While the
"Twilight Saga" may be giving us some of the biggest blockbusters of its time, most of the series' stars are indie actors at heart. It's no surprise, then, that this week's Sundance Film Festival will unveil three highly anticipated films for Twilighters: "The Runaways," "Welcome to the Rileys" and "Skateland."
In 2010, however, that's just the tip of the iceberg. From blockbusters to indies, quirky love stories to serious dramas, the "Twilight" gang is branching out. With that in mind, here are the top 10 "Twilight"-related movies of 2010 (release dates subject to change, of course). How many will you be lining up to see?
"The Runaways" (March 19)
What more can we write about this eagerly anticipated biopic covering the '70s rockers who broke boundaries, hearts and more than a few pieces of their own equipment?
Kristen Stewart rocks out alongside
Dakota Fanning, Scout Taylor-Compton and Alia Shawkat, and if the
trailer we premiered last month is any indication, this film could prove to the haters that KStew is a lot more than just Bella Swan. Kristen as Joan Jett? Put another dime in the jukebox, baby.
"Remember Me" (March 12)
All of Hollywood is asking one simple question these days: Can
Rob Pattinson open a non-"Twilight" movie? We'll find out soon enough, as he stars alongside
Emilie de Ravin in this romantic drama that similarly involves family, tragedy and issues of eternal love — but minus the bloodsucking.
"Warrior" (TBD)
Kellan Lutz finally lands his first starring role in this indie film about a lacrosse player who reacts to his father's death by rebelling against anything he can find — until his dad's old Marine buddy becomes determined to straighten him out. Besides the fact that it gives "Twilight" fans a double dose of their favorite stars, there's something oddly fascinating about the fact that
Ashley Greene plays Kellan's girlfriend.
"Welcome to the Rileys" (TBD)
James Gandolfini is Doug, a man whose life is in shambles since his daughter was killed eight years ago.
Kristen Stewart is Mallory, a 16-year-old stripper who offers him sex — but all he wants is someone to be with while he gets his head together. As Doug's wife also comes into the equation, the couple find themselves acting as surrogate parents for the wayward teen. All reports are that it's KStew's most adult role yet — and we'll learn plenty more soon enough as the Sundance reports roll in.
"Girlfriend" (TBD)
Like so many of his franchise co-stars,
Jackson Rathbone will aim to bust out as a leading man in 2010. This
intense indie film has Jacksper playing a man caught up in an unorthodox love triangle involving a man with Down syndrome. Jackson is providing the soundtrack through his band 100 Monkeys, and if their music is any indication this will be a film that isn't afraid to take some risks.
"Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" (TBD)
Even if "Twilight" star
Anna Kendrick weren't in this, it would still be one of our most anticipated films of the year. Based on the beloved Bryan Lee O'Malley graphic novels, the movie focuses on a 23-year-old slacker (
Michael Cera) who falls in love with a girl (
Mary Elizabeth Winstead) but has to battle her seven evil ex-boyfriends if he wants to get a chance with her. Kendrick has said the film is "really fun" and that she spends the whole movie
screaming at Michael Cera on the phone — sounds good enough for us!
"Eclipse" (June 30)
It's the big kahuna, the top dog, the whole enchilada. And so far, virtually nothing has been released that gives us any indication of what David Slade's "Twilight" movie will be like. Who are we kidding? We're there anyway.
"Valentine's Day" (February 12)
OK, so half of Hollywood is in this movie. But the two that "Twilight" fans will care about most are
Taylor Swift and
Taylor Lautner — in his first post-"Saga" acting appearance. It promises to be this year's "He's Just Not That Into You," and all indications are that the Taylors have a
small amount of screen time. But they spend it
making out — so how can you not be curious?
"The Last Airbender" (July 2)
Now we all understand why they dropped "Avatar" from the title. But although this M. Night Shyamalan-directed adaptation of the popular kids' franchise might not make a billion dollars, it still seems likely to be the biggest non-"Twilight" blockbuster that any of the franchise's alumni will be involved with this year.
Jackson Rathbone stars as Sokka, a warrior who wields swords and martial arts as powerfully as Jasper Hale does that creepy stare.
"Skateland" (TBD)
Over the last few years, it's been fascinating to watch all the "Twilight" stars navigate their own unique paths from obscurity to ubiquity. Miss Ashley Greene has used her fashion sense and well-spoken demeanor to make the most out of her minimal screen time as Alice Cullen — and now she may be ready to take the next step with this '80s drama about a small-town Texas skating rink. Lucky Twilighters venturing to Sundance will be able to catch a sneak peek of the flick, which should prove that Ashley is ready to take off the training wheels.
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