Bill Condon to direct 'Breaking Dawn'

LOS ANGELES, April 28 (UPI) -- Summit Entertainment has hired Bill Condon to direct "Breaking Dawn," the fourth and final installment in the "Twilight" franchise, Variety said Wednesday.

The "Twilight" films are based on a series of wildly popular books by Stephenie Meyer. The novels and the movies focus on the love story between a male vampire and a mortal female.

"I'm very excited to get the chance to bring the climax of this saga to life on-screen," Condon said in a statement. "As fans of the series know, this is a one-of-a-kind book -- and we're hoping to create an equally unique cinematic experience."

Condon previously wrote and directed "Dreamgirls," "Kinsey" and "Gods and Monsters," as well as penned the screenplay for "Chicago" and produced the 81st annual Academy Awards show.

Variety said it is still unclear whether "Breaking Dawn" will be split into two films as rumors claim it will be.

David Slade directed "Eclipse," the third film in the "Twilight" series. It is scheduled to open in theaters June 30.