Third Film in "Twilight" Series Gets Green Light

Hot on the heels of Twilight's enormous success, Summit Entertainment has given the okay for Eclipse, the third film in the series.

According to Variety.com, "Summit's expected to make the official announcement this weekend. 'Twilight' has generated $189 million domestically and another $174 million overseas."

Production is expected to begin soon on the second film, New Moon. The Variety.com article does give a very brief synopsis of what the second installment's plot will be, "In 'New Moon,' the Jacob character becomes a central figure in the plot as Bella is drawn into the world of the werewolves, the ancestral enemies of vampires." Summit has announced the release date for New Moon to be Nov. 20.

Yet, Eclipse will not be directed by Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke, and although June 30, 2010 has been announced as Eclipse's release date, Summit has yet to find a director for the film. Despite this, the integral actors from Twilight will reprise their roles. Robert Pattinson will play Edward, Taylor Lautner will play Jacob and Kristen Stewart will return as Bella.

An article on HollywoodReporter.com explains how choosing just the right release date for the third film was key, "'Eclipse' has been planned as a second sequel for some time. So Summit is following recent industry practice in jumping on an attractive date early for an important release. But the move is particularly notable as the still-fledgling mini-major is taking its franchise into the lucrative summer season for the first time."

The fourth book in Stephenie Meyer's thriller vampire series has sold more than 17 million copies worldwide.