APPLETON, Wis. — Kristen Stewart, the actress who rose to fame as Bella Swan in the blockbuster Twilight saga, has expressed enthusiasm for returning to the franchise, this time in the director's chair. Speaking on the red carpet at the Palm Springs International Film Festival on January 4, 2026, Stewart indicated she would be open to helming a remake of the beloved vampire series that launched her career nearly two decades ago.
Stewart, 35, was promoting her directorial debut, The Chronology of Water, an adaptation of Lidia Yuknavitch's memoir that premiered to critical acclaim at the festival. During an interview with Entertainment Tonight, the Oscar-nominated actress was asked if she would consider revisiting one of her past projects from behind the camera, specifically pointing to Twilight. Her response was playful yet committed, highlighting her appreciation for the original films while envisioning a fresh take with greater resources.
“I love what all of the directors did with the movies,” Stewart said, referring to Catherine Hardwicke, who directed the 2008 original; Chris Weitz, behind New Moon in 2009; David Slade, who helmed Eclipse in 2010; and Bill Condon, who directed the two-part Breaking Dawn in 2011 and 2012. “But they were so themselves and weird and kind of squirrelly and just so present in that time when they didn’t really know what they were yet, before they blew up.”
She paused, then elaborated with evident excitement:
“I know; imagine if we had a huge budget and a bunch of love and support, I don’t know. I would love to readapt—yeah, sure, I’ll do the remake. I’m doing it, I’m committed.”Stewart's comments come at a time when the Twilight franchise continues to resonate with fans, nearly 18 years after its debut.
The original Twilight film, based on Stephenie Meyer's 2005 novel, introduced audiences to the romance between mortal teenager Bella Swan and vampire Edward Cullen, portrayed by Stewart and Robert Pattinson, respectively. The series, produced by Summit Entertainment and later Lionsgate, spawned five films that collectively grossed more than $3.3 billion worldwide, making it one of the most successful young adult adaptations in cinematic history.
Recent events underscore the enduring popularity of the saga. In October 2025, Fathom Entertainment re-released the original Twilight film as part of a marathon tied to the book's 20th anniversary. The screenings, which included free streams on YouTube leading up to the theatrical run, generated $1.55 million at the box office on their opening day around Halloween. Industry analysts note that such re-releases have become an annual tradition, drawing in both nostalgic millennials and a new generation of viewers.
Stewart's interest in directing a remake aligns with broader developments in the franchise. In 2024, Netflix announced a straight-to-series order for an animated adaptation based on Meyer's 2020 novel Midnight Sun, which retells the original story from Edward Cullen's perspective. The project, still in development as of early 2026, marks the first major expansion of the Twilight universe since the films concluded in 2012.
Stewart's evolution from child actor to director has been marked by deliberate choices. After Twilight, she starred in indie darlings like Clouds of Sils Maria (2014), for which she won a César Award, and Personal Shopper (2016), earning her first Oscar nomination. Her directorial debut with The Chronology of Water focuses on themes of addiction, trauma, and resilience, drawing from Yuknavitch's raw memoir. The film's publisher, Future Tense Books, was recently acquired by Catapult Book Group, signaling growing interest in Stewart's behind-the-scenes work.
In a separate interview at the festival, Stewart touched on the challenges of modern filmmaking. “Filmmaking is in 'capitalist hell,'” she remarked, according to Deadline. “It's too hard to make movies right now that aren't blockbuster-y, proven equations.” This sentiment provides context for her hypothetical Twilight remake, where she imagines leveraging a “huge budget” to explore the material anew, free from the constraints of the original productions.
The original directors have not publicly responded to Stewart's comments, but their contributions to the franchise remain highly regarded. Catherine Hardwicke, for instance, brought a gritty, atmospheric tone to the first film, shot largely in Oregon's misty forests to capture the Pacific Northwest setting of Meyer's books. Chris Weitz expanded the world-building in New Moon, introducing more supernatural elements, while David Slade's Eclipse intensified the action sequences. Bill Condon's Breaking Dawn parts concluded the story with visual effects-heavy scenes, including the birth of Bella and Edward's hybrid child.
Fans and industry observers have mixed reactions to the idea of a remake. On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), some expressed excitement over Stewart directing, citing her matured perspective on the role that defined her youth. Others, however, voiced concerns about altering a cultural touchstone. “Twilight is perfect as is—let it live in nostalgia,” one user posted, reflecting a sentiment echoed in online forums. No official announcements have been made by Lionsgate or Meyer regarding a live-action remake.
Stewart's red carpet appearance at the Palm Springs festival, held from January 2 to January 12, 2026, in Palm Springs, California, was one of several high-profile events marking the start of awards season. The festival, known for honoring achievements in independent and international cinema, also featured premieres of films like those tied to the ongoing Hollywood strikes' aftermath. Stewart's session with Entertainment Tonight occurred amid a bustling carpet lined with fellow stars, including those from recent blockbusters.
Looking ahead, the Twilight franchise's future could hinge on projects like the Netflix animated series. Representatives for Meyer and the studio have not commented on Stewart's remarks, but sources close to the production told Deadline that fan-driven interest remains a key factor in any revival decisions. With the animated series potentially debuting in late 2026 or 2027, a Stewart-directed remake—if it materializes—might align with the 20th anniversary of the final film in 2032.
Stewart's commitment to the idea, though delivered with humor, underscores a broader trend in Hollywood: stars returning to their breakout roles with creative control. Similar to how Jennifer Lawrence has spoken about potential Hunger Games spin-offs or Emma Watson's reflections on Harry Potter, Stewart's comments highlight the lasting impact of YA franchises. As she navigates her dual career as actor and director, her vision for Twilight could breathe new life into the series, provided studios offer the “love and support” she envisions.
For now, fans will have to content themselves with re-watches and the upcoming animated adaptation. Stewart, meanwhile, returns to promoting The Chronology of Water, which is slated for a wider release later in 2026. Her journey from Twilight's ingenue to a multifaceted filmmaker continues to captivate, proving the saga's themes of transformation are as relevant off-screen as on.