David Slade to handle directing chores on ‘The Twilight Saga: Eclipse’

Summit Entertainment has hired David Slade to handle directing chores on “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” from a screenplay penned by Melissa Rosenberg - who handled the screen adaptations of “Twilight” and “The Twilight Saga: New Moon.”

"30 Days of Night" helmer David Slade to direct third film in "Twilight" series from a screenplay by Melissa Rosenberg.The film is the third title from the franchise based Stephenie Meyer’s blockbuster book series, and is scheduled to hit theaters on Wednesday, June 30th, 2010. In a Summit press release, Meyer stated: “I am thrilled that David Slade will be directing ECLIPSE. He's a visionary filmmaker who has so much to offer this franchise. From the beginning, we've been blessed with wonderful directorial talent for the Twilight Saga, and I'm so happy that ECLIPSE will be carrying on with that tradition.” Slade broke big with 2006’s “Hard Candy” (which featured Academy Award-nominated actress Ellen Page) and handled directing chores on the 2007 vampire flick “30 Days of Night.” “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” finds Bella once again surrounded by danger as Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob — knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation quickly approaching, Bella is confronted with the most important decision of her life. The “Twilight” film franchise stars Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson and follows the story of 17-year-old Bella Swan who moves to the small town of Forks, Washington to live with her father, and becomes drawn to Edward Cullen, a pale, mysterious classmate who seems determined to push her away. But neither can deny the attraction that pulls them together…even when Edward confides that he and his family are vampires. “Twilight” was released in theatres on November 21, 2008 grossing $69.6 million domestically during its first weekend. To date the film has grossed over $380 million worldwide. The second installment of the film franchise, “The Twilight Saga: New Moon,” features Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner, and will be released November 20, 2009.