Twilight Original Cast Member Responds to Netflix’s Animated Reboot of $3.3 Billion Franchise

Gil Birmingham, known for his role in the beloved Twilight franchise, recently expressed his astonishment regarding the upcoming animated adaptation of the series. Birmingham, who is also recognized for his character Chief Thomas Rainwater on *Yellowstone*, portrayed Billy Black, the father of Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner), throughout the immensely successful film series that amassed over $3 billion globally. After a period of relative silence since the conclusion of the Twilight Saga, it is exciting to note that a new animated show based on the franchise is under development for Netflix.

In a conversation with Grant Hermanns from *Screen Rant*, Birmingham shared his candid thoughts about the news, revealing his surprise at the franchise’s continued popularity. His comments reflect on the deep connection that fans still have with the *Twilight* series and his experiences meeting them.

“I’m just finding that, I didn’t know they were doing that. You know, Twilight seems to live on. I’m so surprised, even in the fanbase, when I’m out about town, and I’ll just assume it’s Yellowstone fans. I’ll get approached, and it’s a bunch of Twilight fans. I actually did a festival up in Forks, Washington just a couple of months ago, and it’d been about 10 years since I did any kind of Twilight convention. You know, 1000 people showed up from Brazil and New Zealand and Argentina, and they were just avid fans, and spent all this money just to travel, to come to this thing, and I had such an appreciation of their passion for it. Something spoke to them, and I think it’s always about connection and community. They found somebody that they share a passion with, and they make lifelong friends. I think it’s a beautiful thing to be a part of, but it’s the first time I’m hearing about the animation.”

Understanding the Twilight Animated Series and Birmingham’s Insights

Midnight Sun Takes Center Stage

Bella, played by Kristen Stewart, between Edward, played by Robert Pattinson, and Jacob, played by Taylor Lautner, in Eclipse

Published in 2020, *Midnight Sun* serves as a companion novel to the original *Twilight*, reimagining the story from the perspective of the vampire Edward Cullen. The series is being produced by Lionsgate TV, which acquired the franchise and other properties when it purchased Summit Entertainment. While details concerning the release date and voice cast are not yet disclosed, Birmingham’s insights underscore the significant interest in a new portrayal of *Twilight*, distinct from the initial films.

Our Perspective on the Twilight Animated Series

An Ambitious Venture

The shift towards an animated *Twilight* could have rivaled the upcoming live-action *Harry Potter* series if they had chosen to pursue a more traditional adaptation of the original novels. However, Netflix’s decision to produce an animated version of *Midnight Sun* presents a lower-risk alternative that could also provide a fresh creative perspective on this iconic story.

Engagement with established fanbases
Opportunity for creative innovation
Potential to introduce the saga to a new generation

As the project unfolds, it may strike a perfect balance between nostalgia and modern storytelling, capturing the essence of the *Twilight* experience while appealing to both longtime and new fans.

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