mtv reported in february 2008 that summit entertainment intended to create a series of at least three films based on meyer's books. the studio had optioned "new moon", the second book in the series, by october 2008, and confirmed their plans to make a film based on it november 22, 2008. because catherine hardwicke had wanted more preparation time than summit's schedule for the production and release of the sequel would provide, chris weitz was selected to direct it in december 2008.