If you thought we’d seen the last of that infamous baseball scene set to Muse’s pulsating bass, think again, my dear! Netflix has made the decision to yank us back into the realm of vampires that glitter like a third-rate disco ball, confirming they’re developing an animated version of *Midnight Sun,* the fifth installment in Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight saga. Prepare for Team Edward to sharpen those fangs once more, right?
Now, this isn’t one of the four original novels that made tweens swoon over Pattinson’s brooding visage in the now-legendary films. Nah, *Midnight Sun* is merely *Twilight* revisited but narrated by Edward Cullen, as if we needed a peek inside the mind of a 104-year-old chap still pining after a teenager. Released in 2020, eight years post the final film (*Breaking Dawn: Part 2*), it rehashes the story from Edward’s perspective—essentially, “what’s cooking in his noggin.”
So, when can we expect the Cullens to return on Netflix in animated form? Here’s what you need to know.
Is there a release date for the Netflix Twilight series?
Alright, don’t hold your breath just yet, folks. Netflix hasn’t revealed a release date for the animated adaptation of *Midnight Sun* thus far. Considering we’re still in the planning phase, you can bet your last Greggs pasty that it won’t be hitting our screens until at least 2026. They haven’t even finalized the cast, so we likely won’t see this until we’ve celebrated a few more Christmases.
Lionsgate Television first confirmed there was a Twilight TV series brewing back in April 2023, and a year later, *Variety* reported that the show would indeed be animated. Perhaps it’ll be worth the anticipation—if only for us to mock it all over again on TikTok.
Why is Netflix adapting Midnight Sun?
Now, why did Netflix decide we needed more of Twilight’s self-reflection? Well, they haven’t stated explicitly, but we can guess. *Midnight Sun* is the only book left without an adaptation—though it barely introduces any new elements since it’s basically *Twilight* with added brooding and slightly creepy vibes from Edward. The Twilight films may have been “marmite,” but there’s no denying they raked in over $3.3 billion globally, so they were certainly laughing all the way to the bank. Plus, the *Midnight Sun* book sold over a million copies, so there’s clearly a fanbase eager to consume this like a pup at a gravy bowl.
Despite its cringe-inducing moments (extra points for those awkward glares and that bizarre blue tint), Twilight has somehow regained its coolness, largely thanks to TikTok. The series has become meme gold—whether it’s Bella’s quirky behaviors or the realization that, who could’ve guessed, we should’ve been swooning over Charlie Swan, not Edward or Jacob. Honestly, folks, I was ahead of that curve before it became popular.
Nostalgia is a powerful force, even for something as silly as this, and millennials seem to be all for the resurgence of the franchises that shaped their upbringing. Twilight shares the spotlight with *The Hunger Games,* *Harry Potter,* and *Friends.* Additionally, Twilight frequently appears on Netflix’s most-watched list, so it’s no shock they’ve seized the chance to further profit from it.
What is the plot of the Netflix Twilight animated series?
Alright, let’s refresh your memory. If you’ve forgotten—and I don’t blame you—*Twilight* follows Bella Swan, the newcomer in the dreary town of Forks, Washington. She becomes enamored with this enigmatic fellow, Edward Cullen, who has every girl in a stir. But there’s a catch, love. He’s a vampire—and not the suave type, more like the sparkly, brooding, and perpetually constipated kind. Anyhow, the two attempt to navigate their teenage romance amidst supernatural hijinks.
*Midnight Sun* echoes the same basic tale, but it’s told from Edward’s perspective this time. It gives us an insight into how he is perpetually reading everyone’s thoughts—except Bella’s, which drives him nuts—and how he fights to keep his inner vampire beast in check. Sound familiar? Aye, that’s because it is.
What style will it have on screen? We haven’t a clue yet, as they haven’t disclosed how the animation will look. Regardless of the route they take, I’m sure it’ll be quite the spectacle—either due to its brilliance or its absurdity.
Who is involved in the Netflix Twilight series?
Netflix’s official site has revealed who’s calling the shots behind the scenes. Author Stephenie Meyer will be one of the executive producers along with her Fickle Fish Films collaborator, Meghan Hibbett. Additionally, *Temple Hill Entertainment*’s Wyck Godfrey and Marty Bowen will serve as EPs, along with Erik Feig and Samie Kim Falvey for *Picturestart.* They’ve enlisted *Sinead Daly*—known for her work on *Tell Me Lies, The Walking Dead: World Beyond, Raised by Wolves,* and *The Get Down*—as the writer and additional executive producer.
But temper those expectations, as we currently have no details on the cast. So, no word on whether any of the original actors will be reprising their roles in the recording booth. Stay tuned, I suppose.
Summary: “Twilight’s Back Again, Why?”
So, there you have it—Netflix is once more cashing in on vampires who wouldn’t recognize a beach tan if it drained them dry. We’ll be getting an animated *Midnight Sun* eventually, but not anytime soon. While it may have some nostalgic charm, I’d wager there’s a greater likelihood we’ll end up roasting it online rather than genuinely enjoying it. Keep an eye out for more updates on *GadgetLad*, where I’ll keep you posted quicker than you can say “sparkle.”
