Robert Pattinson has shared his thoughts on the lasting impact of the Twilight franchise, a series that catapulted him to global stardom but has also faced its share of criticism over the years.
The now 38-year-old actor became a household name playing Edward Cullen, the brooding and glittering vampire who falls for Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) in the film adaptations of Stephenie Meyer’s novels. More than a decade after the final movie hit theatres, Twilight continues to captivate fans worldwide.
In a recent interview with GQ Spain, Robert admitted he’s still surprised by the franchise’s staying power. “I find it a fascinating phenomenon. I mean, I can’t believe it,” he said. “I think this renaissance has emerged in Korea and has happened a bit like with K-pop, which has taken off in Korea, but then has seduced a young Western population. I have a hard time believing the cultural relevance that these movies maintain because they are so old… The first one was released in 2008, d-mmit,” he added with a laugh.
It’s true—the Twilight fandom is alive and well. Younger audiences continue to discover the series, while nostalgic fans revisit the saga’s whirlwind romance, dramatic stares, and, of course, the sparkling vampires. Whether it’s a TikTok trend or a fresh wave of memes, Twilight remains firmly in the cultural conversation.
Of course, no phenomenon escapes without its critics, and Twilight has long been a polarising subject. For every devoted fan, there’s someone ready to dismiss the films or claim they “ruined the vampire genre.” But if you think that bothers Robert, think again.
“I love that people keep telling me, ‘Man, Twilight ruined the vampire genre,’” he said. “Are you still stuck on that s-it? How can you be sad about something that happened almost 20 years ago? It’s crazy.”
This nonchalant response perfectly captures Robert’s evolving relationship with the franchise. Though he once joked about the more over-the-top aspects of Twilight during his early press tours, he now embraces the series for what it is: a global phenomenon that shaped a generation.
In fact, the Twilight series didn’t just define an era—it also paved the way for countless young adult adaptations and revitalised interest in supernatural romances. While some critics may still roll their eyes, it’s impossible to deny the influence the saga had on pop culture.
For Robert, Twilight was both a blessing and a stepping stone. After saying goodbye to Edward Cullen, he’s built an impressive career with roles in indie films like The Lighthouse and big-budget blockbusters like The Batman. Yet, even as he continues to evolve as an actor, he acknowledges the franchise that launched him to fame.
