‘Twilight’ saga may continue after fifth film, Lions Gate CEO says

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‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2’ may not be the end of Bella, Edward and Jacob’s on-screen journey, according to the head of the franchise’s new Hollywood home.

The chief executive of Lions Gate Entertainment, which on Friday acquired ‘Twilight’ film studio Summit Entertainment for $412.5 million, said he believes the film franchise will continue to have value to his company,even after the Nov. 16 release of the fifth movie completes the adaptation of author Stephenie Meyer’s four books.

‘I’m anticipating ‘Breaking Dawn Part 2’ being $700 million-plus in worldwide box office,’ said Jon Feltheimer, predicting the next film would slightly outdo the $697 million global take of ‘Breaking Dawn Part 1.’

Asked whether the franchise would continue in some form for Lions Gate, he added, ‘It’s hard for me to imagine a movie that does $700 million-plus doesn’t have ongoing value. It’s an amazing franchise that they have done a great job of maintaining with absolutely no deterioration. So the simple answer is ‘Boy I hope so.’’

One person close to the acquisition deal but not authorized to speak publicly suggested that because Lions Gate, unlike Summit, has a television production unit, it could adapt ‘Twilight’ for the small screen.

Asked whether there was a possibility of bringing ‘Twilight’ to television, Feltheimer answered, ‘I would certainly hope so.’

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-- Ben Fritz