It's Confirmed: Chris Weitz is the New Director! 

From Smeyer's website:

"Hey guys,

There's been a lot of worry and speculation on the boards lately, and I want to let you know what's going on.

First of all, like you, I'm sad that Catherine is not continuing on with us for New Moon. I'm going to miss her, not just as a brilliant director, but also as a friend. She has such a distinct, authentic voice that did amazing things for Twilight. I'm looking forward to every movie she does in the future.

And she didn't leave us empty handed. We still get the benefits of her amazing casting and the beautiful visual world she created. This foundation puts us in a good place for New Moon.

Summit Films is moving forward with a new director for New Moon. They've asked Chris Weitz, director of American Pie, About a Boy, and The Golden Compass, to join us, and I am very pleased to announce that he's agreed to be a part of our Twilight world. I've had the chance to talk to Chris, and I can tell you that he is excited by the story and eager to keep the movie as close to the book as possible. He is also very aware of you, the fans, and wants to keep you all extremely happy. (Torches and pitchforks are not going to be necessary.)

I'm excited to work with Chris and I think he brings a lot to the table, not the least of which for me is that he wrote the screenplay for and directed one of my favorite movies of all time, About a Boy. I'm really looking forward to seeing his vision for New Moon.

Below is a letter from Chris to you. I think you'll get a glimpse in this note of how cool it's going to be having Chris as part of our community.

(letter: link )

One more thing, unrelated but fun: I finally got around to posting a few pictures from the premiere on the Twilight movie page.

--Stephenie

link

"Torches and pitchforks not necessary." haha. SM knows the fans :) I think she reads some comments from the fans on various sites because I remember reading those words exactly in various chatrooms. lol

I think so too and I really look forward to Weitz's take on New Moon! Yeesss to awesome visuals! :D

*crosses fingers* for good screenplay too this time!
and better acting!

Now, I wonder if Michael Copon will really play the older Jacob..

Ugly? No way! I think he's hot. ;D And cute. But maybe a bit too uh.. pretty? I've always thought Taylor the one with the right Jacob look.

And this Copon rumor looks like it's going to go official. He's being cryptic about it on his Facebook page. Gah. *headdesk*

link

Guess we have to wait for confirmation.

That's amazing! I just really hope that they keep the same cast. It will be a shame if they didn't.