Breaking Dawn Dilemma: What will it take for 2 films?

There has been nothing confirmed by Summit yet about 'Breaking Dawn', but Variety sheds some light on what may be the hold up on the go ahead:

The two-week $481 million worldwide gross of "New Moon" has vaulted Summit Entertainment into the big leagues, but it also has created a high-class challenge for toppers Rob Friedman and Patrick Wachsberger.

They will likely have to cut a few big checks if they decided, as rumored, to split Stephenie Meyer's final "Twilight" novel, "Breaking Dawn," into two pictures. Sources said Summit has set Melissa Rosenberg -- who wrote the first three films -- to finish the series, but Summit has to clear several hurdles before Rosenberg learns how many more scripts she'll write.

One of those hurdles is figuring out whether "New Moon" director Chris Weitz will respond favorably to overtures from the film company and the cast to shoot two more films, back to back.

Summit execs would not comment, but multiple sources said the company wants to go the two-film route, which means reopening negotiations and securing approval from the author. It also means making new deals with a principal cast that is only locked up for four films. If "Breaking Dawn" becomes two pictures, all of the key cast members will get fat raises, and the three principals -- Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner -- could land paydays in the eight-figure range.

That's what happened with key cast members when Warner Bros. extended its blockbuster "Harry Potter" franchise by turning J.K. Rowling's last book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," into two films that will be released in November 2010 and July 2011. The global success of the franchise made the paydays worthwhile.

While the solution to most of Summit's challenges will be determined by its willingness to open its wallet, the prospect of a Weitz return is more complicated.

After feeling violated by New Line's altering of his pic "The Golden Compass," Weitz said he felt redeemed and reinvigorated by the success of "New Moon." Yet, just before the film's release, Weitz was steadfast that he would next direct "The Gardener," a comparatively tiny film scripted by Eric Eason, with Paul Witt and Christian McLaughlin producing. At the time, he said Summit was in discussions to fund that film.

Summit hasn't closed a deal for "The Gardener," probably because the film company wants Weitz to postpone it and work on "Breaking Dawn" instead. Can Weitz resist the chance to finish a global franchise he helped build, even though it will mean more time away from his family for a long shoot? That's the question the helmer and his reps will weigh shortly. Though Summit hasn't officially made Weitz an offer, sources said the job is his if he wants it. After bringing in "New Moon" at around $50 million and keeping the cast happy, he's the logical choice.

I think it is obvious that I want 2 films, who doesn't? Anyone? No? Ok. I mean Summit has already made a shit load of money off this franchise...so they better shell out the dough for two films! Just sayin'...

Oh, and Chris, if you are reading this...PLEASE come back for Breaking Dawn!!!

via @larry411
Fan made Breaking Dawn poster found here

'Twilight' Stars Talk About What They Want for 'Breaking Dawn'

MTV talked with the stars at the New York Screening of 'New Moon' about their thoughts on Breaking Dawn:

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"If I had a wish list, Gus van Sant would be pretty cool," Peter Facinelli said, mirroring Robert Pattinson's director pick. "I just think he'd be an interesting choice for it. I mean, 'Milk' was phenomenal. I would just love to see 'Breaking Dawn' done, because I'd like to finish the whole chapter."

Ashley Greene said she wouldn't turn down the chance to split up "Breaking Dawn," if that's what the studio decides. "I think we all love being a part of this," she said. "And if making this into two films means we capture the essence of the fourth book better, then absolutely."

Nikki Reed agreed with Greene, noting that she just wants to see it get the green light before any other decisions are made. "It doesn't matter to me ... if they think that's what's best for the book, and if they don't think they can make it in one, then great," Reed said. "But I don't even know if they're making it."

So far, a new filmmaker has been at the helm of each "Twilight" movie, but that doesn't mean "New Moon" director Chris Weitz is against coming back if it works for him. "A lot depends on whether the fans and the studio and all of that, whether people would still like me to do it," he said. "And how my family feels about it."

Kellan Lutz wouldn't mind seeing Weitz back in the director's chair. "Out of the three, I'd love to see Chris Weitz come back," he said. "I just had so much fun shooting with him. I mean, obviously, I would just love to do ['Breaking Dawn']. There's no word. ... Hopefully we get that phone call, and if they want to make it into five movies, I just don't want it to end. I love my character so much."