User:Ms. Sarita/Sandbox

New Moon is an upcoming romantic-fantasy film due for release some time in late 2009 or early 2010, with a tentative release date of November 20, 2009. It is based on the novel of the same name, written by Stephenie Meyer, and is the sequel to 2008's Twilight. The sequel, which was greenlit by Summit Entertainment in late November 2008, will be directed by Chris Weitz with Melissa Rosenberg returning as the screenwriter. Rosenberg handed in the draft for New Moon during the opening weekend of Twilight Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner reprise the roles of Bella Swan, Edward Cullen, and Jacob Black, respectively.

Premise
When asked about the sequel, Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke stated, "It's got werewolves, it's got visual effects that turn people into werewolves, it's got motorcycle stunts, you go to Italy. It's probably twice as much as this [to film]."

On December 13, 2008, Summit Entertainment released the synopsis of New Moon, which states, "Bella Swan is devastated by the abrupt departure of her vampire love, Edward Cullen, but her spirit is rekindled by her growing friendship with Jacob Black. Suddenly she finds herself drawn into the world of the werewolves, ancestral enemies of the vampires, and finds her loyalties tested."

Development
In early November 2008, Summit Entertainment announced that they had attained the rights to the remaining books in Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series: New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn. On November 22, 2008, one day after the theatrical release of Twilight, Summit Entertainment confirmed that they would begin working on New Moon. "I don't think any other author has had a more positive experience with the makers of her movie adaptation than I have had with Summit Entertainment," said Meyer. "I'm thrilled to have the chance to work with them again on New Moon."

In early December 2008, it was announced that Catherine Hardwicke would not be returning to direct the sequel. Hardwicke cited time restrictions as the reason behind her leaving the project, saying, "I am sorry that due to timing I will not have the opportunity to direct New Moon. Directing Twilight has been one of the great experiences of my life, and I am grateful to the fans for their passionate support of the film. I wish everyone at Summit the best with the sequel—it is a great story." On December 13, 2008, it was announced that Chris Weitz, director and writer of The Golden Compass and co-director of American Pie, was hired to direct New Moon. Regarding being chosen for the project, Weitz said, "I am honored to have been entrusted with shepherding New Moon from the page to the screen."

Filming
Filming for New Moon is scheduled to begin on March 23, 2009 in Vancouver. In an interview conducted by Ryan Seacrest on KIIS-FM, Kristen Stewart said, "A lot of the movie takes place in Italy and I think we're actually going to get to go to Italy."

Cast

 * Kristen Stewart as Bella Swan
 * Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen
 * Taylor Lautner as Jacob Black
 * Peter Facinelli as Carlisle Cullen
 * Nikki Reed as Rosalie Hale
 * Ashley Greene as Alice Cullen
 * Kellan Lutz as Emmett Cullen
 * Jackson Rathbone as Jasper Hale
 * Rachelle Lefevre as Victoria
 * Edi Gathegi as Laurent