Sofia Coppola Almost Directed ‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2’

Acclaimed director Sofia Coppola almost directed a film from the fan favorite “Twilight” franchise.

The director continues to speak to a variety of outlets ahead of her upcoming film “Priscilla”, which is based on Priscilla Presley‘s memoir “Elvis And Me.” The film stars actor Jacob Elordi and actress Cailee Spaeny in the titular roles. In a conversation with Rolling Stone, Coppola recounted that she was in talks to direct “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2,” but ultimately turned down the opportunity based on the storyline of author Stephanie Meyer’s source material.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 06: Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi attend the 61st New York Film Festival - "Priscilla" Press Conference at Walter Reade Theater on October 06, 2023 in New York City. — NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 06: Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi attend the 61st New York Film Festival – “Priscilla” Press Conference at Walter Reade Theater on October 06, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for FLC)

On the meeting with Lionsgate, the director said, “We had one meeting, and it never went anywhere. I thought the whole imprinting-werewolf thing was weird. The baby. Too weird! But part of the earlier ‘Twilight’ could be done in an interesting way.”

“I thought it’d be fun to do a teen-vampire romance, but the last one gets really far out,” said Coppola. She went on to discuss her interest in branching out into sci-fi and gothic horror in future films, but did not name specifics.

Social Media Reactions

Many felt that Coppola turning down the offer to direct the “Twilight” film was a wise career move, as the last film is largely criticized for its CGI quality and plot. The franchise as a whole, while a cultural phenomenon, was largely a flop within critical circles.

Sofia Coped a W

— Mobile Suit Goddamn (@SpaceCowbwoy) October 24, 2023

Others hope that Coppola could change her mind and direct the film adaptation of Meyer’s “Twilight” prequel, “Midnight Sun.”

Well she’s right but deep down i want that final movie

— 𝐏𝐞✧𝐜𝐡:)🧸 (@swe_etlove) October 24, 2023

Others feel that if the films delved deeper into each vampire’s backstory, Coppola would have offered a strong directing style. Notably, Rosalie’s character (who is portrayed by Nikki Reed) bears a tragic female led story within the novels, which is not entirely fleshed out onscreen.

Rosalie's backstory with Sofia Coppola's direction would have ate every single crumb alone

— Queen Mab 🖤🤍💜 Ineffable Brain Rot (@baumkuchen_hime) October 24, 2023

Others wish the director had been offered the job on an earlier film in the franchise, notably “New Moon.”

Doesn't surprise me in the least.

Breaking Dawn is irredeemable garbage and no self-respecting artist would want to have anything to do with that travesty, and I say that as a fan of the series

A shame she didn't get to do one of the good ones though.

Particularly New Moon. pic.twitter.com/96TpqpPAIt

— Slashycent 🖤☮ (@Slashycent) October 24, 2023

In the same interview, Coppola also stated that she admires acclaimed singer songwriter Taylor Swift‘s songwriting skills. Countless TikTok and X users compile video edits of the director’s films paired with Swift’s music. The parallels are born from both the director and the singer-songwriter’s focus on female led narrative storytelling.

The director stated that while she is not familiar with all of Swift’s material, she can appreciate her work ethic. “I like it when someone’s writing their own material. I think it’s much more interesting than a team. I think that’s admirable,” said Coppola.