Can New Moon and the Twilight Saga Endure the Hype? by Larson Hill
With Twilight almost out on DVD and with over eight months remaining before Twilight fans head to theaters on November 20 to take a bite out of the sequel New Moon, the internet is abuzz with all things New Moon and Twilight related. But with so much hype leading up to New Moon, the second big screen adaptation in the Stephenie Meyer based Twilight saga, is it possible that New Moon will suffer from over-exposure? With so many outlets clamoring to get their own piece of the New Moon pie, is it fair to speculate that there's too much early hype for the twilight sequel?
Although it's safe to assume that all of the frenzied anticipation won't hurt box-office sales of New Moon, come November the hype will quickly turn to the third Twilight adaptation, Eclipse. With the buzz for New Moon at such a fever pitch, is it realistic to think that the intensity can continue, or get even stronger, for another year and four months when Eclipse hits theaters in June of 2010? Can fans maintain that momentum, or will they eventually burn out? Will it have an affect on New Moon?
There's no debate whatsoever over how passionate Twilight fans are for the franchise. However, the intensity of the online Twilight buzz leading up to New Moon raises a few interesting questions, namely ... What if New Moon falls short of expectations? Given the online intensity and frequency of New Moon news hitting the web at breakneck speed (and there's still eight months to go), will New Moon be able to meet such high levels of expectation?
Although director Chris Weitz and Twilight saga author Stephenie Meyer are keenly aware of what New Moon needs to succeed, there is a slight possibility that all of the online Twilight hype could have an adverse affect on New Moon. By the time New Moon hits theaters after eight more months of frenzied anticipation, and thousands upon thousands of stories about New Moon and Twilight, is there a chance that what fans want New Moon to be as a movie will be too lofty to overcome and unrealistically romanticized?
I don't know. It's not something that I’ve given much thought to until recently when I found myself getting lost in a ever-expanding sea of New Moon and Twilight related headlines each day. All of the hype for New Moon simply makes me realize just how high the bar is set for New Moon and how much it HAS to be better than Twilight to keep the same rabid momentum for another year and a half until we see Eclipse in theaters. I hate to ask it, but what if New Moon doesn't live up to expectations?
There's no question whether we think New Moon can be better than Twilight, but we are getting a bit concerned that so much hype may place demands and expectations on New Moon that the film simply can't live up to. Unlike last year's Speed Racer, which was unrealistically overhyped to a point of jaw-dropping wonder, New Moon actually HAS a huge audience. So Twilight fans have absolutely nothing to worry about on that front. But we still have eight long months to go before we see New Moon.
Although the Twilight DVD is almost here, part of me wishes Summit Entertainment had waited until the summer. Undoubtedly, though, we'll probably see some sort of new Twilight DVD tie-in prior to the release of New Moon to kick the anticipation into overdrive, which is scary to think about since it's the most popular and most talked about film online in possibly a bigger capacity than Twilight. At this point, with the hype and popularity for New Moon growing by the day, I can't imagine what a Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner meet-and-greet at a Hot Topic store would look like come September.
On a larger scale, there's no question that New Moon and the Twilight saga can endure the hype. One only needs to look at the Star Wars prequels (and sequels), the Harry Potter movies, the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and other similar fan friendly franchises as examples of movies that endured similar hype and online anticipation. However, the real question at this point appears to be whether Twilight and New Moon fans will be able to endure the next year and a half of hype. Although we hope not, there could be a lot of Twilight roadkill on the road to Eclipse.
Let us know what you think. Can New Moon and the Twilight Saga endure the hype?
gosh these movies better be good cause i and a lot others are just waiting to see them. but i also think a major part is Rob in these movies. he drives the girls nuts and that makes this saga even more popular...
There is NOT a doubt in my mind that New Moon and Eclipse will be equally as good If not better than Twilight. However, I do worry about the hype. I can barely go one day (total lie, I think about Twilight Saga ever second of the day) without wanting to watch more. My point- Is that with ALL THE HYPE I have the feeling that waiting so long for the movie to be released is a bad decision. I think of myself as different from everyone else, but when it comes to a story like this... I know there are people out there that feel the same way, that will lose interest with having to wait so long, move on to something else. Maybe that's just me.
<3 Twilight - Crystal
Lorae – utah
March 31, 2009 - 15:47
Subject:
I can hardly wait for the next 3 movies to come out . I would hope that They continue with the same main actors. Or it could really throw the story line off, just seeing a new face on a character that you have fallen in love with already .Or that you can visualize seeing when you read the saga . It Could make it harder for people to accept. PLEASE leave the characters as they are. You have a great thing going , sometimes it does not pay to play with what works. Sitting on pins and needles to see the rest of the movies.THE BOOKS WERE GREAT ! The story line is Fantastic and the love story is Awesome . Every one needs a little Fantasy in their life , Something worth dreaming about . Stephenie Meyers has really done that with This Twilight series has done that .... I really hope she finishes the 5th book. EVERYONE needs to be able to see into what Edward really thought and felt . Rather than just him knowing what everyone was thinking . He is totally a movie all on his own . People need to see the torment and love he had in his heart for Bella . A TRUE LOVE STORY !
Tenisha
March 29, 2009 - 18:49
Subject:
I love the Twilight Saga! But I do worry that the movie will focus too much on the Bella-Jacob story and not enough on the Bella-Edward story. I love Edward and I wanna see as much of him as possible! Can't wait for New Moon!
As long as Rob Pattinson is involved the next movies will be equally as popular. I predict that the book sales will soar because of the movies and the hype. I am a teacher and have people at my school on a waiting list to read my Twilight books. lol I'll pay to see anything that has Rob in it! Rob we need to see your gorgeous face!!!
michelle – fl
March 25, 2009 - 01:27
Subject:
i absolutely possitively believe the Twilight Saga movies will be exactly like Harry Potter was.....AWESOME !@! so what that Twilight wasn't exactly like the book, to me it put faces to the characters in the books, which in return made me more into the story that Stephenie wrote for us. i do believe the producer did an awesome job with the movie & i do believe Stephenie was very happy with it, i sure as heck think it wouldn't have happened otherwise. remember in one of her interviews....this is 'her baby'. so far i am very happy with everything & can't wait until the other movies come out.
Kristy
March 23, 2009 - 14:08
Subject:
I think true Twilight fans won't really care if New Moon or even Eclipse are "better" than Twilight. I think it's seeing the books brought to life that is a draw. As a true Twilight fan, I'll be seeing them all, buying all the DVD's and reading all the HYPE no matter what!
tomris – Izmir,Turkey
March 22, 2009 - 06:53
Subject:
I believe New Moon can endure the hype. It's clear that all the fans will see it and even though everyone expects to see something they think is important in the movie, I don't think anyone will be very disappointed with it if they can't find what they are expecting because most of the fans are ready to accept that what you want to see can't always be on the scene. Yes, they will criticize it but they won't ostracize it and even though they come to hate New Moon, it won't change the hype expected for Eclipse as the directors will be different. But it will put more pressure on the next directer's shoulders. But I know for a fact that I will be very disappointed with the movie if all the new actors are chosen from Hollywood teen stars or if they put teens for every role in the upcoming movies. I really don't like the idea that some Hollywood star coming and stealing the hype of the twilight cast or the movie.
I don't think the Twilight saga fans will have any trouble holding on for 8 months for the New Moon movie. or Eclipse.It's Breaking Dawn that is coming so far away.I hope they don't wait to long. With Eclipse coming in June 2010,May be Breaking Dawn shouldn't to far after.
Instead of puting out all the roomer about who will be in the movies, Just make up their minds and then tell the fans.I agree with one fan on here stop playing the mind games with the fans and give us the facts.
Danielle
March 21, 2009 - 18:49
Subject: def
with a fanbase as big as twilight has, among the vast majority of teens and adults alike, how can new moon fail? the anticipation builds and builds, and with the release of the dvd today, many will just be waiting for their new visual portrayal of their beloved books. how can it go wrong? it's eclipse we should be worried about coming to theaters so soon after new moon...
hmmm.. I think the saga can endure the hype if the film and crew staff will produce a wonderful movie.. And yah, about those "New Moon" headlines going out and about in the net, true enough, I check it almost everyday.. But I think it would be better if they stop producing those "everyday" headlines, and ya know, cut it to like just "monthly'? (for the benefit of the fans who are REALLY desperate to get news), so that there would be "thrill" in a way... lol..
anyway, I think on my part (and my friends) we can totally wait till Breaking Dawn (if ever) comes out in movies.. I mean, we endured waiting for HP6 for a year, how much more the twilight saga??.. lol...
Jessica – Sacramento Cali
March 21, 2009 - 06:16
Subject: Will the hype continue!
Ok honestly the books were more than amazing! and to be honest nothing can take the place of ones imagination. With that said, we all know that the movie did not meet up to all the book could be not even a fraction. but me and most of my... Twihard i guess?... friends agre that even though the movie and subsequently the following 3 movies will never ever be anything close to the books ( i mean really they are hardly the same story) we will see it throught to the end which makes me certain that those that have not read the books or are just completely blind will also see it through for thier own reasons. though i really wish they would have picked a better bella that kirsten is whoreiable to the extreme and i think that it doesent even matter if they started frest with a new girl the sieries would be better for it. god she cant act.... in anything...
patty bray – Grand Mesa Colorado
March 20, 2009 - 20:00
Subject: New Moon
I think they can make it if they do this right, we fans who love these books will see this thing through to the end. Summit needs to stop playing the games about who will and will not be in the next films. There was so much drama leading up to this that it was crazy. Stop the games and stick to the little actors or the up and coming kids. Thats what I think anyway, I will watch all the movies and will continue to love Twilight.
patty bray – Grand Mesa Colorado
March 20, 2009 - 19:58
Subject: New Moon
Yes, it will all continue....Remember, it is only 6 months between New Moon and Eclipse. I only worry that ROB needs to be in New Moon more for it to be a hit. I read tha,t maybe, he would be in it as the voice Bella always hears....maybe, his body will be there too!!!!!! Hope, pray, please! I can't wait!
Emily – Australia :)
March 20, 2009 - 17:19
Subject:
I think New Moon and the Twilight Saga can endure the hype. I agree with Katie; all the people out there who call themselves fans of the books and the movie(s), all the people who consider themselves obsessed and all the people who go around to these websites looking for their daily dosage of Twilight/New Moon/Eclipse news will see this thing right through to the end, and when the end comes, we're all going to be very sad
And..you know..Taylor Lautner is featured a hellova lot more in New Moon than he was in Twilight, so that can only help the hype teehee.
TEAM TAYLOR / JACOB
With Twilight almost out on DVD and with over eight months remaining before Twilight fans head to theaters on November 20 to take a bite out of the sequel New Moon, the internet is abuzz with all things New Moon and Twilight related. But with so much hype leading up to New Moon, the second big screen adaptation in the Stephenie Meyer based Twilight saga, is it possible that New Moon will suffer from over-exposure? With so many outlets clamoring to get their own piece of the New Moon pie, is it fair to speculate that there's too much early hype for the twilight sequel?
There's no debate whatsoever over how passionate Twilight fans are for the franchise. However, the intensity of the online Twilight buzz leading up to New Moon raises a few interesting questions, namely ... What if New Moon falls short of expectations? Given the online intensity and frequency of New Moon news hitting the web at breakneck speed (and there's still eight months to go), will New Moon be able to meet such high levels of expectation?
There's no question whether we think 
On a larger scale, there's no question that New Moon and the Twilight saga can endure the hype. One only needs to look at the Star Wars prequels (and sequels), the Harry Potter movies, the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and other similar fan friendly franchises as examples of movies that endured similar hype and online anticipation. However, the real question at this point appears to be whether Twilight and New Moon fans will be able to endure the next year and a half of hype. Although we hope not, there could be a lot of Twilight roadkill on the road to Eclipse.
