Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson were iconic in the roles of Bella and Edward in The Twilight Saga, but who would play these parts today?
Reimagining a franchise without its original cast is difficult, especially with one as iconic as The Twilight Saga. Fans will never forget the famous trio of Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner, as well as the rest of the commendable cast, who all shot to fame after their time in the Twilight films.
However, as a thought experiment, what would the films look like if they just came out today? Who would be cast if auditions were held right now? It’s quite difficult to decipher which rising actors would fill the shoes of the supernatural saga’s characters.
Bella: Katherine Langford
Katherine Langford should definitely be given the chance to portray Bella Swan. Audiences have seen this young and talented 25 year-old graduate who grew into quite the impressive actor over the past few years.
Her first notable (and controversial) role was Hannah Baker on 13 Reasons Why, followed by her roles in Love, Simon, Knives Out and most recently, Netflix’s Cursed, just to name a few. In particular, her role as Hannah involves a wide range of emotions, as the character grapples with indescribable pain. If she were to play Bella, Langford would similarly tackle this character’s perspective skillfully.
Edward: Tom Holland
The handsome Tom Holland could no doubt nail the role of the effortlessly attractive, mysterious, enigmatic Edward Cullen. Although Holland is most well known for his current role as the MCU’s Spider Man, which certainly proves his ability to convincingly play teenage characters, he has other expertise that would prove essential here as well.
The 25 year-old actor has delivered spectacular stage and film performances since an early age, with his role as Lucas in TheImpossible being one of his most acclaimed. Holland’s ability to capture raw emotions and draw in audiences with his status as a heartthrob all contributes to a successful recasting of the famous vampire.
Jacob: Hunter Page-Lochard
It should be noted that not just anybody should play the youthful werewolf, Jacob Black. However, Hunter Page-Lochard, a 27 tear-old rising actor of Aboriginal Australian and American descent, could easily own the role. Although, similarly to how Taylor Lautner undergoes a strict diet and exercise routine, any actor taking on the brawny character would have to know that they’d most likely go through that as well.
Page-Lochard is best known for his roles in Around The Block (where he starred alongside Christina Ricci) and as the lead on ABC’s sci-fi drama series Cleverman. The actor has proven his wide range in both theater and film performances, and catching a big break like Jacob Black will showcase his talents even more.
Charlie: John Krasinski
John Krasinski shouldn’t be underestimated for his talents as an actor. Viewers most recently saw him in the father role in A Quiet Place, which further showed his ability to portray the caring, protective dad that Chief Charlie Swan is. He is also currently the star of the political thriller series, Jack Ryan.
Charlie’s character is also known for his comical moments with his daughter, Krasinski wouldn’t have a problem nailing this trait. Fans of him should recall his comedic role in The Office as Jim. All-in-all, Krasinski has the ability to embrace Charlie’s awkward yet sweet personality.
Alice: Margaret Qualley
The brilliant Margaret Qualley is becoming quite the formidable talent in the film industry. Her youthful face and physique, along with the variety of roles she’s taken on in the past, would contribute to her success in playing the fun, smart, and caring psychic, Alice Cullen.
The 26 year-old Qualley was recently seen as one of the Manson family members in Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. On the top of her growing list of roles, she remarkably portrayed the wife of a detective in Amazon Prime’s Seberg, alongside Kristen Stewart. Due to Qualley’s background as a former dancer, she will gracefully play Alice’s physical and emotional qualities perfectly. Not to mention the idea that Qualley’s bright eyes would certainly look great with golden contact lenses.
Rosalie: Hailee Steinfeld
Gifted with her signature spunk, Hailee Steinfeld would certainly make a riveting Rosalie Cullen. Put a blonde wig on her, and the 24 year-old Steinfeld could strongly carry Rosalie’s stature as well.
Steinfeld’s talent as both a singer and an actor will help her explore Rosalie’s complex persona. Many remember her roles as the young, determined teenager in True Grit or the funny, awkward, and sweet Emily in Pitch Perfect 2, but Steinfeld also portrayed Juliet Capulet in the 2013 remake of Romeo and Juliet. All of Steinfeld’s various roles are proof that she can tackle Rosalie’s hidden traits.
