Will Netflix’s ‘Twilight’ Spinoff Ruin the Magic of ‘Midnight Sun’?

The long-anticipated return of ‘The Twilight Saga’ to Netflix can only signal one exciting event: the Twilight phenomenon has commenced anew! All five cinematic adaptations – ‘Twilight’ (2008), ‘The Twilight Saga: New Moon’ (2009), ‘The Twilight Saga: Eclipse’ (2010), ‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1’ (2011), and ‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2’ (2012) – are now streaming on Netflix for an extended period. This series is derived from the novel series penned by Stephenie Meyer, with the latest addition to the franchise, ‘Midnight Sun‘, debuting in a fresh animated Netflix series.

In September 2024, Lionsgate Productions and Netflix declared that Meyer’s 2020 novel will be transformed into an animated series for their streaming service, marking the first adaptation related to Twilight since the saga concluded in 2012. To clarify, this isn’t a reboot per se, but rather a fresh retelling of the storyline.

In simpler terms, “Midnight Sun” is a book that follows the same story as “Twilight,” but from the perspective of Edward Cullen (played by Robert Pattinson in the movies). Unlike the original books, which were narrated by Isabella Swan (Kristen Stewart’s character), this novel lets readers see the events unfold from Edward’s point of view as he navigates his relationship with Bella.

This book offers fans a fresh and significant perspective on Edward’s inner conflicts, and an animated version provides a chance to incorporate scenes from the initial novel that were missing in the 2008 film, as well as events focusing on the Cullen family that provide a more profound understanding of their relationships. Of course, this new adaptation allows fans to witness Edward in all his dramatic splendor.

‘Midnight Sun’ Needs To Explore the Depth of Edward’s Attraction to Bella’s Blood

In the iconic moment from the 2008 film Twilight, it’s hard to forget when Bella Swan strolls into her biology class. Catching Edward Cullen looking rather distressed, a fan stirs Bella’s hair, causing her unique scent to waft towards him. As if smelling the foulest odor imaginable, Edward quickly covers his mouth. They are assigned as lab partners, and throughout the scene, Edward maintains a grim expression while Bella questions if she might have overlooked applying deodorant that day.

In Twilight and Midnight Sun, Edward experiences an intense, unrelenting craving whenever he senses Bella’s blood. The latter novel provides readers with his perspective and a comprehensive insight into the intensity of his desire for her. It also reveals that while sitting near her, he contemplated strategies to entice her out of class so he could kill her, or alternatively, consider eliminating everyone in the school to ensure no one witnessed his actions.

Edward Disappears in ‘Twilight,’ and ‘Midnight Sun’ Reveals Where He Went

After leaving biology class, Edward departs town to keep clear of Bella. He stays with the Denali coven, a group known from “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1,” which includes Tanya, Kate, Carmen, and Eleazar, who reside in Denali, Alaska. In the original novels, Tanya has had feelings for Edward for years, but he never reciprocated. Since he can read minds, he’s aware of her feelings, yet this doesn’t impact how he feels about her. If an animated series is developed, it may be beneficial to introduce these characters early on since they didn’t appear until the fourth film, especially if multiple seasons of “Midnight Sun” are planned. In simpler terms, Edward goes to stay with a group known as the Denali coven in Alaska, where Tanya, who has been interested in him for years, resides. This group was introduced in the movie “Breaking Dawn – Part 1,” and if an animated series is made based on the novels or “Midnight Sun,” it might be beneficial to present them early.

The Cullen Family Dynamic Can Be Explored Further in the Netflix Animated Series

The Midnight Sun abounds with comedic and poignant family scenes that offer a profound look into the dynamics of the Cullen clan and their affection for one another. The animated series might depict their joyous instances, such as Edward playing the tune he composed for Esme on the piano while she listens. It could also portray more somber moments, like a family gathering to discuss Edward’s rescue of Bella from the car accident, which could have revealed their true identities.

In the story, there’s a moment where the family convenes a vote on whether Bella should continue living. Rosalie and Jasper favor her demise, while Edward disagrees. Interestingly, this is the instance where Alice foresees Bella transforming into a vampire, an intriguing detail that could be incorporated in the upcoming animated adaptation.

‘Midnight Sun’ Explains the Relationship Between the Cullens and the Werewolves

In “Twilight,” Jacob shares information with Bella regarding the Quileute tribe and their link to werewolves, which she doesn’t fully grasp as she’s focusing on learning more about Edward and his kin. He explains the truce between the Cullens and the Quileutes, a pact ensuring peaceful coexistence without interfering in each other’s affairs. In “Midnight Sun,” Stephenie Meyer delves deeper into the dynamic between vampires and werewolves, showcasing their harmonious interaction more extensively. Introducing scenes like these in the series could offer insight into their amicable relationship prior to Bella becoming part of the story.

Edward’s Perspective on the Confrontation With James

I’m thrilled that Stephenie Meyer decided to give us a glimpse into Edward’s perspective in “Midnight Sun”, especially after the clash with James. This novel allows us to fill in the blanks about what happened during Bella’s unconsciousness, which was a long-standing curiosity among fans. In this new edition, we get to witness the tender moment when Emmett expresses his affection for Bella, and Edward recognizes the deep care that the Cullen family has for her as they rush her to the hospital.

Upon reaching the hospital, Bella is attended to, and Edward delivers a humorous, sarcastic remark about her blood having a distinct scent following some transfusions. Edward then encounters Renee, Bella’s mother, who finds her thoughts unusually loud and criticizes her for letting Bella grow up on her own. Over the ensuing pages, Edward begins contemplating his departure from Bella, after potentially endangering her with James. Bella breaks down, demanding that Edward pledge not to abandon her, which he does, assuring her of his presence. Of course, we are all aware of what eventually transpires.

When Will ‘Midnight Sun’ Be Released and Will the Original Cast Return?

While I can’t quite predict when it’ll hit our screens, an animated adaptation of the beloved series is in the works, but it seems we might need to be patient for now. As for the original cast, there’s no definitive word yet, though Taylor Lautner, who played Jacob Black, has shared his reluctance about the project during a chat with Chicks in the Office. Keep your eyes peeled for updates as they roll in, and let’s hope the original stars decide to revisit Meyer’s captivating universe someday. In the meantime, immerse yourself in the Twilight Saga on Netflix!

2025-05-21 00:35