LOS ANGELES — The vampire romance “Twilight” drained the box office in its opening weekend, taking in $70.6 million.
Catherine Hardwicke’s film also enjoyed the biggest opening ever for a female director, blowing away the previous standard of $41.1 million set by Mimi Leder’s “Deep Impact” in 1998.
Drawing from its huge fan base of teenage girls, who fell for Stephenie Meyer’s novel of forbidden love between brooding vampire Edward Cullen and bookish high schooler Bella Swan, “Twilight” made a whopping $20,636 per theater, according to Sunday morning estimates.
And the fangirls will get another taste soon enough: Summit Entertainment, which released “Twilight,” announced during the weekend that it’s going ahead with production of “New Moon,” based on the second book in Meyer’s internationally best-selling series. Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart will return as its star-crossed lovers, but whether Hardwicke will be at the helm again is still being determined.
The laid-back Hardwicke, who went bodyboarding at sunset Saturday to take her mind off this high-pressure weekend, said Sunday morning that she was heading to a meeting later in the day to discuss her possible involvement in “New Moon.”
“I want to be sure that it’s going to be done right. I don’t want to rush into it,” she said. “It’s not like ‘Friday the 13th’ or ‘Halloween,’ you can’t just do it super fast and knock another one out. I want to understand their plans and all that.”
Hardwicke, whose previous films include “Thirteen” and “Lords of Dogtown,” also said she was thrilled about the prospect that the success of “Twilight” will inspire other women and young girls to pursue a career in filmmaking.
Entertainment
‘Twilight’ sucks up $70.6M in box office debut
- Entertainment
-
-
Concert to benefit Riley will feature 28 performers May 26
A group of Elkhart area performers will provide a variety of entertainment in a concert to benefit Riley Children’s Hospital, Indianapolis, at the Goshen Theater today.
-
Goshen music venue offers an intimate experience
From the front row at the Ignition Garage you can reach out and touch your favorite musician on stage. From the back row, you’re still within eye-contact range.
-
Choirs to perform Sunday at Goshen College
Two Goshen College Community School of the Arts (CSA) children’s choirs will perform as part of the Spring CSA Showcase Concert Sunday at 4 p.m. in Goshen College Music Center’s Sauder Concert Hall.
-
'Beloved Dearly' to be performed at Bethany Christian Middle School
Bethany Christian Middle School students will perform Doug Cooney's "The Beloved Dearly" at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
-
GC graduate in concert Friday
Ruthmere’s Spring Culture Series performance Friday will feature a violin concert by Elspeth Stalter, a recent Goshen College graduate.
-
Flying high in Shipshe
Look at what’s going up. Look at what’s coming down — and then, perhaps, eat it.
Those are two of many entertainment options available Saturday in Shipshewana. -
Website: Glen Campbell to perform during fair
The Rhinestone Cowboy may be riding into Goshen.
The website hotlist.com reports that Glen Campbell will perform during the Elkhart County 4-H Fair Wednesday, July 25, at 7 p.m. -
'Zoo Zoo' to be performed at Goshen College
Portland, Ore.-based Imago Theater will present “Zoo Zoo” as part of Goshen College’s 2011-12 Performing Arts Series season April 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m. in the college’s Umble Center.
-
Goshen College concerts announced
Emmylou Harris, the Del McCoury Band and Lea Salonga are among the highlights of the 2012-13 season of the Goshen College Performing Arts Series.
-
GC Symphony Orchestra to perform Friday
The Goshen College Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Assistant Professor of Music Christopher Fashun, will present its spring concert in Goshen College Music Center’s Sauder Concert Hall Friday at 7:30 p.m.
- More Entertainment Headlines
-
Concert to benefit Riley will feature 28 performers May 26
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
Raw Video: Fight Erupts in Ukrainian Parliament
Texan Ranchers Remain Wary of Drought
Raw Video: Soldiers Plant Flags at Arlington
Police: Man Arrested in Etan Patz Disappearance
NYC Protests: the Revolution Will Be Scripted
Chicago U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald Resigns
