Robert Pattinson has addressed the enduring criticism ofThe Twilight Saga, reflecting on the polarizing impact of the vampire romance series that launched his career. The films, based on Stephenie Meyer’s bestselling novels, followed the love story of Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) and the brooding Edward Cullen (Pattinson), a vampire torn between love and the danger he poses to the human he adores. Debuting in 2008 and wrapping up withBreaking Dawn – Part 2in 2012,Twilightsparked a pop culture sensation, redefined the vampire genre, and became a box office juggernaut despite being divisive among critics and audiences.
In an interview withGQ Spain(translated byGamesRadar+),Pattinson humorously reflects on the enduring dislike for theTwilightsaga. The actor, who once famously criticized the movies himself, has since shifted his perspective on the backlash. Here’s what he had to say:
I love that people keep telling me, ‘Man,Twilightruined the vampire genre.’ Are you still stuck on that sh-t? How can you be sad about something that happened almost 20 years ago? It’s crazy.
What Pattinson’s Twilight Reflection Means
From Glittery Vampire To Hollywood Titan
Pattinson’s candid remarks aboutTwilightshow how far he’s come since his early days as a teen heartthrob. The actor was 22 at the time of the firstTwilightmovie, which became a launching pad for his career. Unfortunately, theTwilightcraze also subjected him to an obsessive fandom, while some heated viewers and critics blamed the supernatural teen dramas for reshaping the vampire genre in a less traditional direction (i.e. Edward’s sparkling skin).It became a trend to hateTwilight,andPattinson famously roasted the movieson various occasions in early interviews.
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FollowingTwilight,Robert Pattinson redefined his careerwith a series of critically acclaimed indie films, includingGood Time(2017),The Lighthouse(2019), andThe Devil All the Time(2020). His transition to mainstream blockbusters, including Christopher Nolan’sTenetand his recent turn as Batman in Matt Reeves’The Batman,cemented his status as one of Hollywood’s most in-demand talents. Next, Pattinson is set to star in Bong Joon-ho’sMickey 17, a sci-fi black comedy where he will portray multiple versions of a character capable of regeneration on an icy planet.
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Though it was undeniably his claim to fame,Twilightwas not Pattinson’s first on-screen role. Before playing the glistening vampire in the Meyer book adaptations, he portrayed Cedric Diggory inHarry Potter and the Goblet of Firein 2005. This introduced the world to the actor in a supporting role, but the vampire series showed his potential as a leading actor. But Pattinson’s foray into male lead status was not just in any movie but an enormously popular series adaptation.
From glittering vampire to indie darling and blockbuster star, it’s clear Pattinson has only scratched the surface of his potential.
One of the most fascinating elements of Pattinson’s career is how he blends his indie work with his mainstream content. Though he has been in several artistic and out-there works such asHigh Life, the actor is unafraid of major blockbuster movies, as is the case forThe BatmanandTenet. He is the inverse of others in his generation, like Timothée Chalamet, who began in indie and then broke into the mainstream. Still,Pattinson seems unbound by the typical mainstream/indie divide that puts pressure on many actors.
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BothTwilightandHarry Pottercan take some of the credit for Pattinson’s unique career arc. However, his involvement in indie work gradually proved thatPattinson is one of the most versatile actors in the industry. This allows the actor to be more flexible, and to work with some of the most talented directors, whether blockbuster mainstays like Nolan, indie darlings like Robert Eggers, or internationally acclaimed helmers like Bong.
Our Take On Pattinson’s Twilight Comments
Twilight Made Him Famous—But Pattinson Made Himself a Star
As such, Pattinson is right to shut down theTwilighthaters. As much criticism as the movie gets,audiences did not hate theTwilightsaga when it came to ticket sales. All five movies within the franchise made hundreds of millions of dollars, creating a multi-billion-dollar, international sensation. Even if there were millions of fans, there were enough supporters to makeTwilighta financial success and catapult Pattinson’s career.
$192.7 million
$407.2 million
$296.6 million
$709.8 million
$300.5 million
$698.4 million
$281.2 million
$712.2 million
$292.3 million
$829.7 million
It’s rare for an actor to evolve so drastically from their breakout role, but Pattinson has achieved just that. As the mania has died down, Pattinson has been able to think fondly ofEdward Cullen as a characterthat earned him global recognition. From glittering vampire to indie darling and blockbuster star,it’s clear Pattinson has only scratched the surface of his potential. Whether you loved or hatedTwilight, there’s no denying that it’s one of the reasons we get to witness this remarkable phase of Pattinson’s career today.
Source:GQ Spain(viaGR+)
The Twilight Saga
The Twilight Saga is a paranormal romance series that ignited a cultural phenomenon. Centering on the forbidden love between ordinary human Bella Swan and the centuries-old vampire Edward Cullen, the saga explores themes of love, loss, and the supernatural. As their relationship deepens, they navigate a world filled with vampires, werewolves, and ancient rivalries, all while grappling with the complexities of their immortal and mortal existences. The series captivated audiences with its blend of teenage angst, forbidden romance, and supernatural intrigue, launching a global franchise that includes films, merchandise, and a dedicated fanbase.
