The Twilight film franchise is one that will not slow down anytime soon, so the latest in the rumor mill has Gullermo Del Toro pupil Juan Antonio Bayona (hence the JAB in the title) as the next possible director after this year’s New Moon. If he does indeed helm Eclipse, the third film in the franchise, then this would mark a departure of sorts since he was the director of the semi-acclaimed horror film The Orphanage. Why is this a departure? Well, you began with Catherine Hardwicke, a woman to direct Twilight, then went to Christopher Weitz, mainly known for comedies for New Moon, and now possibly to a little known horror director co-signed by GDT (see here for more on HIS lineup) for Eclipse. Interesting news for fans of the books or movie(s).
I find this kind of bizarre if this takes place, not only for the above noted reason, but primarily from the standpoint of jumping around so much will lead to an inconsistent vision for what is expected with each film. A real surprise in fact, considering Weitz has yet to complete his film, and therefore, if New Moon does very well, why wouldn’t he be retained for the following movie? Or at least offered a shot at taking a crack at Eclipse. Seems strange to me. I know there was a big hub-bub about Hardwicke leaving and rumors of a seemingly bitter dispute with the studio either over money or creative control or both, but still, a franchise generally is better served with at least some sort of consistent vision. Think the Lord of th Rings trilogy or more notably, Christopher Nolan’s Batman reboot. I am not saying that this is always in the best interest of a franchise, but still wouldn’t you at least want to consider the possibilities if you are a studio of seeing some sort of consistency brought to a full realization? Source: Riskybusinessblog. Debate and discuss, please.
Consistency is usually the best policy. Look at the first 2 Harry Potter films, directed by Chris Columbus, and then the 3rd and following films. Definitely a change in vision and style, but that may also have to deal with the source material and the age of the characters and audience. I know that having multiple directors didn’t hurt the original Star Wars trilogy, but having just one sure as hell hurt the prequels. But I do agree it is very premature to talk of who’s directing the third film when the second hasn’t even been viewed.
Good point on the vision change with regards to character and audience age, as well as the Star Wars films. Too much time had passed in that series to really apply in the same sense here I think. Just a new FYI, Variety is reporting that it is officially going to be Juan Antonio Bayona as Eclipse’s director. A bit surprising to just go in this direction so soon. Curious to say the least. Another brief FYI for those who care, Twilight, the original film, is now at $190mm domestic as it ends its box office run. I think the budget was like $38mm if I recall but dont quote me there.
Damn, this will only get bigger.