Breaking Dawn’s Bill Condon Wants Respect For Robert Pattinson And Kristen Stewart
Adorning the cover of this week’s Entertainment Weekly, Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart reprise their much beloved characters — Edward and Bella — and return to the halycon meadow.
A stark visual reminder of the difference between the idealism of one of most enduring fictional romances in modern times and the real life turbulence that has since hit Pattinson and Stewart’s off-screen relationship.
No-one can deny the Twilight brand has taken hammering in recent weeks. None more so than Kristen Stewart after shocking revelations of infidelity with Snow White and The Huntsman director Rupert Sanders were published in Us Weekly last month.
Since then, fan reaction to Stewart has been split. Some turned their back on the 22-year-old, citing disappointment and anger as their reasons. Incredibly, death threats were reportedly even made against the actress. But some fans rallied behind Stewart, calling for compassion and the recognition that everyone makes mistakes.
Inevitably, the media gorged endlessly on the profitable implosion of a relationship once considered one of the most solid in Hollywood. And nearly everyone from Bonnie Fuller, Will Ferrell, Professor Green, and Lady Gaga have voiced their opinions on the matter.
Well, now it’s Bill Condon’s turn.
The much respected director (Gods and Monsters, Chicago, DreamGirls), who also helmed the last two installments of The Twilight Saga series, has spoken up about the treatment of Pattinson and Stewart in the wake of the scandal — and his message is for the fans.
“The fact is, these are actors playing parts, and maybe it’s not such a bad thing that people be reminded of that,” Condon tells EW.
“Both of these actors gave heart and soul to the Twilight movies, not only during shooting, but also by navigating so graciously the whole life-in-a-fishbowl aspect of the phenomenon. Above all they have always shown great respect for the fans who made these movies such a success. Now it’s time that some of that respect be returned to them.”
Strong words.
With 99 days left until The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 hits theaters, not only will Summit Entertainment have their work cut out figuring out how to co-ordinate the promotional tour, but fans will have to decide if they can support a film so inextricably linked to the relationship of Pattinson and Stewart.
Last week, Summit’s president of worldwide marketing Nancy Kirkpatrick told EW:
“While it is studio policy not to comment on the personal lives of actors, Summit is moving full steam ahead and looking forward to this November’s opening of The Twilight Saga’s: Breaking Dawn Part II.”
Adding:
“We are confident that the film delivers amazing entertainment for our passionate fans and general audience alike.”
While it may be business as usual for Summit, it’s doubtful whether the same can be said for Pattinson and Stewart as they negotiate the emotional landmines of their besieged relationship.
After a 21 day retreat at Reece Witherspoon’s holiday ranch in Ojai, Pattinson will emerge into public view next week to support the U.S limited release of his new film Cosmopolis, beginning with an interview with Jon Stewart on The Daily Show on August 13. Stewart, on the other hand, continues to lay low. After two weeks of constant — and often dubious news reporting — even reported sightings of the actress working out at Gold’s Gym in Venice, California are conflicted.
Life was so much simpler in the meadow.
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 hits theaters November 16. Directed by Bill Condon, the last installment of Stephenie Meyer’s series stars Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Michael Sheen, Dakota Fanning, Billy Burke, Jackson Rathbone, Ashley Greene, Kellan Lutz, Elizabeth Reaser, Peter Facinelli, Nikki Reed and Mackenzie Foy.
