Sci-Fi Film and Television Developments

Eclipse

7/17/09 - The Hollywood Reporter's Risky Biz blog reports that unknown Australian actor Xavier Samuel has landed the first new role in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, the third film in the hit franchise; Samuels will play the role of a "newborn vampire" named Riley who joins the plot of villain Victoria (Rachelle Lefevre) to murder protagonist Bella (Kristen Stewart).

4/23/09 - Summit Entertainment announced today that David Slade has been hired to direct The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, the third installment in the hit franchise, based on a screenplay by Melissa Rosenberg.  The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, the third film based on Stephenie Meyer's best-selling book series, will be released theatrically in North America on June 30, 2010.

3/13/09 -The Los Angeles Times reported that Summit Entertainment has NOT hired Orphanage director Juan Antonio Bayona to direct Eclipse, the third film in the Twilight series.  Times reporter Patrick Goldstein says he had lunch with Erik Feig, president of production at Summit, who was reportedly "shocked" to see the media reports saying Summit had hired Bayona.  "The Eclipse directing job hasn't been offered to Juan Antonio or anyone else," Feig told Goldstein.

3/12/09 - Variety reported that Summit Entertainment has tapped Spanish director Juan Antonio Bayona to direct Eclipse, the third movie in the Twilight vampire series.  Summit is expected to make the official announcement soon. The studio recently gave Eclipse a release date of June 30, 2010.

2/23/09 - Summit Entertainment has green-lighted Eclipse, the third movie in the Twilight series, and given it a June 30, 2010, release date, Variety reported.  Twilight has generated $189 million domestically and another $174 million overseas; the second movie, New Moon, is expected to begin production shortly.  Chris Weitz replaced Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke on New Moon, with the stars reprising their roles: Robert Pattinson as Edward, Kristen Stewart as Bella and Taylor Lautner as Jacob.  Summit hasn't yet selected a director for Eclipse, in which Bella is forced to choose between Edward and Jacob. The movie is based on Stephenie Meyer's book.

AlienAlmanac.com  -  Living Among You Since 2004