Bayona set to direct 'Eclipse'

LOS ANGELES, March 12 (UPI) -- Spanish filmmaker Juan Antonio Bayona has been hired to direct "Eclipse," the third installment of the "Twilight" film franchise, Variety.com said.

Last year's vampire blockbuster, "Twilight," was directed by Catherine Hardwicke, while its upcoming sequel, "New Moon," is being helmed by Chris Weitz and set for a fall theatrical release.

"Eclipse," headed up by "The Orphanage" director Bayona, is slated to hit theaters in summer 2010, the entertainment industry trade newspaper said.

The movies are based on Stephenie Meyer's wildly popular series of young adult novels.