A ‘Twilight’ TV Show Is an Opportunity To Fix the Movies’ Biggest Problems

There’s no question that there were some problematic ideas within the Twilight books and the movie franchise. Arguably the most egregious of these was the appropriation of the Quileute tribe, a real tribe who were fictionalized as shape-shifting werewolves in the Twilight saga. In a new series, the mistakes made regarding the Quileute Nation could be rectified, with harmful depictions and distortions avoided, thus changing an integral part of the Twilight story for the better. The importance of representation should also reflect research on the real world Native people who live in the area. In this way, a TV show could be a wise way forward for the saga.

Another mistake in the existing Twilight franchise was the characterization of Edward. Edward has a habit of stalking Bella, to the extent that he sneaks into her room at night without her knowledge. This is portrayed as romantic evidence of his irresistible love for her. However, it’s hard not to see it in 2024 as something that is highly problematic, and by its nature is conduct that Bella cannot consent to. A new series creates the opportunity to right these wrongs, and even use it as a chance to have a conversation about consent and abuse. As this is one of the biggest parts of the book that hasn’t aged well, a new series could offer a new take on their romance.
Finally, there is the question of the infamous CGI baby — and her inappropriate relationship with Jacob. Her appearance is the subject of many hilarious memes. This horrifying spectacle was intended to be a beautiful, otherworldly half-vampire child. Unfortunately, this was not the case, and CGI baby “Renesmee” (Bella and Edward’s child) looked nightmarish. But aside from the CGI, the truly appalling development was when adult Jacob “imprinted” on baby Renesmee.

Twilight lore says that imprinting involves a shape-shifter meeting their soulmate, and becoming intensely attached to them for life. Although this attachment is supposedly platonic if the person imprinted on is underaged, the clear power dynamic at the heart of the relationship is hard to ignore with the age gap. Renesmee never consented to this devoted attention, and she could be vulnerable to manipulation in a romantic relationship as she gets older. The new series could rewrite this by changing how imprinting works or making it reciprocal. Certainly, a TV show could improve this unwelcome element of the Twilight universe.

‘Twilight’s Gloomy, Dark Tone Fits in With Today’s Trends

With the green-blue tones of the first film being particularly iconic, the existing five Twilight movies really lean into a deliciously self-indulgent gloomy world of pining teens and angsty emotions. The soundtrack, which looked to rock band Muse as its key reference, along with the stunning misty vistas of North America, plus the emotional-laden acting, all combined to form a fantastically Gothic aesthetic. The series could certainly maintain the essence of the movies.

This theatrically somber aesthetic can also be seen in hit shows like Wednesday, Stranger Things, and in darker moments, Euphoria, all of which have taken the world by storm. Therefore, the upcoming Twilight series could take note of shows such as these, devising an updated version of Twilight’s signature melancholy, which judging by the ongoing popularity of such YA shows with dark themes, there clearly is an appetite for. With a complicated love story, thrilling action sequences, and immortal glittering vampires, an update to the Twilight saga could reinvigorate the story and the book franchise. While there’s much to love about the original story, there’s always room for improvement.