Chris Weitz to direct Twilight sequel New Moon

Washington (ANI): Chris Weitz will direct the sequel to 'Twilight', 'New Moon'. Summit Entertainment made the announcement less than a week after record-breaking Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke revealed that she wouldn't helm the film's sequel.

The US filmmaker feels that she needs more time to work on the film and could not commit to a late 2009-early 2010 release date, according to reports. Twilight screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg is writing the sequel. Twilight is based on the novel of the same name by Stephenie Meyer.

"The extraordinary world that Stephenie has created has millions of fans, and it will be my duty to protect on their behalf the characters, themes and story they love," Variety quoted Weitz, as stating.

Summit said production on 'New Moon' is scheduled to begin soon, with a release at the end of 2009 or early 2010.