Chris Weitz to direct 'Twilight' sequel

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- Summit Entertainment has announced that U.S. filmmaker Chris Weitz has been hired to direct the second film in the studio's "Twilight" film franchise.

The movie, "New Moon," is based on the second book in author Stephenie Meyer's blockbuster book series.

The announcement was made by Erik Feig, Summit's president of production.

"We love Stephenie Meyer's fantastic 'Twilight' series," Feig said in a statement. Thinking long and hard about how to turn 'New Moon' into the amazing movie we know it will be, and working with Stephenie Meyer to find the right candidate, we are thrilled to announce Chris Weitz as director of the film. Chris very much understands the world of 'New Moon' and has the skill-set required to bring the book to glorious life as a movie. We think he will be an excellent steward of Stephenie Meyer's vision."

"I am honored to have been entrusted with shepherding 'New Moon' from the page to the screen," Weitz said. "The extraordinary world that Stephenie has created has millions of fans, and it will be my duty to protect on their behalf the characters, themes and story they love."

Weitz previously penned the big-screen adaptation of Nick Horby's novel "About a Boy," and wrote and directed "The Golden Compass."

Production on "New Moon" is scheduled to begin soon and expected to be released toward the end of 2009 or early 2010.