… at least if the studio had wanted it, the director now explains.
Robert Pattinson has had some success in recent years with Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet” and his role as Batman. He was able to easily shed his teen star image, but many still see the 37-year-old as the strange vampire from the “Twilight” series. It’s all the more absurd that he almost wouldn’t have gotten this role if the studio had had its way.
Catherine Hardwicke, the director of the first part, was in “Happy Sad Confused” spin-off podcast “Watchalong” guest and revealed that producers initially doubted Pattinson’s suitability for the role. His lifestyle and attitude did not leave a good impression. “When he came to my house he had black bangs and was kind of misshapen because he was hanging out at a bar all the time,” Hardwicke says. Despite his rather unsuccessful first impression, he finally convinced the director after hours of discussions.
Catherine Hardwicke in an interview:
Before his breakthrough with “Twilight,” Pattinson only appeared in a few smaller productions, apart from a larger role in the fourth “Harry Potter” film. The production company was skeptical about casting him and whether he would look good enough for the part. Hardwicke defended him, promising a makeover to highlight his cheekbones: “They called me back and said, ‘Do you think you can do this guy.’ can make you look good?’ I said, ‘Yes, I do. Have you seen his cheekbones? We’re doing a hair makeover, he’s going to start working out and he’s going to be beautiful.’ But they didn’t believe it at first.”
Despite their doubts, they ultimately trusted Hardwicke and cast Pattinson as the main character.
Robert Pattinson impressed together with Kristen Stewart
Even for Stephenie Meyer, the author of the book, Robert Pattinson was not the first choice to cast the vampire. She originally had Henry Cavill in mind, but Hardwicke thought he was too old for the role of a high school student. A joint audition with Kristen Stewart finally convinced everyone that Robert Pattinson should play the part.
Kirsten Stewart, who played Pattinson’s partner in the vampire film, was also convinced by him. On the podcast “The Big Hit Show” Hardwicke revealed that the actor fell out of bed while filming a kissing scene: “They were filming the kissing scene and he fell off and landed straight on the floor.” However, Stewart insisted that he should get the role and emphasized the chemistry they had both: “It has to be Rob!”