Should you 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.
Chances are you’ll not recognise that e-book title except 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 a substitute see the story of her 104-year-old lover, Edward Cullen.
Wish to know when the Cullens and co. will make their animated debut on Netflix, and what the story shall be? Right here’s what you have to 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 troublesome to foretell one contemplating we’re in such early levels. We virtually positively received’t see it land on the platform this yr, and subsequent yr might even be unlikely contemplating no solid has been confirmed but.
Subsequently, 2026 looks as if the earliest we might 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 Might 2024.
Why is Netflix adapting Midnight Solar?
Netflix has not supplied 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 bought 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 via a interval of being denounced by solid and audiences alike – Robert Pattinson famously stated that it felt like the unique e-book ought to have by no means been printed, and plenty of followers had been embarrassed to proceed to help the sequence (me included).
Nevertheless, Twilight has one way or the other seen a resurgence in recognition in recent times, largely because of TikTok highlighting its meme-ability, with its egregious blue filters, awkward mannerisms of Bella and stating that it’s not Edward or Jacob we must be thirsting after, however fairly Charlie Swan… I used to be forward of the curve on that one.
The sequence additionally falls into the overall popular culture nostalgia developments we’ve seen, with many millennials persevering with to champion well-liked IPs similar to The Starvation Video games, Harry Potter, Mates and extra.
Along with all of that, the Twilight movies frequented the most-watched record on Netflix, so it’s unsurprising to see the streaming platform take the reins on this challenge.
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Lionsgate Dwelling Leisure
What’s the plot of the Netflix Twilight animated sequence?
Should you want a refresher, the plot of Twilight follows Bella Swan, who has not too long ago 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 steadiness their relationship in Cullen’s supernatural, and infrequently 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 means 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 study what goes via folks’s heads, and simply how irritating it should 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. In no way is that this justified in Midnight Solar, however opinions 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 persona, as we’re seeing her via 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 totally different.
We don’t but know what type of artwork animation it’s going to use – we’ll possible study extra within the coming months.
Who’s concerned within the Netflix Twilight sequence?
Netflix confirmed on its web site that writer Stephenie Meyer will function an government producer together with her Fickle Fish Movies associate Meghan Hibbett. Additionally hooked up 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 Useless: World Past, Raised by Wolves, and The Get Down.
To be clear, no solid members have been introduced but, so we don’t know if anybody from the live-action movies shall be reprising their roles within the recording cubicles.
