Twilight is more than a series; it’s a lifestyle, and the movies are among the most entertaining phenomena in pop culture history.
Whether you were a fan from the first novel released in 2005, or you found the series later in life, it’s impossible to deny Twilight’s everlasting influence and appeal. Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, and the rest of the iconic cast brought Bella Swan and Edward Cullen’s story to life, and cinema has never been the same.
Whether you were Team Edward or Team Jacob, it’s nearly impossible not to remember the excitement of going to the movies to see a new Twilight episode with nostalgia. But how well do you really know the movies? As with any brilliant franchise, there are many secrets and interesting facts about the Twilight films that may shock even the most die-hard Twihard. We all know that Renesmee was a CGI baby, but here are 12 more incredible Twilight facts that we’ve compiled for you to lose your mind over.
#1 Ashley Greene wanted to be the leading lady.
Source: © The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 / Summit Entertainment and co-producers
We all wished we had a best friend like Ashley’s vampire character. The young actress, however, went to a Bella Swan audition before the roles were decided upon. She was disappointed that she didn’t receive the lead role at first, but she was later asked to re-audition for the role of Alice.
“I’m glad I didn’t get that role. I just wasn’t ready for it,” the actress said. “I firmly believe that everything happens at the right time and the way it’s supposed to happen.”
#2 Billy Burke did not even read the books.
Source: © Twilight / Summit Entertainment and co-producers
Actor Billy Burke refused to read the books because he believed it was best not to know where the plot was going. After reading the script, Billy noticed that Charlie Swan was completely unaware of what was going on around him, so he decided it was best not to know more than his character. He also confessed that it was difficult for him to sit down and read a book.
#3 For Nikki Reed, playing Rosalie was intimidating.
Source: © The Twilight Saga: Eclipse / Summit Entertainment and co-producers
Rosalie is described as the most beautiful girl in the world in the novel. As a result, it’s not surprising that this label pushed the actress to develop a certain image. Nikki Reed said that she knew everyone’s perception of Rosalie would differ, as beauty is subjective, and that no one could completely fill those shoes.
Then, in Eclipse, she had to appear in scenes that explained Rosalie’s origins and how she became a vampire. “I think Rosalie has a very dark and dramatic backstory, and Stephenie certainly gave me a lot to work with. But I know fans have expectations,” she said when the film was released.
#4 Jackson Rathbone had to learn to use his left hand.
Source: © Twilight / Summit Entertainment and co-producers
Jackson Rathbone had to learn to bat with his left hand for the unforgettable scene in which the Cullens play baseball to the rhythm of Muse’s Supermassive Black Hole, where Bella meets Victoria for the first time. The actor shared that he trained himself by doing everything with that hand for a week. “It was impossible to write in spiral notebooks, the spring was in the way. […] I gained a lot of respect for left-handers,” he said.
#5 Kellan Lutz didn’t know the movie was based on a book.
Source: © The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 / Summit Entertainment and co-producers
Reading the saga’s books seems to be part of an actor’s preparation process. Kellan Lutz, on the other hand, had no idea Twilight was based on Stephenie Meyer’s novel.
When Ashley Greene asked Kellan if he had read the books, he responded, “Haha, you’re kidding. There are no books.” Therefore, she lent him the books.
#6 Kellan Lutz turned down the role of Edward.
Source: © The Twilight Saga: New Moon / Temple Hill Entertainment and co-producers, © Twilight / Summit Entertainment and co-producers
In the book, Emmett is depicted as a weightlifter, so selecting Kellan may seem like a perfect match. That, however, was not the original plan. In fact, he was considered for the role of Edward, but he found the character to be moody and emotionally challenged.
Instead, the actor stated that after reading the script, he fell in love with Emmett Cullen’s character. “I was really looking forward to playing a happy role or no role at all for a while,” he said.
#7 Kristen Stewart didn’t think the film would be a success.
Source: © Twilight / Summit Entertainment and co-producers
Even though Kristen was a professional actress when she got the role of Bella Swan, she did not anticipate that this character would launch her to fame. The actress did not expect the film’s success or the possibility of a sequel following the first installment. Twilight was shot on a low budget, making it an independent film. That’s why the actress had low expectations.
#8 Michael Welch was not planning to play Mike.
Source: © Twilight / Summit Entertainment and co-producers
Michael Welch was another actor who actually played a completely different role than intended. He first tried out for the role of Edward. Given that over 5,000 people auditioned for the role of the movie‘s heartthrob, it’s understandable that luck was not on his side.
He then joined the cast for the role of Eric Yorkie. Michael stated that he auditioned for almost every character before being offered the role of Mike Newton.
#9 Nikki Reed convinced producers to use Robert Pattinson’s music in the first film.
Source: © Twilight / Summit Entertainment and co-producers
We saw Edward play the iconic Bella’s Lullaby in the first film, but many people don’t realize Robert actually played the song in that scene because he’s a fantastic musician. Robert would play his guitar and sing during breaks between recordings, so his partner, Nikki Reed, decided to secretly record it to show the producers. As a result, they included some of them on the film’s soundtrack.
#10 Peter Facinelli was not going to be part of the franchise.
Source: © Twilight / Summit Entertainment and co-producers
Even though Peter Facinelli played an adorable Carlisle, the original plan was to cast an older actor in the role. After failing to land the role, the actor stated that he found a book titled “50 Years of Vampire-Making in Hollywood” and decided to send it to the director, saying, “I’m sorry it didn’t work out. I hope we can work together on something else. I hope this book inspires you to make a great vampire movie.”
The day the director received the gift, the actor who had been cast as Carlisle declined the role, so she decided to give Peter a chance. That’s why he jokes about purchasing the role for $29.99.
#11 Robert Pattinson thought the vampires in Twilight were weak.
Source: © Twilight / Summit Entertainment and co-producers
Have you ever thought about why a vampire would want to become a “vegetarian”? Robert Pattinson did as well. According to Peter Facinelli, Robert thought it was ridiculous that the vampires in this story did not feed on humans. He even thought it made them appear weak.
In response, Peter wrote him a letter from Carlisle’s point of view, saying, “It may seem weak not to want to feed on people but imagine a lion choosing not to hunt its prey. That would take a great deal of strength and courage.”
#12 Taylor Lautner was about to be fired.
Source: © The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 / Summit Entertainment and co-producers, © Jean_Nelson / Depositphotos.com
In the second installment of the saga, Team Jacob was about to get a surprise. Although it’s difficult to imagine someone else playing Jacob Black, the producers were skeptical that Taylor could become the muscular werewolf required for New Moon. Michael Copon was reportedly one of the actors considered by the director as a stand-in.
Fortunately, Taylor showed that with proper exercise and diet, he could become the wolf that the books promised.
