Hold on tight, spider monkey... The Twilight renaissance is not slowing down, even after 20 years since the books originally released.
We just got news that Netflix is adapting Midnight Sun, Stephenie Meyer's 2020 companion novel that retells the first Twilight book entirely from Edward Cullen's perspective, into an animated series. And in the biggest update since the show was announced, we just learned it's not just a one-season experiment: Netflix has committed to two seasons before a single episode has even aired!
Here's everything we know so far...
So, what is Midnight Sun?
If you somehow missed it: Twilight (2005) is Bella Swan's story, told by Bella through her own perspective. Midnight Sun is that same story, set within the same Forks, the same biology class, the same meadow, except it's told from inside the 109-year old vampire, Edward's head.
And Edward's head is a wiiiild place to be. His special vampire power is being a mind reader, which means the book is full of thoughts nobody was ever supposed to hear. Like the entire town of Forks thinking at him at once, the Cullen family's private chaos, and one extremely dramatic vampire having a full century-old crisis over a high school girl who smells way too good. It's longer, darker, and arguably way funnier than the original. In my professional, Twilight-obsessed opinion, it's the version of the story a lot of us always wanted.
The big news: two seasons, confirmed.
The series was first announced back in September 2024 as a straight-to-series order at Netflix. Then, on November 5, Lionsgate Television chairman Kevin Beggs confirmed on the studio's earnings call that the order is actually for two seasons. This is a rare upfront show of confidence from Netflix, which usually orders only one season at a time, as a sort of risk management in case the first season tanks. They're betting big on this one though.
His words: "That's a 2-season adult animation order at Netflix. Stephenie and her team are very hands-on, really running the process along with us at Netflix."
Two things in that quote matter. One is that it is adult animation, not a kiddie cartoon take. Which definitely fits Midnight Sun's darker, more internal tone. And two, Meyer is hands-on apparently, executive producing through her company Fickle Fish Films alongside Lionsgate Television.
Who's making it?
- Showrunner/writer: Sinead Daly (Tell Me Lies, Raised by Wolves)
- Supervising director: Lynn Wang
- Executive producer: Stephenie Meyer, with Lionsgate Television and Fickle Fish Films producing
Casting and release date info
No voice cast has been officially announced yet. Nobody has been confirmed as Edward or Bella, and unfortunately, a Pattinson/Stewart return is not on the table. Of which, I'm sure they're relieved. Both actors have come along way since the Twilight era was at its peak. Casting has been underway this year, including for the werewolf, Jacob and Billy Black.
Production has been listed as running from August 2026 through May 2027 in Los Angeles. Animation takes a lot of time, especially with real artists and no AI-generated slop, so a premiere before late 2027 is unlikely, and 2028 is the safer bet. Imagine MCR5 and animated Twilight launching the same year? Millennials, we are getting so spoiled. Netflix has not announced an official release window themselves, and neither will we, til we get the right details.
Why animation is actually the perfect choice
Edward's perspective is probably the hardest one to film live-action, because half the story happens inside people's heads. In a live-action movie, mind-reading means a voiceover and a lot of staring. In animation, thoughts can be visually described, liek the noise of a cafeteria full of minds, the way Bella is the one silent spot in a room full of static. That's pretty much the whole book. Animation doesn't just make Midnight Sun possible, it might make it the best version of this story we've ever gotten.
Gear up for the renaissance
The Twilight revival isn't coming, it's already here in our world, and it's only getting bigger for the next two years. If your collection needs restocking before the series drops:
- Twilight Ornament ($15) — the iconic title in death metal lettering. Christmas tree, rearview mirror, wherever it sparks joy.
- I Drive Like a Cullen Bumper Sticker ($10–14) — a warning to everyone behind you, honestly.
- Vampire Bride Twilight Tank ($20) — for the wedding of a killer, Bella.
We'll keep this post updated as casting and release news lands. Tell us in the comments: will you be watching Midnight Sun?
~ Stxrdust 🦇
Sources: Lionsgate Q2 earnings call (Nov 5, 2026); reporting by What's on Netflix, Polygon, CBR, and Bloody Disgusting.
