Twilight (2008) is a fantasy romance film adapted from Stephenie Meyer’s 2005 novel, centering on teenager Bella Swan and her relationship with vampire Edward Cullen in the Pacific Northwest town of Forks, Washington. Directed by Catherine Hardwicke and starring Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, the film launched a major franchise spanning sequels, spinoffs, and a devoted global fanbase. This profile presents verifiable details on production, cast, box office milestones, and enduring influence, emphasizing data and context that remain relevant long after initial release.
Key Facts And Quick Reference
Below are high-information-facts about the Twilight movie at a glance, drawing on authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and clarity.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | November 21, 2008 (United States) | Studio/Distributor Records |
| Runtime | 122 minutes | Studio Credits |
| Director | Catherine Hardwicke | Film Credits |
| Lead Cast | Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Ashley Greene, Billy Burke | Studio Casting |
| Production Budget | Approximately $37 million | Industry Reporting (e.g., The Numbers, Box Office Mojo) |
| Worldwide Box Office | Over $956 million | Box Office Mojo/Comscore |
| MPAA Rating | PG-13 | MPAA Classification |
| Source Novel | Twilight (2005) by Stephenie Meyer | Publisher Records |
| Production Companies | Summit Entertainment, Sunswept Entertainment | Studio Credits |
| Filming Locations | Oregon and Washington, USA; primarily in Oregon | Location Reports and Production Notes |
Background And Source Material
The Twilight movie derives from Stephenie Meyer’s 2005 young adult novel of the same name, part of a series that includes New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn. Summit Entertainment acquired the film rights in 2007, and development moved quickly toward production despite limited precedent for large-budget romantic fantasy aimed at teen audiences. The film adaptation aimed to preserve the central love story between human Bella Swan and vampire Edward Cullen while translating supernatural elements into visual form. Meyer retained an advisory role on set, though script adaptations were led by screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg and director Catherine Hardwicke.
Cast And Character Details
The ensemble cast delivered performances central to the film’s emotional and romantic core. Bella Swan, the protagonist, is portrayed by Kristen Stewart, whose understated style matched the character’s introspective nature. Edward Cullen, the centuries-old vampire, is played by Robert Pattinson, bringing a brooding charisma that defined early fan reception. Jacob Black, the werewolf figure and Bella’s childhood friend, is played by Taylor Lautner, while Ashley Greene appears as Alice Cullen, a vampire with prophetic visions. Veteran actor Billy Burke plays Charlie Swan, Bella’s father, grounding the fantasy in familial realism.
Principal Cast Overview
- Kristen Stewart as Isabella “Bella” Swan
- Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen
- Taylor Lautner as Jacob Black
- Ashley Greene as Alice Cullen
- Billy Burke as Charlie Swan
Production Timeline And Development
Pre-production began in late 2007, with casting finalized in early 2008. Principal photography started in March 2008 and wrapped that June, primarily in Oregon and Washington. The production faced notable challenges including strict sunlight restrictions to maintain the vampire mythology, extensive use of overcast weather, and coordination for action sequences involving the Cullens’ superhuman abilities. Editing concluded in the third quarter of 2008, setting the stage for a late autumn release aligned with the young adult reading calendar.
Notable Production Milestones
- Script finalized: Early 2008
- Principal photography: March–June 2008
- Post-production: July–October 2008
- Premiere: November 10, 2008 (Los Angeles)
- Theatrical release: November 21, 2008
Box Office Performance And Reception
Twilight opened to strong box office reception, earning $69.6 million domestically in its opening weekend and ultimately surpassing $956 million worldwide. Critical reviews at launch were mixed, with many praising the lead performances and atmosphere while noting narrative simplicity; however, the film’s commercial success and cultural resonance far exceeded initial expectations. Its audience skewed young and female, fueling demand for merchandise, soundtrack sales, and fan conventions that persisted well beyond the theatrical window.
Box Office Snapshot
| Metric | Estimate | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Opening Weekend | $69.6 million | November 2008 |
| Worldwide Gross | $956 million | Reported by Box Office Mojo |
| Budget | $37 million | Production cost estimates |
| Return Multiple | Approx. 26x budget | Box office return relative to cost |
Cultural Impact And Legacy
Twilight reshaped young adult entertainment by proving that literary fantasy romance could succeed at the box office with a predominantly teen and young adult audience. The franchise expanded into sequels—New Moon (2009), Eclipse (2010), and Breaking Dawn Parts 1 and 2 (2011–2012)—plus ancillary merchandise, soundtracks, and a dedicated fan community. Its influence persists in genre casting, marketing practices aimed at book-then-film audiences, and ongoing retrospective analysis of its stylistic choices. While critical reception evolved over time, the film remains a reference point for discussions about YA adaptation, star-making franchises, and the economics of mid-budget genre romance.
Comparisons With Later Installments
The original film’s aesthetic and narrative choices differ in notable ways from later sequels, particularly in pacing, visual tone, and emphasis on romantic vs. action-driven storytelling.
| Aspect | Twilight (2008) | Later Franchise Entries |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Tone | Romantic mystery | Heightened action and drama |
| Pacing | Leisurely, character-focused | Faster, plot-driven |
| Supernatural Visibility | Subtle, atmosphere-driven | More overt spectacle |
| Central Conflict | Choice between vampire and human love | Expanded lore and external threats |
Common Questions And Context
Facts about the Twilight movie often revolve around its origin, performance, and cultural footprint. The film remains a touchstone for discussions of YA adaptation and the modern blockbuster model, and its long-term relevance continues to attract both scholarly and casual interest.
Conclusion
Understanding facts about the Twilight movie requires focusing on concrete data—release dates, cast, budget, box office, and production context—while acknowledging its lasting influence on genre filmmaking and fan culture. This verified overview provides a stable foundation for ongoing discussion about the film’s role in contemporary cinema.