8. Eclipse: The Movie

The third film in the series was announced in February 2009 and scheduled for release in 2010.

Somewhat naturally, given that pre-production and filming on the new movie would have to start before New Moon leaves post-production and cloning technology has yet to be perfected, Chris Weisz will not be behind the helm for this one.

Nope, Hard Candy and 30 Days Of Night director David Slade is the unexpected choice.

Slade got himself into a spot of trouble with fans (and, likely, the studio) shortly after the announcement with a quote dug up from an old interview admitting he’d rather shoot himself than watch Twilight.

He quickly issued a statement apologising for the remark: "When I made these comments, I had neither seen the film nor read the books.

“I was promoting a comedy short film that I had made for Xbox and every pop culture subject was seen as a possible comedy target. I was being silly and none of the statements were from the heart.

"Of course, I have since seen the movie and read the books and was quickly consumed with the rich storytelling and the beautifully honest characters that Stephenie Meyer created.

I would like to reassure everyone involved that I am invested in making the best film that I am humanly capable of, and that I am acutely aware of the power of the original books we serve.

“Please be rest assured this statement is absolutely from the heart."

We believe you, DS – let’s hope the fans do too. Twilighters can be dangerous when angered…

For the movie, Slade will get his, uh, teeth into the meaty plotline about Victoria’s undead army and a wave of related killings around Forks.

Sounds perfect for the man who made the vampirical 30 Days Of Night, which might be why Summit picked him.

It’ll be darker for sure, and aside from the 'newborn' vamp army, most of the casting is already done for him, so he can concentrate on getting the atmospherics right for Melissa Rosenberg’s script.

Slade was just one of several directors considered, including The Orphanage’s Juan Antonio Bayona and 3:10 To Yuma’s James Mangold.

Other names considered? Try Drew Barrymore. No, really – after making her directorial debut with roller derby comedy drama Whip It. She chucked her name into the ring as a possibility, but nothing came of it…

Maybe she could reapply for Breaking Dawn. It’ll have to be greenlit first, though…

Next: Greet The Dawn...