Summit Entertainment announced the sequel for Twilight will be heading to production.  The second installment, entitled New Moon, will continue the insanely popular series written by Stephenie Meyer.

"I don't think any other author has had a more positive experience with the makers of her movie adaptation than I have had with Summit Entertainment," Meyer said in a prepared statement. "I'm thrilled to have the chance to work with them again on New Moon."

The first book turned movie, Twilight, which grossed $69.6 million this past weekend, tells the story of 17-year-old Bella Swan who comes to live her father in the remote town of Forks, Washington, and falls in love with a mysterious boy named Edward Cullen, who is a vampire. As their romance flourishes, Bella struggles to survive in a world where human blood is food. 

The first movie stars Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, who have already signed on for the sequel. Although fans have swarmed theaters pledging their undying support for the Twilight franchise, many critics have not been impressed. 

New Moon has been rumored to be scheduled for a December 2009 release, but details have not been finalized.

 —Jessica Delli Santi