A New Director for ‘Twilight’ Sequel

Summit Entertainment has named Chris Weitz (“The Golden Compass”) to direct the sequel to “Twilight” after it parted ways with Catherine Hardwicke, who directed the first film in the franchise based on the four-book series by Stephenie Meyer, Variety reported. When Ms. Hardwicke’s exit was announced last week, Ms. Meyer’s fans were disappointed enough to prompt Ms. Meyer to post a message on her Web site (stepheniemeyer.com) on Saturday. “First of all, like you, I’m sad that Catherine is not continuing on with us for ‘New Moon,’ ” Ms. Meyer wrote. But she went on to extol the virtues of the new director: “I think he brings a lot to the table, not the least of which for me is that he wrote the screenplay for and directed one of my favorite movies of all time, ‘About a Boy.’ ” Ms. Meyer’s posting was followed by a note from Mr. Weitz to fans, assuring them he would do his best to live up to their expectations. “New Moon” is tentatively scheduled for release late next year or early 2010. Melissa Rosenberg, the “Twilight” screenwriter, is also writing the sequel.