'Twilight' Countdown: Stephenie Meyer talks about the film's twist ending

3 days left…

When I spoke to “Twilight” author Stephenie Meyer, she seemed in much better spirits than she had been in following the “Breaking Dawn” backlash and subsequent leaking of “Midnight Sun” online. (For the record, she says she won’t resume writing the book, her planned retelling of “Twilight” from Edward’s point of view, until the noise around it has died down. “I have to feel like I’m alone with it again,” she said.)

The author looked rested and genuinely excited about promoting the big-screen version of a story she’s been talking up for the past three years. And even now that she’s more in-demand than ever, Meyer graciously took some time to talk to us about what she misses most about interacting with her fans; how she argued with Robert Pattinson over his “emo” take on Edward; which moment from the book she fought to have added to the film; and her thoughts about the movie’s twist ending. (Don’t worry, “Twilight” fans, I didn’t include any spoilers in this Q&A.)

Has the divided reaction to “Breaking Dawn” put a damper on this entire “Twilight” experience for you?

Well, hmmm, no. You know, it was funny because I was expecting this sense of closure when I finished the rough draft, and I was expecting it again when I finished my editing and I knew it was going to print. But it wasn’t until the books were out on the shelves that it was done, and I had that sense of crossing the finish line, like ‘I’ve done it! I’ve gotten it all done!’

It’s sad when you can’t make everyone happy, though. It’s impossible but, at the same time, you still hope. You think, ‘Maybe I can do it,’ but you know you can’t. But gosh, if I had to rely on giving people what they wanted, I would have had to write 40 billion different books and even then, I wouldn’t get it right.

What I have to say to myself is, ‘Would I have done anything differently? No. Am I happy with how it is? Yes. Do I like to read it? Yes. Does this feel like the right ending to me? Yes.’ I’ve always written for myself. ‘Breaking Dawn’ was no exception.

The bigger things get, the more haters there are. It’s not about the books, it’s about everything they can find to pick on you about. That just seems to be how society is and it’s kind of sad. For myself, I don’t spend time on things I hate, you know? It kills me. There’s so little time, spend it with what you love.

But has the reaction changed how you interact with fans? Or how much you interact with them?

That had already started to change because it’s now a volume thing. When I started out, I’d do an event, 40 people would show up and we could have this big conversation and really get to know each other. I knew who they were and I actually corresponded with quite a few of them because I could. But then things got busier and busier and it got overwhelming. At a signing, I can barely say ‘Hi!’ to people. And that’s no fun. I really don’t enjoy that. I know people want their books signed and it’s worth it to them, but it feels horrible to me. I can’t find out what your name is or who you are and what you’re about. I don’t like that. So that’s changed and that’s a little sad. It’s great to have things be successful, but there are sacrifices that come with it.

Was there any one actor in the film that you came the closest to your vision for their character while you were writing “Twilight“?

On first look, the one that really jumped out was Ashley Greene as Alice. I saw a picture of her and just thought, ‘You found Alice! Oh my gosh!’ On the set, the person who really exceeded expectations was Rob. I didn’t think anyone could get that close to Edward. I mean, I knew he was going to do a good job, and he has this great look, but I’d seen him as Rob himself and I couldn‘t picture it.

The thing is he looks different when he does characters. When you watch the films that he’s done, you might not be able to put together with the same person because he’s such a chameleon. There were times where he was just being Rob and then you’d hear 'Action!’ and he’d step into character -- and he’d look different! He’d like sound like Edward! It was crazy. He did such a good job.

Earlier at a press conference, though, you mentioned that you butted heads with Rob over how each of you saw Edward.

Oh yeah! That was a worry! He’d sit there arguing with me telling me I’m wrong about this character. He thinks Edward is a lot more depressed than I do. He thinks Edward is on the point of suicide. I’m like, ‘No! He’s got his family that he loves. He‘s got Carlisle.’ And Rob would go (putting on a British accent), ‘Well, why does he like Carlisle so much? This man changed him into a vampire! What are you thinking?’ (Laughs) There were very intense conversations. But it was hysterical after the fact. I was worried though. I was thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, he’s going to go in there and play Edward like Edward The Emo. Nooooooooo.’ But he didn’t! And it’s exactly what I wanted to see. It was crazy, but he got it. It’s on the screen and that’s all that matters.

Did you give any notes after seeing the movie’s rough cut?

Oh yeah! I sat with some of my friends because I needed the moral support. I just made notes about all these little things. Some of it was me going, ‘Oh, I wish this scene had been longer.’ Like the meadow scene I thought should be longer. And I wanted to see Jacob at the prom. I missed that. In the first cut we saw, the scene didn’t exist!

People thought they were doing reshoots because there were problems, but that was so not the case. What it was is that everyone had the same reaction -- they wanted to see more of certain things. So Catherine was like, ‘Hey! Let’s shoot some more.’ The parts they added in, you really can’t imagine the movie without them after you’ve seen it all. They’re awesome. The impact of the things they added -- and it must be just like 5 minutes, at most -- is so cool.

What did you think of the movie’s ending? [Note to readers: It’s a bit different from the way the novel ends.]

It was fantastic. I thought, ‘Now I’ve got them. They have to go on [with more movies], don’t they.’ (Laughs)

Was the addition at the end your idea?

It was in the original script. I didn’t suggest it. [Screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg] does a lot of stuff that way. I’m looking straight from what Bella can see and what Bella can hear. Melissa comes at things from outside of Bella sometimes and thought it would be cool to add this bit in -- and I loved it.

Do you want to have any input in any succeeding movies?

In one way, I think I’d like to be more involved. I feel like I had a really great level of involvement here. I really enjoyed the people I worked with, and I just like hanging out with them now. I don’t think they’re threatened by me anymore. I’m sure no one said anything to make people uncomfortable, but I’m also sure that when I came in they thought ‘Oh crap, this author is going to come in here and start making demands and be this horrible pain.’ I think they know I’m not like that now. So that’s good. I could spend more time on the set. I’d be there every day except my kids need me at home. But I was so fascinated with how it all works -- I’d show up every day.

Have you thought about what you could stand to see cut from “New Moon” or “Eclipse” if and when they’re turned into movies? Those books are even longer than “Twilight” and director Catherine Hardwicke said they’d be considerably more expensive to make.

I am not good at thinking that way. If I thought something wasn’t necessary I would have cut it. To me every word is vital. I really need someone else to come in and do the paring down because I can’t. As far as expense, I think if ‘Twilight’ does well enough, then we should be able to do the big expensive stuff for the sequels. I mean, we have to have werewolves, there’s no way around it. They have to be there.

Do you think Taylor Lautner can continue playing Jacob, who's supposed to appear to be in his 20s in the next movie?

Taylor is a phenomenal actor and such an amazing person. He’s so grown-up it kills me. I’d love to see him have a chance at playing older Jacob. I do think it’s a stretch though. It’s hard because he’s young looking. But he’s really good. It’s not my call and, I have to say, I’m glad it’s not.

What is the best thing you’ve received from a fan?

I know the coolest thing I ever got. It must have been during the ‘New Moon’ tour. I was in Phoenix and there was this little girl, who I still correspond with now and then because of this gift she brought me. She came out from San Francisco and she had driven to Phoenix for this event. At that point I still wasn’t used to that. She brought me a homemade CD of rare B-side Muse songs. I had never heard them before and oh my gosh, I wore that CD out. I loved it so much. I felt guilty though -- I had to order everything once I knew it existed because I’m not about pirating. (Laughs) But she gave me the gift of Muse songs I hadn’t heard and it doesn’t get better than that.

Seeing "Twilight" on Thursday at midnight? E-mail me your review at Denise.Martin@latimes.com and I'll post a round-up first thing Friday morning. I want to hear all your thoughts!

And catch up on past Countdown interviews: Robert Pattinson (Parts 1, 2 and 3), Kristen Stewart, director Catherine Hardwicke (Parts 1 and 2), screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg, Peter Facinelli, Edi Gathegi and Taylor Lautner.

-- Denise Martin

Related:
Complete "Twilight" Countdown coverage
Complete "Twilight" coverage on Hero Complex

Photo credit: WireImage

Comments

[Vanessa]

They changed the end of the movie? Now I'm totally scared! I'm sure they did an awesome job with the movie but ome! different ending from the book? I didn't think I'll be more excited about watching the movie than now but I just went nuts...I NEED TO SEE IT SOOOON! and it doesn't open in my country until JANUARY.....J-A-N-U-A-R-Y...I'm gonna cry

PS: I'm from Peru

[Jacquy]

I feel with you...
I'm from Germany and here the movie comes out in January, too!!!
I'm gonna cry when I here all these people who've seen the movie talking about it and
I WON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENS!!!

why does it take so long to bring that damn movie here, I mean harry potter came a week after it's US realease(?) ?

[desiboo.]

victoria is gonna be at the prommmmmm......they kinda showed it in the behind the scenes haha

at least i think so.

[cara]

yep, victoria is at the prom, checking out the scene - they showed photos of her at t he prom scene shoot months and months ago...that'll be great...wouldn't edward sense that she is there, though??

[Jenny]

omg i cant wait i hope they dont go over the top with the new ending like i havent read the rest of the books@!!! ahhh so excited! i do hope there is more action like vampires punching each other in the face! lol cant wait!

[karlee]

omg! victoria. at the prom??? oh no.

what next. i mean robert pattinson thuoght edward was emo.
jacob is WAYY to short!
and victrias at the prom?

gosh it better be good. or i will be soo sad!

[Esme Cullen]

Great interview with Stephenie. I'm going to the midnight showing. I can't wait!!

[Twilight Movie Reviews by Fans]

OMG, are you kidding me? A twist ending? The suspense is seriously killing me. I can't imagine what it's going to be like waiting in line at the movie theater on Thursday night with so much anticipation to see this finally play out on the big screen. I can't wait!!

[Alice]

I read the movie version of the book and it's not anything someone who has read New Moon would be shocked about. It is a cliff-hanger tie into New Moon. It should be AWESOME though...can't wait!! :)

[Hannah D]

its not a huge change at the end. SPOILER: victoria is at the prom spying on them. they end the movie with her watching them. besides that its all pretty much the same as the book! no worries people! just setting it up for sequels!! : D

[cate]

No, no no no no. They can't change out the actors for Jacob in the next movies. It has to be Taylor Lautner in all of them. He is totally Jacob. How could anyone else play him now? Isn't that what make up is for - to change a person's appearance? Taylor Lautner rocks.

[ashley woods]

hey i haven't seen it but if not as simalar as the book as possible i might be a little disapointed

[Gemma]

I cant wait til the movie comes out!!!December 19th it comes out here!I think all the characters in the movie look great but my favourite is alice-isnt she just like you pictured????well yay!i'm so excited and stephenie meyer is a fantastic author, ive never enjoyed reading so much!!!!!lol!

[Ixchel]

WHAT!!!!!! THEY CHANGED THE ENDING?! WHY? THE SUSPENSE IS KILLING ME!

I HOPE IT COMES OUT GOOD.

I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE IT!! =]

THEY BETTER MAKE THE OTHER MOVIES

[brittany]

stephenie meyer is defenately my favorite author. i love all of the twilight saga books. they're so amazing, so addicting, so descriptive, it drives me insane. the movie comes out in 3 days and i'm going to see it saturday. lol i had to pre-order tickets just to get in it's so full. i'm expecting the movie to be great. =)

[patty]

I think these were the best four books I've ever. I read all 4 books in one week. People should really get a life and quit looking for something there that's not.

[aqua]

what the heck.

Victoria is going to be at the PROM? that is INSANE.
but strangely, i can so see it. so i also think it would by totally cool. and now they have to make the movies.! the people will revolt!!!! but i read on Stephanie Meyer's website that they might not be able to make breaking dawn. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! renessmee is so cute!!!!

[Tabatha]

Hi I am a new fan of Twilight and so far LOVE the series even though I am still on the first book and I Love it so much that I will not go see the moie without reading the book first and let me tell you thank you so much for writing it but so far the clips I have seen for the movie seem to confuse me because the whole flashback thing with the other seens with it messes me up but it will probily make seens when I see the movie but any way thank you so much for writing the book and doing the movie and most of all thank you for putting the guy that plays Edward in thew movie he is so SEXY,HOT.

Tab,
THANK YOU

[VinAR]

Everyone needs to remember...the characters are from the authors point of view...not ours.
That is where the movie destroys our sense of imagination. But from the looks of it...
the movie will be just as wonderful as WE imagined.

[Jade:)]

o lord.
this is going to be sucha freakin amazing movie:)
im going tomorrow, baby!
i cannot wait:)

Edward Cullen has my heart<3

[HLE]

.......that was the worst movie ever. WHYY?????//
THE BOOK IS AMAZING! OMG they ruined it!
STEPHENIE!!! i know you knew the movie was lacking, why didnt you offer any input?!?!
im left BROKENHEARTED and utterly disappointed.
what a shame

[Courttany]

Please read !
Wow. The movie was SO amazing, there is no word for how amazing it was. I cried during the movie! ... well i cried during all the books too.. lmao. But, wow, Stpehenie Meyer you are a SPECTACULARLY TALENTED writer. I really do hope you write more, you inspire so many people. You are amazing, I didn't know someone could be so Creative, and Talented. And just so you know, I am Totally, with all i have, In Love with Edward Cullen. Wow. I can't even explain to you how amazing he is. Or how amazing the movie was. I am going to go see it SO many times. PLEASE make movies for the rest of the books, and put time and effort in them, like you did twilight. AND please continue writing the series! I honestly didn't want the movie to end.

I REALLY wish i could meet You Stephenie Meyer, you've really inspired me, and you brought a whole new adventure to my life, I would give anything for this to be all real :P lol. And to meet you and the cast. Weell Good luck on writing the other books!
xoxo, Courttany. :)

[Courttany]

Wow. That movie was truly amazing. I cannot even tell you how amazing it was, there are no other words to describe it! It really inspired me! The movie followed the book SOO well! PLEASE make the other books into movies! They were Wow..
Stephenie Meyers, You are so SPECTACULARLY TALENTED, you inspired me so much. I would give Anything just to even meet you and the cast. And by the way, I am Totally, amazingly In Love with Edward Cullen. I wish this was all real :P Stephenie, you brought a new adventure to my life, I can't even Stop thinking about any of the books or the movie!
I really wish I could just have a chance to meet you and the cast!
Amazing movie. I hope you continue on with the series, PLEASE do not end it! lol, i wish the Movie alone had never ended!
Thank-you soo much Stephenie Meyers! xoxo, Courttaany :)

[RLH]

I just thought the movie was okay. I am a HUGE Twilight fan, and like everyone else, I am completely in love with Edward. But here's my thought, the biggest part that drew everyone to Edward and Bella was their light-hearted, teasing, forbidden and intricate love story and I felt that so much of that was missing from the movie. When Bella is leaving with Alice and Edward says "you are my life now", I sat back and thought, if I hadn't read the books I would be wandering how that happened? I felt really sad leaving the movie because the unbelievable love story was passed over so much. Another 20-30 minutes on the movie could have been spent relishing in the undeniable love between Edward and Bella. I also felt that some very important parts in the book looked like a joke on screen. People were laughing and I hated that, because it was suppose to be a scene that defined the character and story line. I am going to see the movie again and I will buy it, but I was really sad because Twilight sets the base for all the other movies to build on. -RH

[gabby]

wowww twilight was AMAZINGG<3