
Love it or loathe it, the Twilight saga is here to stay, and after the massive box-office success of New Moon the production company behind the films is even considering extending the franchise's lifespan by splitting the final book into two film chapters much as has been done with the final book in the Harry Potter series.
From Variety
Summit execs would not comment, but multiple sources said that the film company wants to go the two-film route, which means re-opening negotiations and getting approval from the author. It also means making new deals with a principal cast that is only locked up for four films. If “Breaking Dawn” becomes two pictures, all of the key cast members will get fat raises, and the three principals—Rob Pattinson, Kristin Stewart and Taylor Lautner—could land eight-figure paydays.
That is what happened the key cast members when Warner Bros. extended its blockbuster Harry Potter franchise by turning J.K. Rowling’s last book, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” into two films that will be released in November, 2010 and July, 2011.The global success of the franchise made the paydays worthwhile.
I think this is a good idea only if splitting the book into two films serves the story, if this will make the films seem forcibly drawn out then I don't think they should do it, but somehow I don't think that's what Summit is concerned about, my guess is that they're just seeing dollar signs right now and they feel like they can make twice as much money from the property as before.
Source:
Variety