**Warning: Spoilers for Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 ahead.**
Some cinematic moments are unforgettable, and the conclusion of Breaking Dawn Part 2 is definitely one of mine. As a teenager who adored the Twilight books and films, seeing the finale on the big screen was a significant experience. I was on vacation in the desert during Thanksgiving week, but I made sure to catch the final Twilight movie with other fans on opening night. We opted for a very late screening (a common choice back then) and watched the concluding film of the vampire saga. I distinctly remember being so exhausted that I thought I was hallucinating when Carlisle’s beheading and a surprise battle scene unfolded. I kept thinking, “That wasn’t in the book,” and my jaw stayed dropped for the rest of the movie.
Crafting a truly shocking plot twist in a film isn’t easy, but Breaking Dawn Part 2 managed to deliver a surprising twist that left Twilight fans, including me, astonished. And yes, Stephenie Meyer played a role in it. If you’re curious about the story behind the movie’s ending, read on…
**What Happens At The End Of Breaking Dawn**
Before diving into the film’s ending, let’s recap what happens in Breaking Dawn Part 2. After Bella, played by Kristen Stewart, becomes a vampire, the story doesn’t immediately head to a happy conclusion.
**The Book’s Ending**
In the book version of Breaking Dawn, the Volturi decide to leave the Cullens alone after preparing for a fight. In the final chapter, “The Happily Ever After,” Edward Cullen reveals that Volturi leader Aro was “terrified of Bella” due to her vampire mind shield powers and the fact that the Cullens had gathered numerous vampires and werewolves. According to the book, Alice provided Aro with a reason to back out of the confrontation.
The book hints that the Volturi might return someday, but the Cullens are confident they could outwit them again if needed. Edward and Bella’s story ends with them living happily ever after “forever and forever and forever,” as Edward says on the last page.
**The Movie’s Ending**
In the 2012 film adaptation, the ending differs significantly. The Cullens gather a large group of vampires and werewolves to confront the Volturi. Initially, a battle seems to erupt, resulting in many casualties, including Carlisle’s head being severed by Aro, Jane being killed by a werewolf, and Aro being defeated by Edward and Bella. This intense scene is framed as reality (which was shocking to me) before it’s revealed that it’s actually a vision from Alice Cullen, who can see the future. Once the vision ends, the Volturi retreat, and Edward and Bella receive their cinematic farewell.
**Stephenie Meyer’s Concerns About the Ending**
Despite the shock of the twist ending, I found it to be a clever resolution to what might have been an anticlimactic ending visually. If the movie had followed the book’s ending directly, it would have been a 20-minute scene of vampires talking in a field (as opposed to a 68-page battle in the novel).
Stephenie Meyer was aware of this issue and even debated whether to grant Summit the rights to adapt the fourth book due to concerns that the ending wouldn’t translate well to film. Screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg shared with Buzzfeed that Meyer was worried the ending would have to be significantly altered to be cinematic, and she was hesitant to allow changes that might deviate too much from the book.
**The New Ending**
Fortunately, Meyer and screenwriter Rosenberg collaborated on a new ending. Rosenberg recounted that they brainstormed the twist ending together during a casual dinner in Vancouver. They both found the idea exciting, and it turned out to be a fitting solution.
It’s great to see Stephenie Meyer so involved in the adaptation process. Authors sometimes have unique insights into how to update their work for film, and Meyer’s participation was crucial in crafting a satisfying ending for the movie. Director Bill Condon explained that the twist fits within Meyer’s universe and offers a visually engaging battle, even if Meyer’s books don’t typically focus on action.
**Crafting the Battle Scene**
Once Meyer, Rosenberg, and Condon agreed on the twist, they worked on bringing the battle scene to life. Condon discussed the process with Vulture, highlighting how they approached creating the dramatic and surprising sequence.
