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We've all heard the story of how one studio's "pass" is another one's treasure. That is, how Summit Entertainment picked up on the gold that was the option to produce Twilight and took it off of a hesitant Paramount MTV Film's hands (see here).
Needless to say, it was a fruitful decision, and one which Twilight fans are no less pleased about.
Yet, one has to wonder: how would Twilight have turned out if it remained in MTV's hands?
We all know MTV has a certain sensational knack for film promotion, but what does their resume of film production tell us about what we'd have seen?
Among their vast library of film creations are the following (in chronological order): Joe's Apartment, Beavis and Butt-Head Do America, Dead Man On Campus, Varsity Blues, 200 Cigarettes, Election, The Wood, Love Song, The Original Kings Of Comedy, Save The Last Dance, Pootie Tang, Zoolander, Orange County, Better Luck Tomorrow, Crossroads, Martin Lawrence Live: Runteldat, Jackass: The Movie, The Fighting Temptations, Tupac: Resurrection, The Perfect Score, Napoleon Dyamite, Hustle & Flow, Coach Carter, Murderball, The Longest Yard, Get Rich Or Die Tryin', AEon Flux, Jackass Number Two, All You've Got, Freedom Writers, Blades Of Glory, Beneath, How She Move, Stop-Loss, The Foot Fist Way, and Dance Flick.
Forthcoming of their films are Love, Sweet Relief, The Dirt, The Lost Girls, The Suffering, Rocky Horror, The Warriors, Have Gun-Will Travel, The Last Airbender, and Who Is Helga Buuuuurp?.
A review of these titles will reflect the niche that MTV has seemingly carved out for itself. One portion of that protocol might be films that are music-related. You'll notice that there are many of such included in the above list. Also, and most obviously, films that derive from their franchise television series are among the repeated categorical inclusions. Yet, there are some anomalies in there as well. For instance, if you've ever seen 200 Cigarettes or Stop-Loss, you may be surprised to note that they are made by the same production company that brought us Zoolander or Dance Flick.
One thing remains constant and certain from the list - MTV picks up on what is popular and brings it to life on the big screen.
That said, it is a wonder why they would let Twilight slip through the cracks.
Nonetheless, it'd be curious to see what MTV Films' version of Twilight would have been.
Predictably, the cast would have been quite different. Namely, the main actors in the film would have probably been more on the line of Chad Michael Murphy or Chace Crawford than the then-semi-unknown Robert Pattinson, and Bella would have been a media darling such as Miley Cyrus (if she could be pried away from Disney long enough) or Lauren Conrad, perhaps, instead of Kristen Stewart. Similarly, the green and gritty castmates we love to watch collect on their promise and potential would probably be ignored for a more marketable group.
Hindsight is twenty-twenty and retrospect makes all things clear. No offense to the clearly capable MTV Films, but it's a good thing Summit Entertainment had the clever foresight to recognize the potential of Twilight and that they are bringing us the story instead. Don't you think?
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Comments
oh no IF THEY MESSED WITH OUR BOOKS it would of set of something MTV would have never seen before.
It would have bombed without Robert and the rest of the cast. They are the ones that made Twilight what it is today. I love MTV, but they would have messed this particular movie up. I am not saying all, just this one.
I cannot think of a Twilight film series without the current cast choices for the characters. I think it's a waste of time. I'm totally happy with where Twilight's at and don't want to think about what ifs.
I don't think, based on the pictures named, that MTV is interested in making movies that appeal to the Twilight demographic. I think I've seen three of those movies.
I'm glad MTV didn't get their hands on it.
yeah I am glad Summit got it. It might be a differnt movie and that would be really hard to imagine. Also, Summit got the cast right on. Can't imagine a better one.
I read from somewhere (I cannot remember) that when MTV approached Stephenie, they wanted to turn Bella into a popular blonde-hair, blue eyed volleyball player and make Edward and the Cullens myserious, yet poplular. I personally think everything that MTV touches turns to crap. I'm glad they didn't take Twilight. Although I don't think Catherine Hardwicke did a great job at the adaptation, I do think the casting was great and the storyline was believable. I'm more excited for New Moon than ever. It looks phenomenal!
oh cod seriously Miley as Bella!?!?! I wouldve NEVER watched twilight if that had happened EWWWWWW. rob is PRFECT kristen is PERFECT taylor is PERFECT ashley is PERFECT. i cant imagine who they would've picked for Alice, oh lord i cant even picture twilight with a dif cast. EWWWWWW Miley gross.
i'm sorry but the MTV films gave us some very good but some horrible films...and Miley as Bella...let find the person who ever thought of that idea. I find that yes Twilight is good but the look of New Moon makes me get goose bumps. Also i hope MTV Paramount does good on Avatar, huge fan, it was a personal favorite of mine for a friday night have nothing to do show.
Maybe MTV will make their own version!! LOL I love Twilight and would love to see their take on it.
I can't even IMAGINE an mtv version. Summit is doing a fantastic job, and I also look forward to seeing their other films.
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