When The Twilight Saga first hit the big screen in 2008, it sparked a global phenomenon. Based on Stephenie Meyer’s best-selling romance novels, the films launched its young cast into instant superstardom and divided fans into fierce Team Edward and Team Jacob factions. Over the next five years, the franchise dominated the box office, reshaping pop culture, and leaving a legacy that’s still felt by fans today.  

While the supernatural love triangle may be frozen in time on screen, the real-life stars have moved on—some quietly, others with major transformations. Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner may always be linked to Bella, Edward, and Jacob, but their post-Twilight paths have taken them in wildly different directions. Some have gone on to critically acclaimed roles in indie films and major blockbusters, while others have stepped out of the spotlight entirely, choosing quieter careers or more private lives.  

With The Twilight Saga returning to theatres nationwide as part of our Fathom Fan Favorite Series, we are diving into where the cast of the films are today.   

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Kristen Stewart (Bella Swan) 

Kristen Stewart was thrust into the global spotlight when she took on the role of Bella Swan, the shy, human girl whose love for Edward Cullen sparks the supernatural drama. After Twilight, Stewart faced the challenge of being typecast, but she deliberately pivoted toward indie films and character-driven roles that allowed her to prove her range. 

She starred in critically acclaimed films such as Clouds of Sils Maria (2014), which earned her the César Award for Best Supporting Actress, making her the first American actress to win the prestigious French award. Stewart further cemented her credibility with films like Personal Shopper (2016), Lizzie (2018), and Seberg (2019). 

Her biggest career milestone came with her portrayal of Princess Diana in Spencer (2021), for which she received an Academy Award® nomination for Best Actress. Stewart continues to balance arthouse projects with occasional mainstream turns, such as Charlie’s Angels (2019) and Love Lies Bleeding (2024). Stewart made her directorial debut with The Chronology of Water, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and is set to release in theatres in late 2025. 

Off-screen, Stewart has been open about her sexuality and is considered one of Hollywood’s most prominent LGBTQ+ stars. She announced her engagement to screenwriter Dylan Meyer in 2021. Today, Stewart is one of the few Twilight alumni to consistently command critical respect and cultural relevance. 

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Robert Pattinson (Edward Cullen) 

As Edward Cullen, Robert Pattinson became the brooding vampire heartthrob of a generation. But like Stewart, he avoided being boxed in by blockbuster roles and instead reinvented himself as an arthouse darling. 

After Twilight, Pattinson worked with auteurs like David Cronenberg (Cosmopolis, Maps to the Stars), James Gray (The Lost City of Z), and the Safdie brothers (Good Time), earning praise for his daring performances. His reputation as a serious actor culminated with Christopher Nolan’s Tenet (2020), which reintroduced him to blockbuster audiences. 

In 2022, Pattinson stepped fully back into mainstream superstardom by donning the cape and cowl as Bruce Wayne in Matt Reeves’ The Batman. The film was a massive success, and Pattinson is set to return for its 2026 sequel. 

In his personal life, Pattinson has kept a relatively low profile compared to the height of Twilight mania. He’s been engaged to model and actress Suki Waterhouse since 2023, and the couple welcomed their first child in 2024. Pattinson has managed what many teen-idol actors never achieve: a total career reinvention. 

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Taylor Lautner (Jacob Black) 

Taylor Lautner’s Jacob Black was central to the love triangle that defined the saga. However, unlike Stewart and Pattinson, Lautner struggled to maintain momentum after the franchise ended. 

He starred in Abduction (2011) and subsequent roles, including the comedy The Ridiculous 6 (2015) and the TV series Scream Queens (2016), keeping him in the spotlight sporadically. Still, he never replicated the fame he achieved during his Twilight era.   

In recent years, Lautner has embraced a more grounded life. He married Taylor Dome, a nurse, in 2022, and the couple has leaned into their social media presence, often poking fun at the “two Taylors” joke. Lautner also made headlines in 2023 when he appeared alongside Taylor Swift (his former girlfriend) in the music video for her re-recorded Speak Now track “I Can See You.” Fans were thrilled by the full-circle pop culture moment.   

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Ashley Greene (Alice Cullen) 

Ashley Greene’s portrayal of the stylish and psychic Alice Cullen made her a fan favorite. After Twilight, Greene appeared in films like CBGB (2013), Burying the Ex (2014), and several smaller indie projects. While she never hit A-list heights, Greene remained steadily active in Hollywood. 

She has also ventured into business and podcasting. In 2022, she co-launched The Twilight Effect, a podcast with co-star Kellan Lutz, revisiting the series and sharing behind-the-scenes stories. 

On the personal front, Greene married TV personality Paul Khoury in 2018, and the couple welcomed their first child, Kingsley, in 2022. Greene has transitioned into balancing family life with selective acting and entrepreneurial ventures. 

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Kellan Lutz (Emmett Cullen) 

As the strong and jovial Emmett Cullen, Kellan Lutz brought levity to the brooding vampire family. Following Twilight, he appeared in action-heavy projects like The Legend of Hercules (2014) and The Expendables 3 (2014). 

While those roles didn’t catapult him to superstardom, Lutz carved out a steady career in TV, most notably as a lead on CBS’s FBI: Most Wanted from 2020 to 2021. He left the show to spend more time with his growing family after he and his wife, Brittany Gonzales, welcomed children in 2021 and 2022. 

Lutz also co-hosts The Twilight Effect podcast with Greene, capitalizing on the enduring popularity of the series. Though he’s not on the blockbuster track, he has built a sustainable career in both acting and media. 

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Nikki Reed (Rosalie Hale) 

Rosalie Hale, the icy and complex Cullen sister, was a standout in the franchise. After Twilight, Reed transitioned into indie films and television, appearing in projects such as Empire and Sleepy Hollow.  

Beyond acting, Rosalie Reed has built a reputation as an entrepreneur and environmental advocate. She founded BaYou With Love, a sustainable jewelry and lifestyle brand that utilizes recycled gold and ethically sourced materials. Her work has earned her recognition in the sustainability space.  

Reed married The Vampire Diaries star Ian Somerhalder in 2015, and the couple has two children. Together, they’ve become known for their environmental and philanthropic efforts. Reed’s post-Twilight life has been less about Hollywood and more about meaningful ventures outside the spotlight. 

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Jackson Rathbone (Jasper Hale) 

Jackson Rathbone played Jasper Hale, the brooding, empathic character with a troubled past. Since Twilight, Rathbone has pursued both acting and music. He has appeared in smaller films and TV series, such as The Last Ship and Finding Carter.  

Rathbone is also a musician, previously part of the band 100 Monkeys, and he continues to release music independently. He balances his artistic pursuits with family life, as he and his wife Sheila Hafsadi have three children.  

Though not as visible in Hollywood as some of his co-stars, Rathbone maintains a devoted fan base and continues to work steadily in creative fields. 

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Peter Facinelli (Dr. Carlisle Cullen) 

As the compassionate patriarch Carlisle Cullen, Peter Facinelli became a household name during Twilight. Afterward, he built a solid career in television, starring in shows like Nurse Jackie (2009–2015) and Supergirl (2015–2018). 

Facinelli has also worked as a writer and producer, creating the indie sci-fi film Loosies (2012). More recently, he’s appeared in Hallmark movies and smaller film projects. 

He was engaged to actress Jaimie Alexander in the mid-2010s and later got engaged to actress Lily Anne Harrison, with whom he welcomed a daughter in 2022. Facinelli remains active in the industry, though often behind the scenes. 

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Elizabeth Reaser (Esme Cullen) 

Elizabeth Reaser, who played Esme Cullen, the loving matriarch of the vampire clan, has enjoyed a strong post-Twilight career in television. She appeared in The Good Wife, Mad Men, and The Haunting of Hill House (2018), which became a Netflix sensation. 

Her ability to shift seamlessly between film, TV dramas, and horror has kept her in steady demand. Reaser continues to work primarily in television, making her one of the most consistently employed Cullen actors. 

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Billy Burke (Charlie Swan) 

As Bella’s dad, Charlie Swan, Billy Burke became a fan favorite for his mustache, dry humor, and awkward-but-sweet dad energy. Since Twilight, Burke has been a familiar face on TV, starring in series like Revolution (2012–2014), Zoo (2015–2017), and 9-1-1: Lone Star. 

He has also appeared in films like Lights Out (2016) and continues to take on roles that capitalize on his rugged charm. While not a Hollywood superstar, Burke has had one of the steadiest careers of the ensemble cast.   

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Anna Kendrick (Jessica Stanley) 

Though Jessica Stanley was only a supporting role, Anna Kendrick arguably became the breakout star of the cast. While she was already on the rise with Up in the Air (2009)—earning her an Oscar® nomination—her post-Twilight career skyrocketed with Pitch Perfect (2012) and its sequels. 

Kendrick has since built a reputation as a versatile actress in comedies, musicals, and dramas, appearing in Into the Woods (2014), A Simple Favor (2018), and Love Life (2020). 

In 2023, she made her directorial debut with the film Woman of the Hour. Kendrick remains one of the busiest and most recognizable stars to emerge from the Twilight franchise. 

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Dakota Fanning (Jane Volturi) 

Dakota Fanning was already a child star before joining Twilight as Jane, the menacing member of the Volturi. Since then, she has continued to transition into adult roles successfully. 

Fanning starred in TNT’s The Alienist (2018–2020), appeared in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), and has remained a steady presence in both film and TV. Alongside her sister Elle Fanning, she co-founded production company Lewellen Pictures,. 

Now in her late 20s, Fanning continues to balance acting with producing, maintaining her position as one of Hollywood’s most seasoned young stars. 

From Kristen Stewart’s Oscar-nominated® performances to Robert Pattinson’s turn as Batman, the Twilight cast has carved unique paths, showing that the saga was not an endpoint but a beginning. 

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