Image Credit: Lionsgate
As first unveiled in September 2024, Netflix and Lionsgate are teaming up for an episodic animated adaptation of the Stephenie Meyer film. midnight Sun– the companion novel that tells the iconic story from the perspective of vampire teen heartthrob Edward Cullen and we’ve finally got a new update as the series looks to get closer to greenlit status.
Now, two years after the finale and thanks to a brand new casting call verified by What’s on Netflix, we finally have an exciting update on the development of the project and who the team is currently looking to cast.
Here’s everything we know from the latest production update. As previously announced, Twilight writer Stephenie Meyer is executive producing the project. He is joined by Sinead Daly, who is officially serving as showrunner for the series.
Other executive producers and producers attached include Marty Bowen, Vic Godfrey, Eric Feig, Meghan Hibbett and Emily Wissink. Fickle Fish Films is producing Midnight Sun Productions, Inc. With production operations under.
We also learned that Lin Wang is attached as a supervising director. Melissa Kostenbauder serves as casting director, with Jake Warnke on board as casting associate.
Who are they casting?
While the script is still under wraps, a casting document verified by What’s on Netflix reveals that the search is officially underway for the voices behind two of the franchise’s most important Quileute tribe members: Jacob Black and his father, Billy Black.
Interestingly, although this is an entirely animated series, the casting call clearly notes that no prior voiceover (VO) experience is required. Casting directors are also rigorously considering on-camera actors for these roles.
Here are the character descriptions for the roles currently being cast:
- [ JACOB BLACK ] – Recurring (VO)
The team is looking for a male, Native American actor to voice the young teen (specifically asking for adults to play the teen). The vocal quality has been described as “youthful, inviting and cheerful, with husky vocals displaying a happy-go-lucky demeanor”. Jacob’s youthful innocence makes him relatable and lovable as he develops a budding crush on Bella Swan. As the son of a Quileute tribal elder, he has a deep connection to his family and culture. This character speaks with an American accent. - [ BILLY BLACK ] – Recurring (VO)
The production is looking for a male, Native American actor who appears to be between 40 and 50. The essential vocal quality should reflect “kindness and wisdom.” Billy is a prominent Quileute tribal elder who is a close friend of Bella’s father, Charlie Swan, and deeply devoted to his son, Jacob. The character is described as being under “significant stress and pressure to protect him and his community from the growing vampire conflicts”. He acts as a bridge between the Quileute culture and the outside world. This character speaks with an American accent.
When will the production of ‘Midnight Sun’ begin?
Animation takes a long time, but things are constantly moving forward. According to the casting sheet, the project dates have been tentatively set From August 2026 to May 2027. The shooting location (which usually refers to the center for voice recording and production coordination) is listed as Los Angeles.
Given this production timeline, it reinforces our previous predictions that we won’t see midnight Sun Hit our Netflix queues by late 2027 or 2028 at the earliest or, more likely, later. Of course, we’ll let you know as soon as we hear any official casting announcements about who will be voicing Edward, Bella, and the rest of the Forks residents!
Are you looking forward to the animated adaptation of Midnight Sun on Netflix? Who would you like to hear from Jacob or Billy Black? Let us know in the comments below!
