Kristen Stewart Confirms “Twilight” as a Queer-Coded Movie: A Revelation for Longtime Fans
In a revelation that echoes the sentiments of many fans in the “Twilight” subculture, Kristen Stewart has openly acknowledged the queer undertones of the popular movie franchise. Known for her role as Bella Swan, Stewart recently shared her perspective in an interview with Variety, stating, “I can only see it now. It’s such a gay movie.” The actor, who publicly came out as queer on “Saturday Night Live” in 2017, pointed to the subtle queer coding present in the films.
Reflecting on her time with the five-film franchise, Stewart expressed her belief that the queer elements weren’t necessarily intentional from the beginning but evolved over time. She remarked, “I don’t think it necessarily started off that way, but I also think that the fact that I was there at all, it was percolating.”
Discussing the unconventional nature of the storyline, Stewart highlighted the underlying themes of oppression and the desire for what can be destructive, describing it as a “Gothic, gay inclination.” She pointed out the irony of the series being authored by a Mormon woman, Stephenie Meyer, and emphasized the hidden and not entirely acceptable representation of queer themes in the narrative.
While Meyer has yet to publicly comment on Stewart’s interpretation, the actor’s statements have resonated positively with fans who have long celebrated the franchise’s queerness in online spaces. The acknowledgment from Stewart, a prominent queer icon, has been deemed a significant “told-you-so” moment for fans.
This revelation comes after years of fans on platforms like TikTok dissecting various aspects of the movies to support their claims of “Twilight” being a gay movie. Some have even created detailed analyses, like one TikToker’s PowerPoint presentation rating Bella’s wardrobe based on its perceived level of queerness.
Stewart’s openness about her queerness extends beyond “Twilight,” as she has embraced her role as a queer role model. Her 2020 film, “Happiest Season,” was hailed as a groundbreaking lesbian holiday rom-com, featuring LGBTQ+ actors in supporting roles and directed by Clea DuVall, an openly gay filmmaker.
Stewart’s upcoming projects, including the queer romance thriller “Love Lies Bleeding” premiering at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and her portrayal of queer feminist icon Susan Sontag in an upcoming biopic, further solidify her commitment to diverse and inclusive storytelling in cinema.
Kristen Stewart calling ‘Twilight’ ‘a gay movie’ confirms what many fans already knew https://t.co/v6K8Ogzqbd
— LAT Entertainment (@latimesent) January 12, 2024