'New Moon' Director Discusses Film Details

Few interesting details of the highly-anticipated "The Twilight Saga's New Moon" have been disclosed by director Chris Weitz. Talking to Rotten Tomatoes while in editing process for the sequel to "Twilight", the 40-year-old filmmaker opened up about the proposal scene, the differences between the book and film, and the possibility of him coming back for "The Twilight Saga's Breaking Dawn".

[SPOILER ALERT!] Though remaining secretive about how the proposal scene at the end of the book will be portrayed in the film, Weitz insisted that so far, it will be included. "It hasn't been cut out, I can tell you that much," he carefully chose his words. "It's not going to hit them in exactly the way that they think it's going to, but I will say that - how can I put it? - it's going to be quite special. I kind of saved all of my gusto for that moment. I don't think it will disappoint."

The man behind "The Golden Compass" also shared that he needed to do some adjustment for the movie, especially for the scene of Bella's three-way date with Mike Newton and Jacob Black, to avoid potential lawsuits. As the result, the film will include "Face Punch", a movie-within-a-movie for the date. Still, the director stated that the mini-movie won't be filmed at all.

"The funny thing is, I had to come up with the name of a movie-within-a-movie, and the first one, which I think was named Cross-Hairs in the book, couldn't be cleared because it had already been used," he shared. "So I eventually submitted a list of ten to Summit's lawyers and they had to see which ones they could go and clear, and Face Punch was one of two out of ten that could actually be cleared. And I chose that over Kill Hunt, so now somebody can actually go make Kill Hunt, but Face Punch is ours."

"But it's the kind of movie-within-a-movie, it's the least romantic thing that Bella can think of to go to, because her friend asks her, essentially, on a date and she wants nothing romantic to happen at all," he added. "Sadly, there is no Face Punch, although maybe it should be something that the fans are left to make. You'll hear the sounds of Face Punch, which will be a lot of people being shot and hacking each other to bits. ... And this is example of the stupidest kind of action movie imaginable."

On the occasion, he also addressed the likelihood of him making a return to direct the fourth movie, "Breaking Dawn". "I haven't really spoken with Summit about that; all I knew was that I was going to be too tired to do [The Twilight Saga's] Eclipse, and that it was better that somebody else take it over as well so that they could put their own imprint on it," he responded. "Also, the way the films are being shot [in rapid succession] would have precluded it anyway."

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Summit Entertainment Announces Comic Con Events

This press release just in from Summit:

SUMMIT ENTERTAINMENT TO PRESENT EXCLUSIVE FOOTAGE OF THREE NEW FILMS AT COMIC-CON 2009

Studio will Showcase Cast and Filmmaker Panels along with Footage from its Upcoming Movies including the Highly Anticipated Sequel
THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON on Thursday, July 23rd

Plus—“The Twilight Experience”: A Fun-Filled Evening Screening of the Original TWILIGHT featuring Surprise Cast Appearances

Los Angeles, CA July 14, 2009 – Summit Entertainment will treat attendees of Comic-Con 2009 to a one-of-a-kind look at three of its upcoming films, featuring revealing cast and filmmaker panels and exclusive footage on Thursday, July 23. Among the fan-friendly attractions are sneak peeks at upcoming releases including ASTRO BOY, SORORITY ROW and THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON, the highly-anticipated sequel to its blockbuster vampire romance.

Panel presentations, featuring exclusive footage from each film, will take place at the San Diego Convention Center from 1:45-2:45 for THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON in Hall H.

Details of the panels are as follows:

1:45p.m. to 2:45 p.m. in Hall H:

THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON – The highly anticipated sequel to last year’s box-office smash TWILIGHT is the subject of a question-and-answer session featuring surprise members of the cast. In anticipation of being one of the convention’s most talked-about events, the panel will also thrill the crowd with a first look at never-before-seen footage from the film. With THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON, Kristen Stewart (Bella Swan) and Robert Pattinson (Edward Cullen) return in a captivating new chapter of the action epic that has enthralled audiences around the world.

Special Evening TWILIGHT Screenings
Summit is also proud to present “The Twilight Experience,” a one-night-only special theatrical re-release of global sensation TWILIGHT, featuring an introduction by cast members.

Screening tickets are $10 and can only be purchased online at Fandango (www.fandango.com) and picked up at the theater prior to the event. Multiple staggered showings of TWILIGHT will take place at the Pacific Gaslamp 15. Doors open at 5:30 and fans with tickets will be admitted on a first-come, first-seated basis. The Pacific Gaslamp 15 is located at 701 5th Ave., just a few blocks from the Convention Center. Two tickets per person limit.

Photo Booth, Giveaways and More!
Throughout the convention, visitors to the Summit Entertainment booth in the Grand Hall will have the opportunity to have their pictures taken in an exclusive THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON photo booth and collect special edition trading cards for the film. They can also meet the CG-animated versions of classic characters brought to new life in ASTRO BOY. With each spin of the prize wheel, lucky visitors will win promotional giveaways or exclusive prizes.

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New Moon's vampire 'Marcus' reveals sequel details

Over his career, Christopher Heyerdahl has played a Wraith, a demon, Bigfoot and now the centuries-old vampire Marcus, in the cast of the upcoming sequel film The Twilight Saga: New Moon.

It's perhaps one of the highest-profile roles for the versatile Canadian actor, who is known to fans of Syfy's Sanctuary, Stargate Atlantis and dozens of films and TV shows.

"Well, it's a little independent film I'm helping out with," the good-natured Heyerdahl said with a chuckle and tongue firmly in cheek. "This guy, poor old Marcus, is a 3,000-odd-years-old vampire who has spent at least the last 2,000 of it with a broken heart. Really, one of the main reasons to play that character and have anything to do with that series is my niece, who is absolutely obsessed with this series of books. To see how it has had such an effect on the teenage female community throughout the world is amazing."

Word of Heyerdahl's casting in the second of four contemplated films based on Stephenie Meyer's best-selling books caught the attention of his friends. "I have friends of friends who send me e-mails and call me from all over the world," he said. "Every one of these young women feel that this story is about them. It's absolutely remarkable to be a part of something so widespread. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Heyerdahl's character is a member of the Volturi, a venerable coven of vampires based in Volterra, Italy, whose members also include Michael Sheen and Dakota Fanning.

"He's one of the oldest vampires on the planet, and who doesn't want to play a 3,000-year-old vampire?" Heyerdahl said. "The cast that I get to work with, like Michael Sheen. ... We had so much fun goofing off together. It was an absolute hoot. Director Chris Weitz's version for this piece is like a Renaissance painting. The images were absolutely beautiful, and the character is such a tragic old fellow." (Possible spoilers ahead!)

Heyerdahl adds: "Here's how I approach him. When Marcus is brought in, he's there against his will. He and his love tried to leave an awfully long time ago. Through a series of tragic circumstances, the love of his life was killed, and he's now being forced to stay and use his powers for the betterment of the Volturi. He's not exactly there, waking up and looking forward to eternity. When Edward and Bella come walking in, his ability to sense the power of their connection is something that wakes him up, brings him back from the boredom of that eternal life and sparks something in him that brings Marcus as close to excitement as he can get. That idea has to be contained and expressed as little as possible to his rather power-hungry captain-in-arms, Aro, which makes for a rather interesting conflict. You might not know it, but Marcus is pretty darn excited by this love that he witnesses. At the same time, it causes him great pain with the memory of what he had and lost. It was very complex to play, especially when you are doing it with so few lines. It will be interesting to see how it is cut together."

Heyerdahl—who has worn extensive makeup and prosthetics for some of his roles —said that the makeup required in New Moon to transform him into one of the undead was easy by comparison.

"Yeah, they do their best to suck the life out of you, but certainly nothing compared to any of those past prosthetics," Heyerdahl said. "From that perspective, it was pretty easy. The looks they are getting in this film are absolutely fantastic. Everyone looks gorgeous and deliciously lifeless."

Marcus also plays an important role in the fourth Twilight novel, although Heyerdahl hasn't peeked that far ahead yet. "I have left that book alone," he confirms. "I want to leave it until we get closer to the movie. I was talking to Stephenie about it, and she asked if I had read the final book. I said 'Nope, I don't want to read it yet. I want to leave it alone until we get there.' 'Oh, just you wait. You'll love it.' I do know generally what happens, since it is impossible not to find out. And, yes, I've been contracted for the final chapter."

Is Heyerdahl ready to become part of the pop-culture phenomenon? "Well, who knows about that?" he said with a laugh. "We joke we're the old guys on the set, and perhaps I am the oldest vampire on the set. Who knows if the fans are going to care about us? But it's been interesting. We went out for a cast dinner while we were shooting, and it was fascinating to see the masses of people trying to sneak their way into the restaurant or find where everyone would be leaving from. To be a part of something that has been compared to Beatlemania, which comes close to a good way of describing it, it's pretty incredible." New Moon is slated for release on Nov. 20.

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Kellan Lutz dishes on New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn!

Kellan Lutz opened up about the upcoming Twilight movies! He talks about his favorite scene in New Moon, one of his first memories getting recognized by fans and more!

On filming New Moon:
"I'm done with New Moon. It was really easy to work on with [Director] Chris Weitz. It all starts with the director, and he really moves the tempo with shooting. And he's just so mellow and relaxed that it trickled down to the crew. And they were really prepared and it trickled down to the actors, who were really comfortable. And since Twilight was really accepted by the fans, it really allowed us to feel comfortable in our shoes."

On what to look forward to in NM:
"Something to really look forward to is Jackson Rathbone's scene when he's playing Jasper, and Bella cuts her finger at her birthday party. He really loses himself there. He really transformed himself and got there, so it was really cool to see. And I think the fans will really like to see that and be surprised with how fierce he looked and got."

On continuing to play Emmett:
"Emmett has quite a larger role with Eclipse and then Breaking Dawn, so I'm really excited to shoot Eclipse coming up soon and then hopefully Breaking Dawn!

On encountering fans:
"As far as the fans, I guess nothing too bizarre [has happened]. The conventions are always on lockdown, and at the publicity events, we have security. But when I'm in LA and I'm walking around -- I was driving one day, leaving my neighborhood and this car pulled up right next to me and they started screaming out their window! They told me to roll the window down, and I'm like 'What the heck is going on?' And I roll my window down and it's "Emmett!" Just screaming! And I'm like, 'Oh, that's why!' I forgot and this was right after we were done shooting [Twilight], so I really didn't know the hype for the movie. Or that fans had so much love for it! So when that happened, I was just realy taken back."

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Q&A with Twilight's Justin Chon

J-14 caught up with Justin Chon who plays Eric Yorkie in The Twilight Saga movies -- and he spilled about awkward moments with Kristen Stewart, being stalked by paparazzi, and the musical cast of Twilight!

J-14: In Twilight, did you draw from your own high school experience to flirt with Bella Swan in the cafeteria?
Justin Chon: Of course. As an actor you're always trying to draw from real stuff to make it real, but I would say in acting terms, you use like substitutions and you think back to the moment. I just tried to make him as awkward as possible and just overly excited about everything.

J-14: What was it like flirting with Kristen Stewart?
Justin: Her character is just really awkward. So you put two really awkward people together and it's just a really funny thing to see them try and have a fluid conversation.

J-14: What was your reaction to all of the paparazzi at the airport when you landed in Vancouver?
Justin: The paparazzi were a total surprise. I think there's a picture of me with my mouth open. It's really pretty funny because I just had no idea what was going on. And I asked Anna [Kendrick], "Wait are they taking pictures of us?" We just had no idea and then we realized they were taking pictures of us and we were just like, "Whoa!"

J-14: You're a musician -- and so are Rob Pattinson, Jackson Rathbone, and Nikki Reed... what was it like working with such a musical cast?
Justin: It's kind of weird because everyone is like, "Oh yeah! I play guitar!" And then for me, I just didn't even tell anybody. I was just like, "Yeah, I guess everyone plays the guitar so maybe I shouldn't say anything because it doesn't make me special."

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Peter Facinelli: The Quick Q&A Interview

Peter Facinelli—aka vampire doctor Carlisle Cullen—appears at Twi/Tour, a three-day “Twilight” convention on Friday, July 10 at the Westin Buckhead.

We know “Twilight” fans can get pretty batty. Any close encounters?

They save all that for Rob Pattinson! My character is more of a patriarch figure, and the fans have been very respectful. I’m pretty easygoing and I stop and take a lot of pictures with them. Sometimes I find the more you try to run away from it, the harder it is. For Rob, it’s very overwhelming. For me, it’s the right amount. The perfect amount.


Are there any scenes from the books that you hope make it into the films?

For “New Moon,” there’s a scene with Bella (Kristin Stewart) where I stitch her up. I was excited to shoot that scene because it was a pivotal scene. It kind of sets up the whole reason why Rob’s character doesn’t want to change her into a vampire. I hope it stays in the movie because I feel like it’s essential and it’s a really nice scene for Carlisle and Bella; it’s an intimate thing. It’s a scene where a lot of information is being given and it shows another side of Carlisle, a soft side of him that I like. I’d be bummed if that was out.


Ever run into a fake Peter Facinelli on Twitter?

There’s a Peter Faceinelli that just came onboard. He has 14 followers. The guy can’t even spell my name right, so he is obviously not me, but for some reason those 14 people think he is.


Have you ever been as rabid a fan of something as these “Twilight” fans are?

No. I’ve got to hand it to Twilight fans. [A] guy flew from Denver for an autograph signing; I don’t think there’s anyone that I would get on an airplane and fly to get an autograph from. That’s a diehard fan, and I’m very humbled. That’s why I try to go out of my way when I see fans to give back.


How do you deal with the paparazzi?

They’re going to take the picture anyway, so I tend to stop and wave and then keep going on my way. I try to remind myself it’s a picture in a paper, it’s going run and it’s going to be gone. It sucks if you’ve been on an airplane for six hours and you’re tired and you look like junk and they want to shove a camera in your face, it’s annoying in that respect, but I try to take it all with a grain of salt and move forward.


Do you see much of the cities you travel to for conventions?

It’s usually a quick trip, but you get the sense of the towns through the people. I’m excited to visit Atlanta; I’ve never been. I’m looking forward to meeting the people there. [Conventions are] great because a lot of people live far from L.A .and New York, and it’s fun to spread it out all over. As cast members, we’ve gotten to go and visit some really great places.


Do you like burgers? If so, you’ve got to check out the Vortex while you’re here.

Yeah, I love burgers. We’ll go to the Vortex. You’ll have to take me there.

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Twilight" Cast Hits a Home Run for Make-A-Wish

Members of the cast of "Twilight," including Peter Facinelli, Rachelle Lefevre, Edi Gathegi, Michael Welch and Christian Serratos--as well as Alex Meraz and Kiowa Gordon of "New Moon"--made a great showing today at PGE Park in Portland for the Twilight FanTrips Vampire Baseball Event, benefiting Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Guests also included members of the local cast, including Solomon Trimble, Ayanna Berkshire, Trish Egan, Sean McGrath, Gavin Bristol, Catherine Grimme, Logan Welch and Tyler Nordby; crew members such as Bruce Lawson, Chris "Chalky" Chalk, Dan Gorczyca and others.

And let's not forget the biggest star: Honey, Rachelle's dog!

Here are some highlights. Enjoy!











































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An interview with Kiowa Gordon

“What character do you play in the movie?’” a young female fan asked as Kiowa Gordon posed for pictures. “Embry Call,” replied Gordon, who was recently cast as one of five werewolves in the upcoming sequel to the blockbuster “Twilight” called “New Moon.” The movie and its sequels are based on novels by Stephanie Meyer. The fan screamed excitedly as she ran through the crowd at the San Carlos High School graduation.

Gordon, 19, Hualapai, agreed to attend the graduation as a special guest. It was his first major public appearance since filming with the rest of what Gordon refers to as the “wolf pack” in Vancouver, British Columbia, earlier this year.

For those unfamiliar with “Twilight,” the movie is about a high school girl named Bella Swan (played by Kristen Stewart) who moves from Arizona to Washington state where she meets a boy named Edward Cullen (played by Robert Pattinson); and the two fall in love.

Through research and the help of a Native American teenager named Jacob “Jake” Black (Taylor Lautner), she discovers Cullen and his family are vampires. Black, a member of the Quileute Tribe, is part of an ancient line of werewolves unbeknownst to Swan. In the sequel, to be released in November, Black and four other Native American young men emerge as werewolves.

Thousands of Native young men from the U.S. and Canada tried out for the four new roles. Gordon; Alex Meraz, Purepecha (Tarasco); Chaske Spencer, Lakota; and Bronson Pelletier, Cree-Metis, were fortunate enough to be cast.

According to Gordon, Embry Call is Jake’s right hand man, tall, skinny, shy and the fourth to turn into a werewolf. “We protect the tribe, protect them from vampires.”

At the graduation, Gordon signed autographs, smiled for photographs and endured surprise hugs and a kiss on his hand. The non-stop attention provided Gordon a glimpse of what is to come when “New Moon” hits the big screen.

The movie “Twilight” became a worldwide sensation generating $191 million in box office sales. The sequel is expected to bring in $200 million.

Surreal is a word Gordon used to describe his experience. And no wonder; he was a virtual unknown when he landed the coveted role. Prior experience includes bit parts in Rick Shroder’s “Black Cloud” and PBS Pictures’ “Skinwalker.” “New Moon” is his big break. Would you believe he got a “C” in his acting class at Cactus Shadows High School in Cave Creek, Ariz., his hometown? Fellow werewolf Meraz also lives in Cave Creek.

During an interview prior to the graduation, Gordon said he was on track to earn a high school diploma at Career Success High School when he responded to the open casting call. He’s now set to earn a G.E.D.

“An acting coach worked with me for about an hour before the audition,” Gordon said. Ironically, “Twilight” author Stephanie Meyer is a member of Gordon’s church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They attend the same ward; Meraz is also LDS.

Within a couple of weeks word came he landed the part of Embry Call. “My mom got an e-mail. She was ecstatic.” After speaking to the director on the phone, he was off to Los Angeles for a “cyberscan.” It’s a technique used in many movies to create real-life animation. “A machine went around my body to create a computer image so I could be transformed into a werewolf.”

“When I went to Vancouver, the first person I met was Alex Meraz. During the first three weeks I hung out with the wolf pack. We worked with a personal trainer. I gained five pounds. We all bonded and became like brothers,” Gordon said. “I’m the smallest (physically) but I’m the tallest.” Gordon is 5 feet 11 inches tall.

He describes a day of the set. “We spend an hour in makeup (basically) getting darker and they enhanced our abs,” laughs Gordon. “It was really cold, one degree Celsius. We wore robes before our shoots. All our scenes were outdoors. We had to get in the rain.”

Gordon met all the major actors and shot a scene with Stewart. “I’ve had long hair since the seventh grade, to my shoulders. Our hair has to be short when we become werewolves. I had no idea they were going to cut it. Oh man!”

“Twilight’s” worldwide massive fan base enthusiastically embraced the wolf pack. Gordon, who has a MySpace page, said before he landed the role he had 200 “friends.” Now he has 2,500 “friends.” During his down time in Vancouver, he and fellow werewolves dealt with the paparazzi who were eager to snap photos.

Gordon admits fame has its drawbacks. “People think I have money,” he said with a smile. While he landed a big role, filming lasted only two weeks although he flew back to Vancouver for a few more days for last scenes. “People also think I can coach them with their acting; I’m the last person they should be asking.”

His acting skills must be better than he thinks. He signed a contract to reprise the role in future sequels. In the meantime, he’s spending time in Germany learning to speak German. (He caught a flight to Frankfurt the day after the graduation). Gordon also hopes to go on a two-year mission for his church.

Gordon is the second youngest of seven children, he has lived on the Hualapai Indian Reservation in northern Arizona as well as Utah and California. His mother, Camille Nighthorse Gordon, is also an aspiring actress who also had a part in “Black Cloud.”

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Gil Birmingham Interview

TH: Being soooo multitalented (acting and being a musician with a band), which talent do you think you do best?

Gil: I started out as a musician. I have played the guitar and sang since I was 10 years old. For me, acting became a natural extension of the same creative energy that comes from my music. Acting is my life. Music is my passion. I don’t think I could give either of the up.

TH: Being brought up in a Military household how did it affect your childhood and family process then, how does it affect you and your family now?

Gil: Growing up in a military family is difficult because you move around so much. I would just start to make friends and then we would pick up and move. It was difficult not being able to put down roots.

TH: Since you moved a lot when you were young, what is the best lesson that you learned from that experience?

Gil: Living in different states and going to a long line of different schools taught me how to adapt to change and different people and circumstances. I believe that the people who succeed in life are those who can adapt to changing surroundings and create goodness amidst the chaos that we sometimes encounter in the world.

TH: Tell us about your bet in Tweeter? How did you Feel about the results?

Gil: I had just joined Twitter when the whole thing started, so I did not know what a powerful medium Twitter is for developing a closer relationship with my fans. I went from having only a dozen followers when I started to more than 27,000 in less than 10 days. And the work that fans put into getting more followers for me…Wow! I am blessed to have such a tremendously supportive fan base. We didn’t make the goal, but thousands of followers are still joining every day.


TH: Tell us about your personal experience of being cast in the Twilight Saga. Did you ever expect to be cast and did you ever think it would be this big?

Gil: Twilight was one of the most fun and rewarding acting experiences I’ve had so far. I knew when I signed on that it would be a significant film with a huge following. I have been swept away by all the attention and all the fans.


TH: Being an actor, what parts of yourself have you incorporate into Billy Black's character, and what part of Billy, have you taken with you into your everyday life?


Gil: Billy Black is an awesome character to play. We are both down with the kids and we both try to keep it real. An actor always digs deep inside himself to draw out the personal experiences that bring life to the character he plays. I am not Billy, but there is a part of him in me and vice versa.


TH: What character would you have chosen to portray if your Native American heritage had not played a factor in how you were cast?

Gil: Billy.

TH: Like most of the cast in Twilight, how has the Franchise changed your life?

Gil: Twilight has been an amazing ride for me. The volume of fan mail, emails and requests has increased so much that it’s becoming more and more difficult for me to personally respond to fans. I don’t get caught up in all the hype. I’m still the same Gil Birmingham I was before Twilight, only I get a lot more mail.

TH: Have you read all the books in the Saga? If so, what is your favorite of the four, and why?

Gil: Right now, New Moon is my favorite because it focuses more time on the werewolves and the transformation.

TH: If you have read Breaking Dawn, do you think that Stephenie Meyer should begin a new story line with the lives of Renesme and Jacob?

Gil: That would be a very interesting story, but it’s up to Stephenie to decide.

TH: On a personal note, did the story of these two star crossed lovers touch you in some way? Would you consider Edward and Bella’s story as one of the best fictional Love Stories ever written?

Gil: The idea of star-crossed lovers goes back to the beginning of time, way before Shakespeare’s Montagues and Capulets battled it out in Romeo and Juliet. What Stephenie did was take a traditional literary concept and put it in a uniquely modern fantasy with werewolves and vampires.

TH: What do you think of the young men who were cast as La Push's wolf pack?

Gil: They were all well cast for the roles. I’d worked with Chaske before, but being on the set with all of them and getting to know them, they all are very talented and very dedicated to their craft.

TH: You’ve worked with Chaske Spencer before in Dreamkeeper, how did you feel when you found out he cast in the movie as well? Did you think he’d make the best Alpha (referenced to Stephenie’s leader of the pack)?

Gil: I also worked with Chaske in Steven Spielberg’s Into the West. I thought he was a great choice for the Alpha. He’s an accomplished actor, who has a stage presence that will make him commanding in the role of Sam.
TH: Last Question…This is something that we call T-Hub Fast Ball. With this, we would like you to please describe some of your cast-mates in one word.

Gil: Unfortunately, I can’t adequately describe any of the cast members in just one word.

'Twilight' sequel to premiere in Knoxville

Event to bring star power to Pinnacle 18 for charity

The dawn of a new "Twilight" will bring star power to Knoxville this November when "The Twilight Saga: New Moon," the sequel to the 2008 breakout film "Twilight," is premiered at Regal Cinemas' Pinnacle 18 at Turkey Creek in advance of its scheduled Nov. 20 release.

Although confirmation of the Knoxville premiere of the movie is set, several key details are yet to be determined, including ticket prices, just which star or stars of the movie will come to town, and even the date of the event.

"I'm hoping to have the details pinned down within 30 to 60 days," said Greg Dunn, chief operating officer of Regal Entertainment Group.

Since 2003, Regal has annually presented a major-film premiere in Knoxville to benefit Variety - The Children's Charity of Eastern Tennessee. In every case, the top-billed stars have come, including Brendan Fraser and Josh Hutcherson for 2008's "Journey to the Center of the Earth," Jessica Alba and Dane Cook for 2007's "Good Luck Chuck," Will Ferrell for 2006's "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby," Jessica Simpson, Johnny Knoxville and Seann William Scott for 2005's "Dukes of Hazzard," Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson for 2004's "Walking Tall," and Cuba Gooding Jr. for 2003's "Radio."

No matter who ends up in Knoxville for the "Twilight" sequel, Dunn said this premiere is "probably the biggest fundraiser we've had to date."

Dena Pinsker, executive director of Variety, agreed. "I think (it) is just going to be extraordinary. ... All the ('Twilight') stars are fantastic crowd-pleasers," she said.

"Twilight," based on the popular novel series by Stephenie Meyer, is a love story about a teenager and a vampire. The film stars Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson and made nearly $400 million worldwide at the box office. Stewart and Pattinson return for the sequel, as does Taylor Lautner, whose secondary character in the original becomes substantially more important in "New Moon."

Pinsker said all three of the Knoxville premieres from 2005-2007 made more than $250,000 each in sponsorships and ticket sales, and last year's "Journey" premiere made more than $300,000. With "The Twilight Saga: New Moon," "We'll be looking for even better numbers," she said.

"This is a huge event for Knoxville."

Pinkser said that, as in the past, some tickets will be sold directly to the public while others will be distributed in "sponsorship packages." Variety aids numerous local and area children's charities.

For more information, call Variety at 865-925-9906.

Entertainment editor Chuck Campbell may be reached at 865-342-6443.

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