“Still Stuck on Twilight?”: Robert Pattinson Addresses Audience Dislike After 17 Years

Robert Pattinson has recently discussed the ongoing criticisms aimed at The Twilight Saga, a series that played a significant role in shaping his celebrity status. Adapted from Stephenie Meyer’s best-selling novels, the film series chronicles the romantic journey of Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) and the tormented vampire Edward Cullen (Pattinson). Premiering in 2008 and concluding with Breaking Dawn – Part 2 in 2012, Twilight not only ignited a cultural phenomenon but also redefined vampire lore, all while eliciting mixed reactions from audiences and critics alike.

In a candid interview with GQ Spain, translated by GamesRadar+, Pattinson humorously addressed the persistent disdain for the franchise. Although he had previously joined the chorus of critics, his view has evolved over the years. Here is an excerpt from his insightful commentary:

I love that people keep telling me, ‘Man, Twilight ruined 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.

Insights from Pattinson’s Twilight Reflection

From Glistening Vampire to Hollywood Maverick

Pattinson’s remarks highlight his transformational journey from a teen heartthrob to a multifaceted actor. At just 22 when the first Twilight installment was released, he found himself thrust into the spotlight. While the series garnered a massive fan base, it also drew criticism for its unconventional portrayal of vampires, including the striking image of Edward’s sparkling skin. Consequently, a trend emerged that painted Twilight as a cultural villain, sparking Pattinson’s own critiques during earlier interviews.

Post-Twilight, Robert Pattinson sought to reinvent his career through an array of critically acclaimed independent films such as Good Time (2017), The Lighthouse (2019), and The Devil All the Time (2020). His recent ventures into mainstream cinema, including Christopher Nolan’s Tenet and his portrayal of Batman in The Batman, firmly established him as one of Hollywood’s top talents. Upcoming, Pattinson will star in Bong Joon-ho’s Mickey 17, a sci-fi black comedy featuring him in multiple regenerating roles on a frigid planet.

The Significance of Pattinson’s Post-Twilight Career Transformation

A Unique Blend of Indie and Mainstream Success

While Twilight undoubtedly marked Pattinson’s ascent to fame, it wasn’t his initial acting role. Before embodying the iconic vampire, he was introduced to audiences as Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005). This early appearance set the stage for Pattinson’s potential as a leading man, but it was his role in the vampire series that truly showcased his star power.

Pattinson’s career trajectory is compelling as he artistsically navigates between independent projects and commercial blockbusters. His willingness to craft a diverse portfolio, including experimental films like High Life, juxtaposes his recent appearances in major productions like The Batman. This sets him apart from contemporaries such as Timothée Chalamet, who initially focused on indie films before transitioning to mainstream hits. Pattinson’s versatility is indicative of a departure from the typical boundaries that often limit actors in their career choices.

Both Twilight and the Harry Potter franchise contributed significantly to Pattinson’s unique career path, allowing him to explore various genres and collaborate with a multitude of distinguished directors, from box office giants like Nolan to indie visionaries like Robert Eggers and globally acclaimed filmmakers like Bong Joon-ho.

Reflecting on Pattinson’s Thoughts About Twilight

Twilight: The Launchpad for Pattinson’s Stardom

Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen smirking in Twilight

Pattinson’s dismissal of Twilight haters is justified. Despite the negative critiques, the franchise enjoyed remarkable box office success, amassing impressive ticket sales and establishing itself as a cultural touchstone. Each of the five films within the series grossed hundreds of millions worldwide, culminating in a multi-billion-dollar phenomenon that propelled Pattinson into stardom.

Twilight Movies Box Office
Title	Domestic Box Office	Total Worldwide Box Office
Twilight (2008)	$192.7 million	$407.2 million
The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009)	$296.6 million	$709.8 million
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010)	$300.5 million	$698.4 million
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 (2011)	$281.2 million	$712.2 million
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 (2012)	$292.3 million	$829.7 million

Pattinson’s dramatic evolution from his breakout role showcases a singular journey in the entertainment industry. With time, he has learned to appreciate Edward Cullen as more than just a character, recognizing that this role was instrumental in securing his position as a prominent figure in Hollywood. Whether regarded with fondness or disdain, Twilight undeniably shaped Pattinson’s career trajectory and continues to influence his diverse artistic choices.

Source: GQ Spain (via GR+)

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