Kristen Stewart Reflects on the Queer Undertones of "Twilight" Saga

The vampire and werewolf-riddled world of "Twilight" has been seen through a fresh lens by none other than the series' leading lady, Kristen Stewart, who has stirred excitement amongst fans with her recent affirmations about the film’s queer subtext.

In a conversation with Variety, Stewart reflected on her tenure in the "Twilight" franchise, a cultural phenomenon that began over a decade ago with its first film in 2008. The saga, adapted from Stephenie Meyer's novels – penned by a Mormon author – already carried ripe Gothic themes of dangerous desires and societal constraints. However, Stewart has added depth to longstanding fan theories by acknowledging a queer layer pulsing beneath the surface, one that she claims is "so hidden and not OK."

Stewart's revelations mirror the ongoing TikTok trend where "Twilight" enthusiasts share montages of her character, Bella Swan, citing the films as their "gay awakening." These confessions aren't whispers in the dark; they've been part of the film's subculture for years, thriving in online queer spaces. Fans like Sarah Gallagher, a TikToker known for her analyses, have rejoiced in Stewart's comments as they validate shared interpretations of the film's characters and narratives.

The notion of "Twilight" as a queer film had been scrutinized by TikTok content creators well before Stewart’s openness about its queerness. For instance, cinemegan's detailed PowerPoint presentation assessing the 'gayness' of Bella's wardrobe stands as testimony to the in-depth dissection of the code within the movies. For fans like Multirose96, the franchise's queer undertones enabled a turning point to confront and overcome internalized misogyny and appreciate characters like Bella with renewed fervor.

Stewart, who publicly came out as queer on "Saturday Night Live" in 2017, has since become a queer role model in and out of the "Twilight" world. Her cinema contributions extend beyond teenage angst-ridden dramas; in fact, they're marked by standout roles that resonate with LGBTQ+ audiences. The actor's portfolio includes "Happiest Season," the groundbreaking lesbian holiday rom-com that challenged conventional heteronormativity. Stewart's range continues to expand, with her next project being a suspenseful queer romance thriller, "Love Lies Bleeding," which will premiere at Sundance, and her portrayal of Susan Sontag, the famed queer feminist icon, in an upcoming biopic.

This affirmation and the celebration of the queerness in "Twilight" aligns with a broader narrative, embracing diversity and representation in media. It's not merely about acknowledging an audience’s insightful perspective; it's understanding that actors, characters, and stories have powerful, influential ties to personal and cultural identities. As Stewart continues to take on roles that amplify queer stories, her formative years as Bella Swan in "Twilight" now radiate with a deliberate, meaningful queerness that speaks to many.

The Los Angeles Times originally published the story that has taken nostalgic fans on a gratifying, introspective journey, showcasing once more the evolving dialogue about visibility and representation in film.