Kristen Stewart Says Twilight Is ‘Such a G.ay Movie’: ‘It’s All About Oppression’

More than 15 years after Twilight premiered, Kristen Stewart has developed a fresh perspective on her breakout hit.

After becoming a household name as protagonist Bella Swan in the vampire fantasy romance film franchise based on Stephenie Meyers’ books of the same name, Stewart, 33, is reflecting on what she feels was “a very Gothic, gay inclination” in the series.

“It’s such a gay movie,” the Love Lies Bleeding actress told Variety in an interview published Thursday. “I mean, Jesus Christ, Taylor [Lautner] and Rob[ert Pattinson] and me, and it’s so hidden and not okay.”

“I mean, a Mormon woman wrote this book,” Stewart went on. “It’s all about oppression, about wanting what’s going to destroy you. That’s a very Gothic, gay inclination that I love.”

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Twilight follows a teenage Bella Swan as she moves in with her father in Forks, Washington, where she has trouble fitting in and soon becomes the object of desire of Edward (Pattinson, 37), a vampire who is part of the Cullen “family” that also includes Esme (Elizabeth Reaser), Carlisle (Peter Facinelli), Rosalie (Nikki Reed), Jasper (Jackson Rathbone), Alice (Ashley Greene) and Emmett (Kellan Lutz).

As she wrestles with her feelings for Edward (and Jacob, a werewolf played by Lautner, 31, who also yearns for Bella’s affections), Bella finds herself less and less human first in spirit and then in body, eventually becoming a vampire herself and starting her life anew with Edward and their daughter, Renesmee (Mackenzie Foy).

And while most of the romantic relationships explored in the series are heterosexual, Stewart told Variety of any potential queerness in Twilight, “I can only see it now.” She explained, “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.”

Back in 2019, Stewart opened up in an interview with the Associated Press about struggling to define her sexuality as she rose to fame with Twilight. “I felt this huge responsibility, like one that I was really genuinely worried about if I wasn’t able to say one way or the other, then was I sort of like forsaking a side,” Stewart told the newswire.

The Academy Award nominee added, “The fact that you don’t have to now is, like, so much more truthful.”

Stewart, who previously dated Twilight costar Pattinson and is engaged to screenwriter/actress Dylan Meyer, has embraced who she is and is celebrating the younger Hollywood stars who aren’t restricting themselves with labels.

“If you were to have this conversation with someone, like, in high school, they’d probably like roll their eyes and go, ‘Why are you complicating everything so much?’ ” she explained, per the AP. “Just sort of do what you want to do. It’s really nice.”

“He stinks. I mean, it’s awful”: Kristen Stewart Had to Defend Robert Pattinson from Twilight Co-Stars After He Made Filming Unbearable

The Twilight series captivated teen romance fans worldwide and had everything every teen needed. As a result of its compelling story of doomed lovers and eerie score, it achieved iconic status. On the other hand, the faintest whiff of Robert Pattinson might have spoiled the magic.

Reports surfaced during production that Pattinson’s body odor was so overpowering that it was sickening for some cast and crew members.

Robert Pattinson Washing His Hair: A Big Task

Edward Cullen is praised for his otherworldly beauty, but Robert Pattinson is criticized for his lack of cleanliness. Concerns about Pattinson’s hygiene were first voiced in 2012 when he said in an interview that he didn’t see the point in washing his hair or cleaning his flat. Pattinson gave an interview with Extra, confirming the rumors that he didn’t wash his hair very often.

As might have been expected, his words provoked considerable debate. A member of the New Moon crew who did not wish to be identified said of Pattinson:

“He stinks. I mean, it’s awful. He never showers, and it drives people on the set crazy. […] He completely reeks.”

However, Robert Pattinson’s Twilight co-star and former girlfriend Kristen Stewart disagreed. The actress told People in an interview that year that he had a pleasant aroma.

“He smells great. It’s kind of an animalist thing that goes on. It went along with the movie, so it was perfect.”

Pattinson’s personal hygiene practices have been the subject of varying reports over the years, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions. Kristen Stewart stood up for him, saying he smelled really good despite what the crew member who spoke to E! News claimed.

Robert Pattinson Changed His Ways

There’s a chance Robert Pattinson was joking around when he said he didn’t wash his hair, but it’s also possible he has a more casual approach to personal hygiene. When he became a partner with Dior, Pattinson changed his routine and personal hygiene.

The alluring, earthy fragrance Dior Homme, for which he became the face in 2013, was released in 2013. The fact that Pattinson has secured a partnership with a high-end perfume house like Dior suggests that he has worked to improve his olfactory reputation.

Fans are curious if the new Edward will have the same putrid odor as his predecessor now that they know a Twilight TV series reboot is in the works. Of course, no one can know what Pattinson’s personal hygiene will be like during the show’s filming, but he probably wants to put his best foot (or, rather, scent) forward.