Summit Entertainment has signed Spanish director Juan Antonio Bayona to direct The Twilight Saga’s Eclipse, the third film in the franchise, says Variety.
The studio recently gave “Eclipse” a release date of June 30, 2010.
Bayona is a protege of Guillermo del Toro. He directed the Spanish-language horror-thriller The Orphanage, which was executive produced by Del Toro, and is attached to helm the Universal thriller Hater, with Del Toro and Mark Johnson producing.
Chris Weitz replaced Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke on “New Moon.” Production is due to start shortly on the second film, opening in theaters on November 20.
UPDATE: The Los Angeles Times talked to Summit president of production Erik Feig, who said that Bayona has been signed to direct the third installment. “The ‘Eclipse’ directing job hasn’t been offered to Juan Antonio or anyone else,” Feig said. “Weve met with three or four talented filmmakers and we’ll be meeting with three or four more other candidates before we make any decision. No one has been offered the job.”
