “Twilight” series containing some discussion and comparisons between her and J. K. Rowling. In the article, Ms. Meyer notes her feeling that ‘her success is a direct result of the way Rowling changed the book industry…’ The profile goes on to say:
’...children are now willing to read 500-page novels, and adults are now willing to read books written for children. But as artists, they couldn’t be more different. Rowling pieces her books together meticulously, detail by detail. Meyer floods the page like a severed artery. She never uses a sentence when she can use a whole paragraph. Her books are big (500-plus pages) but not dense—they have a pillowy quality distinctly reminiscent of Internet fan fiction. (Which she’ll readily grant: “I don’t think I’m a writer; I think I’m a storyteller,” Meyer says. “The words aren’t always perfect.”)’
Readers can see Robert Pattinson in this new project when “Twilight” is released in theaters December 12, 2008. The first three novels in the Twilight series are available for purchase in our own Cauldron Shop.
I was wondering that myself! I submitted numerous news tips about Sweeney Todd because it is pretty obvious that some of the awesome adult actors in HP (Rickman, Spall, Carter) were important characters in the film. Did I see any posted? Not one. Pity.
I am looking forward to seeing the Twilight movie when it goes out in the dollar theaters. I love vampire movies but from the sound of it I don’t think I will have time to pick up the books. The stories don’t sound so jaw dropping and interesting enough to spend a few days reading.
Completely off topic to Rebecca, but most 22 year olds, or in general students in college, are just as immature as a supposed 16-year old…I think those comments were meant for why many men and older people don’t read, or have particular interest in the series.
More on topic, I saw a lot of talk about the series in the chatrooms, so I checked it out…I read the synapses and it said a girl falling in love with a vampire, I laughed, and then put the book down. Now I know it’s judging a book by it’s cover, but I don’t like romance stories…not to mention I am tired of reading about vampires. It’s the same reason I’ve stayed away from Jane Austen books, I know gasp, lol…perhaps I’ll grow into later on, as I did the HP series.
Oh, I forgot to add this, I think it was good of Pattinson to comment on the differences of the books. He didn’t sound unprofessional or arrogant in any sense of the word. Same goes to Meyer’s comments…it was humble, I didn’t see anything strange about their comments.
Also I think it’s good Leaky has other features for other books, even though it’s predominantly HP. It shows that the fandom is still very diverse and we enjoy reading in general, not just HP….
This post is FTW! Up until recently I thought these books/fandom was lame .. but then I read the books. Its a great story, no, not the best written story … but it just sucks you in.
BTW, who else laughed at the fact that ‘Edward’ was the one who posted this? LMAO! XD
alright, alright
No, Harry Potter should never be compared to Twilight.
Harry Potter should never be compared to any series. Ever. Because I’m sure you will all agree that the other series will lose terribly. (Hey look we can agree on something!)
Now, I adore the Twilight series because, well, I’m a sucker for love… and vampires. I will be the first to tell you that if you don’t like cheesy, adorable love stories then you won’t like these books. As a 23 year old female I can say, proudly, that I do like teen love stories because they are usually VERY far from reality. hah
Although, if any of you have ever read the Anita Blake series (my personal favorite besides HP) then you will LOVE Twilight.
To comment on some of the other… comments:
Yes, everyone has their opinion and this is a forum, so if you want to express it I suppose this would be the place to do it. I agree that it is a little odd that Twilight is very detailed on here, because the point about Sweeney Todd is very true and I don’t understand why there would be posts about this and not that… but I don’t run the place so, who cares. I personally love that this was written about because I was a little worried that “Cedric” was going to play Edward, but now that I’ve seen the trailer I think he will do well.
I also hope that this won’t be another Eragon tragedy (God, that movie made me SO upset.) Here’s hoping Stephanie Meyer had a lot of say in the movie.
Bottom Line: If you hate the Twilight series, it’s kind of silly to waste your time commenting on an article about it. We all love Harry Potter like no other, so there’s no reason to get defensive about HP being better. We know it’s better! That’s why we are all here.
I feel a bit sorry for you Rebecca. Your commens seemed reasonable to me and I dont know why so many people jumped on you because of it. Personally I was really dubious about these books (Not a huge fan of romance) but then I read the first one and you know what it IS an entertaining read. Written in a completely different style to HP. It wont win any awards and certain phrases had me rolling my eyes but…
I dont think it is sad that SO many HP fans are now Twilight fans because lets face it the HP series is over. If a HP fan never read another book that would be sad…
I think people should just read, read, read. If you dont like Twilight, Oh well. At least then if someone mentions it to you you can offer a valid opinion.
I loved the first book, liked the second, appreciated the third….
At the end of the trilogy…a chasm…which could have been reduced to a crevice…so here I am…waiting for the next installment…(even w/an epilogue….not the same at all)...
Throughout my reading…I always thought that the author would wrap it up human style….she did not!...(nor did she wrap it up V or W style! In the end..the only thing she wrapped up was the weather, hence the seasons….winter proceeds spring, which arrives…...spring proceeds summer…etc… heavy sigh)... The ‘seasons’ may not have mattered so much to a V or a W…but as we know from the beginning of said story…it matters most to said humans involved in said story…which wasn’t played out as well as it could have been in the “human” narrative…
I hope that the HBP trailer is longer then that. Kristen Stewart played on the Messengers. And correct me if I’m wrong but Robert Pattinson doesn’t sound bristish to me.
Yeah, sorry I thought I made it clear that I have read the first book of Twilight. Yes Anita Blake series and Twilight are quite alike but for me the Anita Blake series has the edge. Less soppy. Although both the lead heroines have annoyed me hugly at times!
Read books 1 & 2 and they pretty good but the first 8 chapters of book 1 were about how good looking edward was (I sympathize with you there hpboy13). Book 3 should be arriving in a few days although I’m not jumping for joy since most people seem to like it the least out of the series.
As far as being compared to HP? You have to understand that HP is unlike anything I’ve ever read. You can point to a hundred different things that made this series so damn addicting! The characters, the detail, the way Jo can have you hang on every word because it could mean something very significant later, etc. It goes on and on. The twilight series is not like that at all. While it obviously sets up some plot points for later it’s not nearly on the level of the HP series. It tells a nice story but HP is just so more dynamic. Damn I love the HP books!
Robert Pattinson is a good looking and seemingly lovely guy – so why does he look like an 80’s New Romantic band reject in the pic? It looks like he’s off to an audition for Duran Duran.
This Percy Jackson & the Olympians series looks seriously cool! Thanks for the recommendation! I just went to barnesandnoble.com and book 1 (lightning thief) is SOLD OUT! When a book sells out online….its gotta be good! Checking amazon.com in a minute!
"Oh, shut up, the pair of you," said Harry heavily, as Ron opened his mouth to argue back. Hermione and Ron both froze, looking angry and offended. "Can't you give it a rest?" he said. "You're always having a go at each other, it's driving me mad."
@ Cristipotter
I was wondering that myself! I submitted numerous news tips about Sweeney Todd because it is pretty obvious that some of the awesome adult actors in HP (Rickman, Spall, Carter) were important characters in the film. Did I see any posted? Not one. Pity.
I am looking forward to seeing the Twilight movie when it goes out in the dollar theaters. I love vampire movies but from the sound of it I don’t think I will have time to pick up the books. The stories don’t sound so jaw dropping and interesting enough to spend a few days reading.