'Twilight' movie wins slow box office weekend

Actors Robert Pattinson (L) and Kristen Stewart arrive for the British premiere of 'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn' at Westfield Stratford City cinemas in east London November 16, 2011.

The newest "Twilight" vampire movie ruled the domestic box office for a third time with $16.9 million in ticket sales over one of the slowest movie-going weekends of the year, studio estimates released on Sunday showed.

"The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn: Part 1" from independent studio Summit Entertainment beat a pack of family films at U.S. and Canadian theaters. The fourth and second-to-last film in one of Hollywood's most lucrative franchises added $40.2 million at international locations.

After three weekends in theaters, "Breaking Dawn" has soaked up $588.3 million in global ticket sales.

The "Twilight" movies are based on best-selling novels by Stephenie Meyer about a human-vampire-werewolf love triangle.

The third domestic win in a row for "Breaking Dawn" came during the post-Thanksgiving weekend, typically one of the bleakest of the year at movie theaters following big releases a week earlier.

This year, total U.S. and Canadian ticket sales rang up at an estimated $82 million for the weekend, making it the year's second slowest, according to Hollywood.com Box Office. Overall sales only slightly edged the $81.5 million take from the September 9 weekend that followed Labor Day.

With no new films released nationwide, sales also slumped 4.8 percent below the same weekend last year.

After "Breaking Dawn," the rest of the weekend's top five belonged to family fare.

Disney's "The Muppets" starring Jason Segel and Amy Adams alongside Kermit, Miss Piggy and their puppet friends, rang up $11.2 million at North American (U.S. and Canadian) theaters. The movie represents a comeback for the Muppet characters, last seen in movie theaters in 1999. Worldwide sales for the new film have reached $60.1 million through Sunday.

"Hugo," a 3D family movie about an orphaned boy who lives in a 1930s Paris train station, moved up to third place from its fifth place finish last weekend after expanding to more theaters. The film pulled in $7.6 million domestically, bringing its total after two weekends to $25.2 million.

Animated 3D movie "Arthur Christmas," which explains how Santa delivers presents around the world in one night, pulled in $7.4 million domestically to finish in fourth place. To date, the movie has brought in $70.6 million worldwide.

In fifth place, dancing penguin sequel "Happy Feet Two" earned $6.0 million at domestic theaters. Total global sales reached $85.8 million after three weekends of release.

Walt Disney Co released "The Muppets." Privately held Summit Entertainment released "Breaking Dawn - Part 1." "Arthur Christmas" was distributed by Sony, and Hugo was released by Paramount, a unit of Viacom Inc.. Time Warner unit Warner Bros. distributed "Happy Feet Two."

'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn' premieres in London

Actors Robert Pattinson (L), Kristen Stewart (C) and Taylor Lautner arrive for the British premiere of "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn" at Westfield in east London November 16, 2011

Entertainment weekly photos: Oct 31-Nov 6

Actors Robert Pattinson (L), Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner hold hands after putting their handprints in cement during a hand and footprint ceremony at the Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California November 3, 2011

Pattinson: Kristen looks like an alien

Robert Pattinson thinks Kristen Stewart looks like "an alien".

The 25-year-old heartthrob - who is dating his 'Twilight' co-star, who plays Bella Swan in the vampire franchise - admitted in scenes from 'Breaking Dawn', in which Kristen's alter-ego's baby eats her from inside, he was shocked by how "thin and ghastly" she looks.

He told Premiere magazine: "There are scenes were Bella looks like an alien. When the baby eats her from inside, she looks so thin and ghastly.

"Kristen had to wear this horrible makeup and when I'd see her come on set, I'd ask the crew, 'Are you sure we're filming 'Twilight'? Isn't it supposed to be harmless and PG-13?'"

Despite Robert's concern over his girlfriend's shocking look in the latest 'Twilight' movie, Kristen recently admitted she "loves" playing a vampire.

She said: "I f***ing love being a vampire. I was 17 when I read 'Twilight,' and at the time it was so perfect for me.

"The script was about young kids who think they can handle stuff that they just can't. And they're going to do it anyway. Because, why not? Just torture yourself. I relate to that. Vampires are a little dangerous - and we girls like to test ourselves."

The world's richest couples

5. Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart: $40 million

"Twilight" stars Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart have both hauled in $20 million last year. The "Twilight" series have earned the couple their fame and pay, but with the franchise coming to an end, these young starlets must both prepare for post-vampire careers. Will they become one-hit wonders? Hopefully not, and I wish them both the best.

Robert Pattinson's romantic board games

Robert Pattinson's romantic board games

Robert Pattinson:Robert Pattinson planning voodoo 'wedding'

Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart have become avid fans of playing board games.

The couple host "game nights" on the set of their new movie 'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn' challenging each other to games of family favourites including chess, Monopoly and Scrabble.

The competitive duo - who play lovers in the hit vampire series - have also invited co-stars Taylor Lautner and Ashley Greene to join them to beat the boredom during filming breaks.

But Robert, 24, and Kristen, 21, have become so obsessed with winning the games have sometimes ended in rows.

A source told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "Rob and Kristen have hours to burn on set and have got massively into board games.

"It gets competitive. There have been tantrums over snakes and ladders."

Kristen's enthusiasm for board games will come as no surprise to Robert who has admitted he fell for the star because she is so down-to-earth.

The heartthrob actor - who stars as vampire Edward Cullen opposite Kristen, who plays Bella Swan in the franchise - has praised her for being a "real woman".

Robert, who has never confirmed they are dating, said: "What I especially like about her is that she's like me, not dizzy from fans and press attention. She stays true to herself and very smart for her age."

Robert Pattinson's anonymous date

Cast members Robert Pattinson (L) and Kristen Stewart pose at the premiere of "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" during the Los Angeles Film Festival at Nokia theatre at L.A. Live in Los Angeles June 24, 2010.

Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart went unrecognised at a recent gig.

The 'Twilight' stars - who have long been rumoured to be a real life couple - attended a concert by the band Jenny and Johnny at Troubadour in Los Angeles earlier this week, and managed to enjoy a night of almost complete anonymity despite their global fame.

A source said: "It's very easy for people to blend in which they did amazingly well.

"Almost nobody recognised the two while they were there. The staff was aware, as they get famous people watching shows there all the time and are willing to accommodate their needs if needed."

Despite managing to go unseen by the majority of concert-goers, some did notice they were behaving as if they were a couple and spent the night "extremely close" to each other.

The onlooker told Hollywood Life: "They were close to each other with Kristen in front of Rob almost all night. They never hid the fact they were obviously a couple, they were extremely close the entire time they both were there.

"It looked like they were both enjoying the music but it was Kristen who enjoyed it the most as she was seen singing the songs and there were times she sang songs to Rob, while Rob just smiled and laughed that Kristen was loving it."

It is the second time this week the couple have ventured out and made it clear they were romantically involved - last Saturday (02.10.10) the pair enjoyed a meal out at top Hollywood restaurant Soho House.

A source said: "They were staring at each other throughout dinner and kept stealing quick kisses from one another during the night. Rob's arm was around her for most of dinner and they kept looking at each other and giggling throughout the evening. They are definitely into each other."

Pattinson Cheats on Stewart with Meester

What an interesting love triangle Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, and Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester have found themselves in. The latest preposterous rumor to go viral this week places The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010) hunk Robert Pattinson in a torrid love affair with Leighton Meester who recently split from her longtime boyfriend and costar Sebastian Stan. In the mood for a good chuckle; check out the laughable details on the latest rumor.

Pattinson is currently in Budapest, the capital of Hungary filming Bel Ami (2011) with Christina Ricci and Thurman. While Pattinson hones his acting chops for the role in the period drama, half way around the world on the Upper East Side, Leighton Meester is hard at work on her television show. Somehow this week a new rumor has started that claims that Robert Pattinson is hooking up with Leighton Meester.

In Touch Weekly has concocted a statement from a "close friend" of Meester who claims that these rumors are true. The magazine prints, "A friend of Leighton’s confirms the affair, adding that the pair are still in constant contact." The article goes on to give details of the alleged meeting between the two at Meester's NYC apartment. The source goes on to report, "She’s having a texting romance with him, and is so into it. She talks with Rob almost daily."

While someone works very hard to formulate these rumors, Robert Pattinson was spotted celebrating Kristen Stewart's 20th birthday in Budapest on April 9th. The couple was just spotted arriving in London for what many are reporting as a family visit for Rob and Kristen. Poor Meester; somehow she got dragged into the Robsten frenzy!

"New Moon" aims for big bite from box offices

Actors Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner pose during a photocall to promote their latest film "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" in Madrid, November 12, 2009.

Hollywood watchers think vampire romance "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" could take a nearly $100 million bite from movie theater box offices when it debuts this weekend, and score one of the biggest openings ever for a non-summer film.

"New Moon," which debuts in the United States and Canada on Friday, is independent studio Summit Entertainment's sequel to last year's "Twilight," which surpassed expectations by making $69.6 million in its first weekend.

Exactly one year later, no one will be surprised if "New Moon" has a blockbuster opening in domestic markets, but the question is just how big it will be.

The film follows the romance between high school student Bella Swan and vampire Edward Cullen, and her friendship with Jacob Black, a werewolf. It has a built-in audience from the first movie and from millions of readers of the "Twilight" books by Stephenie Meyer on which the movies are based.

"I have huge expectations for the movie," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of the box office division of film website Hollywood.com. "I'm not going to say it's going to exceed it, but a $100 million opening weekend I think is totally in the cards for this one."

Jeff Bock, box office analyst with tracking firm Exhibitor Relations Co Inc, also believes the film could make nearly $100 million, and a source close to Summit said it could rake in nearly $85 million.

The film is slated to debut in 4,024 theaters in the U.S. and Canada, which is not a record but is far more than the roughly 3,500 theaters in which major releases normally open.

If "New Moon" reaches the $100 million mark, it will approach the record $102 million for "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," which debuted in November 2005 and sits atop the charts as the biggest opening weekends outside Hollywood's blockbuster-heavy summer season of May to August.

Online ticket sellers Fandango.com and MovieTickets.com reported this week that "New Moon" is their biggest advance ticket seller of all time.

The film is unusual for an expected blockbuster because of its heavy romance and appeal to young women, elements not typically seen in other mega-hits like the "Spider-Man" or "Transformer" aimed mostly at teenage boys and filled with action and special effects.

In an informal Fandango.com survey, 66 percent of respondents said "New Moon's" love story is its biggest draw.

Summit has sought to increase "New Moon's" appeal to boys by featuring action sequences from the film in TV commercials.

Bock said last year's "Twilight" opened to an audience that was 75 percent female, and if "New Moon" reaches just slightly more males it will exceed "Twilight's" success -- something other box office watchers said is likely.

"Girls are going to drag their boyfriends to it," Dergarabedian said.

Robert Pattinson promotes film "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" in Munich

Actor Robert Pattinson reacts during a promotion tour for his latest film "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" in Munich November 14, 2009.

Robert Pattinson on how James Dean influenced Edward Cullen

Robert Pattinson has revealed that Hollywood legend James Dean served as one of his inspirations for his character in the “Twilight” franchise.

”‘Rebel Without A Cause’ was a big influence on the first [‘Twilight’ film],” he told USA Today. “It influenced the hairdo and stuff.”

And although the love story between Bella Swan and Edward hits a snag in the upcoming film, “New Moon,” due out on November 20, the overall story arc is similar to one of James’ most famous roles.

“In lots of ways, it has a very similar character arc: An everyday girl brings this relatively strange individual out of his slump,” he said.

While everyone seems to know his name now, Robert revealed he used to get called by his character’s moniker.

“Right at the beginning, everyone just called me Edward,” he said. “I don’t really mind either way. There’s something about that character that, for some reason, has sparked an interest in massive degrees in so many different people.”

With the campaign for “New Moon” continuing to build and Robert’s star getting brighter, he continues to be a paparazzi target.

“I’m not entirely sure what it is,” he said of the fame that’s come with playing Edward. “I’ll probably realize afterward how I could have controlled it a little bit more. But I am still like a deer in headlights.”

"Twilight" hits the road with fan convention tour

The cast of "Twilight" in a promotional image courtesy of Summit Entertainment.

Tween vampire lovers could soon be descending on a city near you.

Summit Entertainment, producer of the "Twilight" movies, has partnered with Creation Entertainment to produce a series of "Twilight" fan conventions, which will take place at various North American locations over the next three years.

Beginning August 28 at the Hilton Parsippany Hotel in Parsippany, N.J., weekend conventions will be held in such cities as Chicago; Miami; Seattle; Nashville; San Francisco; Atlanta; Los Angeles; Charlotte, N.C.; Minneapolis; Phoenix; Boston; Toronto; and Portland, Ore.

The conventions will feature onstage appearances by "Twilight" celebrities, screenings of exclusive footage, panel discussions, parties, musical performances, costume and trivia competitions, auctions, autographing, merchandising and photo opportunities. "Twilight" fan sites, including www.twilightlexicon.com and www.twilightmoms.com , will take part with special presentations at stops on the convention tour.

"The Twilight Saga: New Moon," the second movie in the franchise adapted from Stephenie Meyer's best-selling books, opens theatrically in North America on November 20.

Detailed information about the conventions is available at www.twilightconvention.com.

Robert Pattinson's alien admirers

Robert Pattinson was approached in a public toilet by fans dressed as aliens.

The 'Twilight' actor was shocked when he tried to leave the bathroom facilities at a recent comic book convention only to be greeted by three people in extraterrestrial outfits.

A source said: "They blocked him when he tried to exit. Robert panicked, but then the alien monsters whipped off their scary headgear and revealed they were just three giggly Earth gal fans!" As well as hiring outfits, the trio of girls were wearing huge platform shoes to make themselves look taller.

When the fans realised the 23-year-old actor was nervous, they removed their masks and asked for his autograph.

The source added: "Robert thought it was a hilarious stunt and gave the girls everything they wanted."

Robert was not the only star to get up close and personal to a fan at the convention. Cameron Diaz agreed to marry one lucky man after he proposed to her while she was being quizzed at the event in San Diego.

'Twilight' sinks fangs into Teen Choice Awards

Robert Pattinson arrives at the Teen Choice Awards on Sunday Aug. 9, 2009, in Universal City, Calif.

Celebs arrive at the Teen Choice 2009 Awards taping in Los Angeles

"Twilight" didn't suck at the Teen Choice Awards.

The adolescent vampire drama dominated Sunday's ceremony with 11 wins, including choice movie drama, romance, liplock, rumble and soundtrack. Kristen Stewart won the movie drama actress category while Robert Pattinson picked up two surfboard-shaped trophies — one for movie drama actor, another for male hottie.

"We'll see you guys in theaters November 20th," co-star Taylor Lautner teased the squealing crowd.

Lautner and Ashley Greene, who will appear alongside Stewart and Pattinson in the upcoming "Twilight" sequel "New Moon," were honored as the male and female movie fresh faces while Cam Gigandet was crowned movie villain. "Twilight" director Catherine Hardwicke joined the cast on stage to accept the adaptation's pack of trophies.

The Teen Choice Awards, which were selected by over 83 million votes cast online, honor celebrities in TV, film, music and sports. Several winners — including 16-year-old Miley Cyrus and show hosts the Jonas Brothers — took home multiple trophies at the 11th annual ceremony at Universal Studios Hollywood's Gibson Amphitheatre.

Cyrus sailed away with six awards, winning for comedy TV show and actress for "Hannah Montana;" music/dance movie actress and hissy fit for "Hannah Montana: The Movie;" music single for "The Climb" and summer song for "Before the Storm" with the Jonas Brothers. Cyrus also presented Britney Spears the ultimate choice award.

"I'm a huge fans of hers," Cyrus said before a subdued Spears accepted her own surfboard.

The Jonas Brothers won five trophies, including choice male red carpet icons. They kicked off the show performing on a tiny stage that moved through the audience. Throughout the taped ceremony, the trio completed dares submitted by fans. At one point, younger brother Nick was challenged to hug a lineup of female fans.

"It's just hugs," Joe cautioned the women. "You're not going for long-term relationships here, girls."

Other big winners included "Gossip Girl" and Zac Efron. Chace Crawford, Leighton Meester and Ed Westwick picked up TV drama actor, actress, villain and TV series awards for the sudsy CW show while Efron won for music/dance movie actor in "High School Musical 3" and comedy movie actor and rockstar moment in "17 Again."

The ceremony itself was peppered with several odd moments.

Kathy Griffin arrived on the red carpet with Levi Johnston, the teenage ex-fiance of Bristol Palin, daughter of former Alaska governor Sarah Palin. Mike Tyson took shears to Joe Jonas' head as part of stunt. And before presenting the choice hottie awards, comedian Dane Cook pleaded to Vanessa Hudgens to keep her clothes on.

The Teen Choice Awards is scheduled to air Monday at 8 p.m. EDT on Fox.

Robert Pattinson named sexiest man

Robert Pattinson has been voted the Sexiest Man In The World.

The British actor beat off several well established heartthrobs, including Brad Pitt and Johnny Depp, to claim the title in a poll conducted by Britain's Glamour magazine.

The 23-year-old year-old star - who shot to fame playing vampire Edward Cullen in teen romantic thriller 'Twilight' - isn't fazed by his new sexy symbol status.

He said: "The hottest actor stuff doesn't really mean anything. You have a month maybe with all this heat and hype."

Depp, 46, and 45-year-old Pitt came second and fifth respectively.

Other hunks to make the top ten include Hugh Jackman - who was named People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive last year - soccer superstar David Beckham, Zac Efron and George Clooney.

The Glamour poll asked 2,000 British women to list the man they found most attractive.

Becoming vampire Edward in 'Twilight' has led Robert to some interesting run-ins with fans who have crushes on him.

He recently said: "People ambush me and try and find out what hotel I'm staying at, as well as wanting to touch my hair. Everyone just screams and screams. It feels surreal.

"Once there were four girls, in Chicago I think, and they had all scratched their necks until they bled.

"Then when they came up to me they had these bleeding scabs. It was gross."

Glamour magazine's Sexiest Man In The World 2009:

1) Robert Pattinson

2) Johnny Depp

3) Hugh Jackman

4) David Beckham

5) Brad Pitt

6) Zac Efron

7) George Clooney

8) Chace Crawford

9) Justin Timberlake

10) Colin Firth

Nikki Reed: Robert Pattinson is feminine looking

What makes milions of young girls attracted to Twilight star Robert Pattinson?Is it that chiseled face, his tousled locks, his brilliant smile, or the kindness he shows his fans?

According to Twilight saga co-star Nikki Reed, she told People that she knows the 23-year-old actor's secret. "Rob is sort of feminine looking and I think young girls like boys that look like women," she said.

Robert Pattinson too busy to drive

Robert Pattinson has lost his car.

The 'Twilight' actor can't recall where he left the vehicle, despite it being incredibly important to him, after his hectic filming and travelling schedule left him disorganised.

He is reported as saying: "I don't even remember where I left my car. It's probably been towed away by now.

"It's upsetting because it was the first car I ever bought. It made me feel like a man, buying a car."

This is not the first time Robert has had problems with cars.

Last month, the 23-year-old star was hit by a taxi after being mobbed by a group of female fans.

The British star - who is in New York filming new movie 'Remember Me' - attempted to run across the road to escape the hoard of young girls and was clipped by a moving cab.

Fortunately, the driver slammed on his brakes upon impact and the heartthrob walked away from the incident unharmed.

"Twilight" sequel draws fangirls by the thousands

Taylor Lautner, left, Kristen Stewart, center, and Robert Pattinson, right, pose at a news conference held to promote their new film "Twilight: New Moon" at the Comic-Con International 2009 convention held in San Diego Thursday, July 23, 2009.

Most camped out overnight. Some spent two nights outside the San Diego Convention Center. They wore homemade T-shirts, made friends with fellow fans and talked about their allegiance to Team Edward or Team Jacob.

They are the "Twilight" fangirls, and they came to Comic Con by the thousands to see the movie's stars in person at a panel Thursday for the film's sequel.

Director Chris Weitz was joined by Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Kristen Stewart and Ashley Greene.

High-pitched screams drowned out the introductions.

Those same shrill screams (of joy) also threatened to overwhelm the dialogue during the clip filmmakers showed.

The clip shows Jacob (Lautner) teaching Bella Swan (Stewart) how to ride a motorcycle, but she's distracted by visions of the vampire Edward (Pattinson) with whom she fell in love. She crashes, and Jacob takes off his shirt to soothe her wound, provoking more fangirl screams. Lautner famously gained more than 20 pounds of muscle since for the role.

Pattinson, who was greeted with adoring screams when made his Comic Con debut with "Twilight" last year, said the event was "an eye-opener, and it's just gotten bigger and bigger since."

"None of us saw it coming," Lautner added.

"It's a little overwhelming to have so many people here," Stewart said, "but I guess it's a good thing."

Nude photos of Robert Pattinson released

Robert Pattinson performed in the movie "Little Ashes".

Charming heart-throb Robert Pattinson performs in the new movie "Little Ashes". Now the nude pics of the movie have released.

The movie starts in 1920s , 18 years old Salvador Dali (Robert Pattinson) becomes a freshman of his favorite university determined to become a great artist. His bizarre blend of shyness and rampant exhibitionism attracts the attention of two of the university's social elite - Federico Garcia Lorca and Luis Bunel.

Salvador is absorbed into their youthfully decadent group and for a time Salvador, Luis and Federico become a formidable trio, the most ultra-modern group in Madrid. However as time passes, Salvador feels and increasingly strong pull towards the charismatic Federico - who is himself oblivious of the attentions he is getting from his beautiful writer friend, Magdalena. In the face of his friends' preoccupations - and Federico's growing renown as a poet - Luis sets off for Paris in search of his own artistic success.

Federico and Salvador spend the holiday in the sea-side town of Cadaques. Both the idyllic surroundings and the warmth of the Dali family sweep Federico off his feet. Salvador and Frederico draw closer, sharing their deepest beliefs, inspirations and secrets, convinced that they have found a kind of friendship not dreamed of by others. It is more that a meeting of the minds; it is a fusion of souls.

Robert Pattinson on set of 'Remember Me' in NYC

Robert Pattinson heads to the set of 'Remember Me' in Brooklyn, NYC on Tuesday ,July 14, 2009.