'Breaking Dawn' To Be Two Movies, Sources Say

Studio wants 'New Moon' director Chris Weitz to helm two-part adaptation, Variety reports.

Last month, MTV News asked "New Moon" star Kristen Stewart who would be her dream director for "Breaking Dawn," the yet-unannounced adaptation of Stephenie Meyer's final novel in the "Twilight" vampire series.

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"I think Chris Weitz should do it," she said. "I had such a good experience with him on 'New Moon.' He was so considerate and there and passionate and compassionate. One of the nicest guys I've ever met in my life."

Summit Entertainment might have been listening — that or they're thrilled with the impressive box-office take of "New Moon" in its first two weeks. According to a report in Variety, the "Breaking Dawn" gig is Weitz's if he wants it, though no official offer has been made. What's more, it might actually turn out to be two gigs. As has long been rumored, sources told Variety that Summit plans to split the final book into two separate movies, to be shot back to back.

Both films would likely be scripted by Melissa Rosenberg, who has penned the first three adaptations in the franchise. Meyer must first approve the two-movie decision.

One of the key impediments in making two "Breaking Dawn" flicks is that Summit would have to reopen negotiations with Stewart and co-stars Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner, who are signed up for only four films. Following the two-week, $231 million domestic haul of "New Moon," the stars could command payment in the eight-figure range, according to Variety.

The prospect of two "Breaking Dawn" films also raises the question of whether or not Weitz would willingly sign up for the work and publicity load such a commitment would entail. Weitz has said that his next project will be "The Gardener," though Summit has not yet signed a deal to make the film. Last week he told Entertainment Weekly that while he is interested in directing another "Twilight" film, the idea of another globe-trotting PR tour left him saying, "I just think I would die."

Stewart isn't the only "Twilight" star who has a high opinion of Weitz. "He's very calm and he's very, very focused," Pattinson said. "You never feel pressure, but the ball's always rolling. Nothing ever feels held up. It's been a real pleasure working with him."

"Chris is amazing," Lautner seconded. "Flawless. He's so relaxed, and he really cares about our opinions, and he truly cares about this project. He cares about the books, he cares about the series."

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