Robert Pattinson has opened up about finally being able to look back on the Twilight film series with genuine fondness, after years of grappling with the overwhelming hysteria that surrounded the franchise. The 39-year-old actor achieved international stardom through his portrayal of the vampire Edward Cullen in The Twilight saga, starring opposite his then-girlfriend Kristen Stewart, who played Bella Swan.
The Twilight Phenomenon and Its Enduring Legacy
The five films, adapted from Stephanie Meyer's novels which recently marked their 25th anniversary, were released between 2008 and 2012. They catapulted Pattinson, Stewart, and co-star Taylor Lautner to global fame, generating over $3.4 billion in worldwide box office revenue and cementing Twilight as a definitive pop culture phenomenon.
According to an interview with The Mirror, Pattinson shared: 'At the time I wanted to move on, but as I have got older and the hysteria has died down, I actually look back on Twilight with really fond feelings.' He acknowledged the franchise's persistent influence, noting: 'I am still asked about Twilight more than I am asked about anything else, the impact it still has on fans is huge.'
New Generations of Fans and Past Struggles
The actor highlighted how streaming services have introduced the saga to a fresh wave of enthusiasts. 'Due to streaming services there is the new wave of fans. I get asked about it by people who were barely born at the time the first film came out,' he remarked. However, Pattinson admitted that the peak of Twilight mania was challenging, recalling it was a 'weekly occurrence' for fans to request he bite them as if he truly were the vampire Edward Cullen.
'That was why I was so keen at the time to move on from those films. I really didn’t cope at all,' he confessed. Reflecting on the experience, Pattinson expressed a preference for the first film, as the intense fan frenzy had not yet begun, allowing the cast to 'enjoy the experience for everything it was.'
Career Evolution and Personal Milestones
Following the Twilight series, Pattinson shifted towards independent cinema, earning critical acclaim for roles in films such as Good Time and The Lighthouse. He later returned to blockbuster cinema, taking on the iconic role of Bruce Wayne in The Batman. The Twilight films themselves have moved from Netflix to NBCUniversal’s Peacock platform, continuing their accessibility to audiences.
Embracing Fatherhood and Relationship Speculation
In the same interview, Pattinson also discussed becoming a father, having welcomed a daughter with model Suki Waterhouse in March 2024. The couple, who got engaged in 2023, are rumoured to be married. Pattinson described fatherhood as bringing 'so much fun, so much joy, so much laughter,' adding that he has learned to be more patient, though he emphasized there is no handbook to parenthood and he is simply learning as he goes.
Recently, Pattinson seemingly hinted at a secret marriage to Waterhouse during the premiere of his new film The Drama alongside Zendaya. When asked about the biggest secret he has ever kept, Pattinson, who attended with Waterhouse, cryptically stated: 'It's the same one that you have,' amid renewed speculation they may have quietly tied the knot. Zendaya, who has also faced rumours of a secret marriage to partner Tom Holland, responded vaguely, saying: 'Nothing that comes to mind,' though she has been seen wearing a simple gold band alongside her engagement ring.
