Catherine Hardwicke has reportedly passed on directing a sequel to the current smash hit Twilight. According to Variety, the director felt that the prep time for New Moon was far too short, as mini-studio Summit want the film out by the end of 2009. In a statement Hardwicke said: "I am sorry that due to timing I will not have the opportunity to direct 'New Moon. Directing 'Twilight' has been one of the great experiences of my life, and I am grateful to the fans for their passionate support of the film. I wish everyone at Summit the best with the sequel - it is a great story." Apparently scripter of the first film Melissa Rosenberg has already handed in a draft, but Summit wanted more of heartthrob Rob Pattinson's character, who leaves Kristen Stewart's Bella in the book, and Hardwicke felt that the script needed work to achieve that properly. No word yet on a new helmer, but Point Break director Kathryn Bigelow's name has been mooted.
