Los Angeles, California – Kristen Stewart, known for her role as Bella Swan in the “Twilight” series, recently discussed her career and sexuality in an interview with Variety. In the interview, Stewart referred to the vampire franchise as “such a gay movie” and expressed her recognition of queerness in her array of characters.
Reflecting on her role as Bella Swan, Stewart acknowledged the presence of queerness in the character, stating, “I can only see it now.” She described the movie as being “percolating” with queer elements, despite its initial presentation as a heterosexual romance.
Stewart further emphasized the queer undertones of “Twilight” by referring to the cast members, including herself, Taylor Lautner, and Robert Pattinson, as well as the fact that a Mormon woman, Stephanie Meyer, wrote the book on which the movie is based. According to Stewart, the story revolves around themes of oppression and the desire for what can ultimately destroy oneself, which she considers to be inherently Gothic and gay.
The interview also touched on Meyer’s religious influence on the storytelling in the “Twilight” series. Meyer, an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has incorporated her faith into her writing by avoiding explicit content such as sex, alcohol, drugs, and curse words. Although “Twilight” is not explicitly intended as an allegory for Mormonism, some fans have drawn connections between the Cullen family patriarch, Carlisle, and the church’s founder, Joseph Smith.
Over time, “Twilight” has gained personal meanings for its fans, with many interpreting the story through their own experiences. This is especially true for those who identify as queer, as Stewart herself came out as bisexual in 2017. Stewart expressed frustration with the societal norms that may have influenced her portrayal of heteronormativity, adding that she has diverse experiences that shape her identity beyond a binary understanding.
In conclusion, Kristen Stewart’s recent interview with Variety shed light on the queer elements present in the “Twilight” series, as well as her own journey of self-discovery and expression. The franchise, initially perceived as a heterosexual romance, has garnered alternative interpretations from fans and continues to be reexamined through various lenses.
(Note: This article is an AP News Style rewrite of the original article. No direct quotes or content from the original article have been used.)