'Twilight' produces Comic-Con squealing

As I sit in Comic-Con's Hall H, watching the room empty -- Sorry, The Rock and your Disney family remake -- I wonder if the event's organizers had any awareness at all of just how big Twilight is. I'm not sure I did.

In three years of attending Comic-Con and spending whole days locked in Hall H, I've experienced many a rowdy panel full of dedicated fans. I've seen audiences react to their first glimpse of Venom (the Spider-Man 3 villain, not the 2005 horror dud), to a funny Kevin Smith one-liner and, just hours ago, to the surprise arrival of Mr. Hugh Jackman. I've never seen or heard a reaction that rivals what just took place for Twilight.

In an effort to get the crowd to watch panels for Push (which actually looks surprisingly cool) and Knowing (which looks like Next meets The Number 23... and not in a good way), Summit Entertainment held Twilight for the end, but managed to generate bedlam whenever they paused.

The majority of the cast -- no Peter Facinelli or Elisabeth Reaser -- hit the stage to ever-escalating noise. Given that the crowd was largely composed of teenage girls -- and more than a few older women very in-touch with their inner teenage girls -- the loudest cheers went to Taylor Lautner (who's too small to play Jacob, if you ask me), Robert Pattinson (a totally appropriate Edward) and Cam Gigandet (who I will never forgive for his role in the death of Marissa Cooper).

The fans, many festooned in "Team Edward" and "Team Jacob" t-shirts (some homemade, others adorned with the iron-ons that came with many copies of the last book), didn't need an excuse to bellow in voices that probably pierced many an eardrum. They squealed for the actors' names, for every mention of their characters, for every second their faces appeared on the Hi-Def screens.

Their not-so-barbaric yawps failed to discriminate, in fact, between actor and character.

"I love you Robert!"

"I love you Edward!"

"I love you Taylor!"

"I love you Jacob!"

It was all the same.

And, to be honest, the reactions from the actors on the panel ranged from bewildered to bemused to absolutely terrified. The most composed actors, by far, were Rachelle Lefevre and Edi Gathegi (Big Love!), seasoned professionals who seemed glad to have the attention.

All the right words were spoken.

"When I read Stephanie's book, I fell in love with it like you guys did, so I just want to see it come to the screen," director Catherine Hardwicke said. "I want to see Bella and Edward breathing and living."

WOO!!!

"I'd say you guys are our inspiration," Lautner said. "You guys are amazing. The fans being behind us is the driving force and we're here for you and we'll looking forward to bring your book to life."

WOO!!

Only one clip was screened for the Comic-Con faithful, a sequence from the end of the film in which Gigandet's James corners Kristen Stewart's Bella in an empty ballet studio. Much of the dialogue was straight from Stephenie Meyer's book and hardly a beat went by without yips and yaps from the audience. If this was any indication of how the movie will play in its opening weekend, multiplexes may need to soundproof the abutting theaters. Because good gracious.

The floor was quickly turned over to crowd questions and the tone was set early.

Question #1: "I just want to know how it is to portray super-hot vampires in the movie for all the actors..."

To which Pattinson responded, "I don't know if I am playing that."

Not surprisingly, Lefevre had the best answer, replying, "I think the reason we're all reluctant to answer that is because we don't see ourselves in that way. But vampires are extraordinary powerful and there's something really sexy about having that much power."

WOO!!!

Pattinson frequently found himself on the spot because, as one interrogator put it, "How do you feel being one of the most wanted guys in America? Because I want YOU baby!"

WOO!!!

Pattinson's squirmy answer, "Ummm... Well, you know, I reckon most people, if you talk to me for two minutes... It's filling a void in my life. I need the love. I think. I need something."

Every question from the crowd came from a female fan and more than a few sported braces. The oldest questioner was a self-described Twilight Mom, who had the lewdest query of the panel, trying to get Lautner and Pattinson to commit to their preferences in underwear.

No answer given. Sorry.

What else did we learn from the panel?

Stewart wasn't always a fan of the books, saying, "I don't know where I was living, under a big boulder rock, but I hadn't heard of the book before Catherine came to me with the script."

Maybe that's why Stewart -- recipient of more than a few "We love you Bella!" -- was the least comfortable person on the panel. Or maybe it was because she just watched herself get tossed around like a rag doll on the big screen.

"I kind of get off on stuff like that... Physicality..." Stewart insisted. "The harder thing than getting thrown into columns and getting thrown into mirrors was being clumsy on cue, not that I have any problems with that when I'm chillin'."

What else?

The soundtrack will include a song by Muse and music by Pattinson.

And, as of now, Jacob has no problems with Edward. Or at least Lautner's cool with Pattinson.

"I hate to say it, but in real life I have nothing against Rob," Lautner said. "He's a great guy. I don't know about his feelings."

We also learned that for Meyer, Bella is less of an alter ego and more of a daughter and that she sees more Edward in herself.

And as for Meyer's favorite Bella-Edward scene, the author would only tease, "My favorite Edward and Bella scene is in Book 4."

I'm still finishing the third book, but from the clamor in the room, a lot of people can't wait for that scene.

Oh and if you're curious, I'm Team Switzerland. I think Edward's a bit of a mope, but Jacob? Really? You can't date a dog! [I kid. I secretly hope that Bella chooses herself.]

Comments

Great article! Thanks for sharing!! :)

Natalie | Jul 24, 2008 5:00:45 PM | #

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Was the word "t-shits" on purpose? I think people spent a lot of time on those...

Lucie | Jul 24, 2008 5:39:31 PM | #

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Lucie - Nope. Total typo that was the factor of wanting to write the story up ASAP and low blood sugar.

My apologies.

I actually took pictures of a couple of the t-shirts and they'll be up in our Zap2it Comic-Con gallery a little later, I hope...

-Daniel

Daniel | Jul 24, 2008 5:50:13 PM | #

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Oh, and I attended the Twilight roundtables, so I'll give you highlights from that as well. Check this blog later.

Hanh (fellow Zap2it blogger) | Jul 24, 2008 7:04:43 PM | #

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Is it safe to say that Twilight is the most anticipated December release since the LOTR series?

Rishi | Jul 24, 2008 7:07:00 PM | #

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haha i really wanted to go!!
but i live in mexico soo...
hey im switzerland too!!
OMG!! i would be soo happy to have the oportunity of seeing rob and taylor
<3!!!

karla | Jul 24, 2008 7:30:46 PM | #

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It's Pattinson not Pattison.

Lauren | Jul 24, 2008 8:06:35 PM | #

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woot great article!

I wish I could have gone =[[

go twilighters anyway!!!

becca | Jul 24, 2008 8:07:42 PM | #

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Nice article!! Really hope 2 c some pics :D!! YAY Team Switzerland!!!

Wish i was there :(

Steph | Jul 24, 2008 8:12:54 PM | #

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I was thereee and indeed i did scream for everyyyone, especially rob and taylor. It was unbelievable <3

Sarah Jo !! | Jul 24, 2008 8:18:24 PM | #

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He answered the boxers or briefs question: It's briefs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z81hJp_-OhY

Natalie | Jul 24, 2008 8:32:48 PM | #

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Hmmm I though he said boxers. Because doesn't he say "does anybody actually wear briefs anymore?" or something like that? Idk it's really hard to hear.

Lauren | Jul 24, 2008 8:42:40 PM | #

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Thanks for the boxers/briefs clarification, y'all. Let's just say I was surrounded by a VERY passionate group from Team Edward and there were occasional stuttered answers and asides that I couldn't get anywhere near...

It was quite entertaining to be in the middle of that...

-Daniel

Daniel | Jul 24, 2008 9:56:03 PM | #

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Not to turn the convo to something totally different, but Daniel I am up there with you on the death of Marissa Cooper. I wanted that bastard's head worse than Ryan did.

Back to Twilight... I own the first two books and plan on reading them once I finish the my other serial novels (Dark Tower, GG, etc...) I want to have them finished by the time the movie premieres, but I might have to go hide in a cave to hide from inevitable spoilers...

Mark O. Estes | Jul 24, 2008 11:05:54 PM | #

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I LOVED THE COMI CON THING!!! TOTALLY AWESOME!!!!

Twilighter0000000001 | Jul 24, 2008 11:21:52 PM | #

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Woooooo for team Switzerland!

On a completely different topic: Some of those twilight fans are freaking nuts. They make us normal people who love the books look bad :P

Jess | Jul 24, 2008 11:29:11 PM | #

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I was there... it was great... what else can be said?

Oh... I hope that she makes a choice... I'm tired of the "I choose me" endings lately.

Janeen | Jul 24, 2008 11:50:53 PM | #

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great report. and hey, you've actually read the books! unlike most bloggers. =)

redgie | Jul 25, 2008 12:45:36 AM | #

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Thanks so much for sharing this with us. I can't even imagine what it's going to be like on the 12th of december. It's going to be insane,there are a lot of people who can't wait for this movie. Personally i can't wait for the 2nd of august cause it's closer but i do think they did a great job with picking the characters cam is a great james and robert chanels edward like it's nobody's business. kristen seems a little bored all the time but other than that she's great. And catherine is the best director ever she's always excited. So,loving all the twilight news that are appearing everywhere. :D Go Twilight!

Maya | Jul 25, 2008 1:47:04 AM | #

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YOU DID a GREAT JOB !!! <3

Leyla | Jul 25, 2008 5:09:01 AM | #

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LOVEEEE ITTTTT

Jessica Minozzo | Jul 25, 2008 5:31:14 AM | #

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Thanks for fixing Rob's last name :D

Lauren | Jul 25, 2008 7:50:42 AM | #

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I am so deeply confused. Couldn't even make it through book one. ::Yawn:: I get the trope of forbidden love being an easy sell w/ teenage girls, but the writing is...not that great. Dan Brown for the mall rat set, so far as I can make out. Our civilization is in serious decline -- like our economy. (Tangent guery: Wonder what Chinese teen chick lit looks like these days?)

brainylagirl | Jul 25, 2008 9:27:05 AM | #

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HEYY!!!!!! love the article! im soooooooo team edward! I love the whole cast!I cant wait 4 breaking dawn and this movie to come out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i wish i was there :(
and i dont c how u can choose switzerland! why would she be by herself?!??!?! plus edward is PERFECT! why wouldnt she choose him? shednever date a DOG! plus she alreay choose edward in eclipse!!!!!!
GO TEAM EDWARD!!!!!!
sorry jacob lovers :)
i love the whole cast! this movie is gonna rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:)

twilightgirl | Jul 25, 2008 9:48:37 AM | #

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Great article! Thanks for summing up the madness for those of us who are no longer wearing braces yet are in love with those books and characters. Team Edward here! :)

Melanie | Jul 25, 2008 10:46:10 AM | #

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