For those who thought we’d by no means see that iconic baseball scene set to the thrumming bass of Muse once more, you thought mistaken. Netflix has confirmed that it’s creating an animated adaptation of Midnight Solar, the fifth title within the Twilight sequence by Stephenie Meyer.
You might not recognise that e book title until you’re a Twihard – in spite of everything, it’s not one of many 4 books that had been initially lined within the motion pictures starring Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart.
Midnight Solar was printed in 2020, eight years after the ultimate movie within the franchise, Breaking Daybreak – Half 2. It’s not utterly new materials, because it’s a retelling of the primary e book, Twilight. Nevertheless, fairly than following the brooding Bella Swan, we as an alternative see the story of her 104-year-old lover, Edward Cullen.
Need to know when the Cullens and co. will make their animated debut on Netflix, and what the story might be? Right here’s what it’s essential know.
Is there a launch date for the Netflix Twilight sequence?
Netflix didn’t verify a launch date for the animated adaptation of Midnight Solar, and it’s tough to foretell one contemplating we’re in such early phases. We nearly undoubtedly received’t see it land on the platform this 12 months, and subsequent 12 months might even be unlikely contemplating no forged has been confirmed but.
Subsequently, 2026 looks like the earliest we may even see Midnight Solar land on Netflix – however that is simply an estimation.
The Twilight TV sequence was first confirmed by Lionsgate Tv in April 2023 and was then reported to be animated by Selection in Could 2024.
Why is Netflix adapting Midnight Solar?
Netflix has not offered a quote about why this e book has been chosen, but it surely does make sense – it’s the one title within the sequence to not have a direct adaptation (although many occasions do overlap with Twilight). The 5 Twilight movies grossed over $3.3 billion worldwide, whereas the Midnight Solar e book offered over 1 million copies, so there’s an viewers prepared for the taking.
After its glory days within the late 2000s and early 2010s, Twilight went by means of a interval of being denounced by forged and audiences alike – Robert Pattinson famously stated that it felt like the unique e book ought to have by no means been printed, and lots of followers had been embarrassed to proceed to help the sequence (me included).
Nevertheless, Twilight has by some means seen a resurgence in reputation lately, largely because of TikTok highlighting its meme-ability, with its egregious blue filters, awkward mannerisms of Bella and declaring that it’s not Edward or Jacob we needs to be thirsting after, however fairly Charlie Swan… I used to be forward of the curve on that one.
The sequence additionally falls into the final popular culture nostalgia developments we’ve seen, with many millennials persevering with to champion widespread IPs similar to The Starvation Video games, Harry Potter, Buddies and extra.
Along with all of that, the Twilight movies frequented the most-watched checklist on Netflix, so it’s unsurprising to see the streaming platform take the reins on this venture.
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Lionsgate Dwelling Leisure
What’s the plot of the Netflix Twilight animated sequence?
For those who want a refresher, the plot of Twilight follows Bella Swan, who has just lately moved to the wet, dreary metropolis of Forks, Washington to attend a brand new highschool. There, she meets a mysterious man referred to as Edward Cullen, whom she’s entranced by.
She quickly learns that he’s a (“say it”) vampire, and the 2 wrestle to stability their relationship in Cullen’s supernatural, and sometimes harmful, world.
Midnight Solar does have some crossover with the primary Twilight e book, however Edward’s POV brings about some key variations.
Firstly, Edward’s skill to learn folks’s minds provides an entire new dimension to the story. We frequently solely see his response from Bella’s perspective, however this time we’ll be taught what goes by means of folks’s heads, and simply how irritating it have to be for him when he can’t use his energy on Bella.
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Lionsgate Dwelling Leisure
It could additionally give us extra of an perception into his possessive and borderline creepy behaviour, one of many largest criticisms of the story. Not at all is that this justified in Midnight Solar, however evaluations from Time and The Guardian say that the e book tries to element extra into his thought course of, and his fixed private wrestle between his human origins and vampiric nature.
Reviewers additionally say that the e book provides some much-needed dimension and color to Bella’s character, as we’re seeing her by means of Edward’s eyes. Many viewers had been typically bemused by his infatuation with this irritating, bland and moody teen – so maybe this sequence will present us one thing completely different.
We don’t but know what fashion of artwork animation it’s going to use – we’ll seemingly be taught extra within the coming months.
Who’s concerned within the Netflix Twilight sequence?
Netflix confirmed on its web site that creator Stephenie Meyer will function an govt producer together with her Fickle Fish Movies associate Meghan Hibbett. Additionally connected as EPs are Wyck Godfrey and Marty Bowen for Temple Hill Leisure, and Erik Feig and Samie Kim Falvey for Picturestart.
The author (and one other EP) on the sequence is Sinead Daly, who has beforehand labored on Inform Me Lies, The Strolling Lifeless: World Past, Raised by Wolves, and The Get Down.
To be clear, no forged members have been introduced but, so we don’t know if anybody from the live-action movies might be reprising their roles within the recording cubicles.