‘30 Days of Night’ director David Slade to helm 3rd ‘Twilight’ film

3rd ‘Twilight’ film director selected

LOS ANGELES — The “Twilight” movie franchise is getting its third director.

Summit Entertainment said Thursday that David Slade has been tapped to direct “Eclipse,” the third film in the series based on the Stephenie Meyer’s best-selling vampire books. Slade has bloodsucking experience: His credits include the 2007 horror “30 Days of Night” about an Alaskan town plagued by vampires.

Last year’s original “Twilight” film starring Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson and was directed by Catherine Hardwicke and grossed over $350 million worldwide.

“New Moon,” the second “Twilight” film, is currently in production and is being directed by Chris Weitz.

“New Moon” is scheduled for release Nov. 20. “Eclipse” is set to dawn June 30, 2010.