It’s been 15 years since Twilight first hit theaters and turned a moody vampire romance into a global pop culture phenomenon. The Twilight cast went from up-and-comers to household names overnight. Some leaned into the spotlight, while others disappeared like a Cullen in daylight. So—where are they now?
Let’s dig in, from brooding vampires to loyal werewolves, and even those questionable Volturi guys.
Kristen Stewart (Bella Swan)
The heart of the series, Bella was awkward, clumsy, and completely infatuated with a 100-year-old vampire. Kristen Stewart, who portrayed her, was catapulted to fame thanks to the Twilight cast’s overwhelming success.
Post-Twilight Career Highlights:
- Took on edgier, independent roles (Clouds of Sils Maria, Personal Shopper)
- Became the first American actress to win a César Award
- Starred in Charlie’s Angels (2019) and Spencer (2021) as Princess Diana, earning an Oscar nomination
Personal Life:
- Came out as queer and has been vocal about LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood
- Engaged to screenwriter Dylan Meyer
She’s no longer just “Bella from Twilight.” Kristen carved out a spot as one of the most interesting actresses of her generation.
Robert Pattinson (Edward Cullen)
Pale. Brooding. Romantic. Edward Cullen had teenage hearts everywhere swooning. Robert Pattinson was forever changed by being part of the Twilight cast, but his post-vampire career might surprise you.
What He’s Done Since:
- Took gritty roles in Good Time, The Lighthouse, and Tenet
- Became The Batman in the 2022 reboot (and nailed it)
- Selected for high-profile projects with A-list directors like Christopher Nolan and David Cronenberg
Fun Fact:
Pattinson has also dabbled in music and is known for his dry, self-deprecating humor.
He didn’t just escape the Edward Cullen shadow—he obliterated it.
Taylor Lautner (Jacob Black)
Werewolf abs? Check. Awkward love triangle? Double check. Taylor Lautner was the muscle of the Twilight cast, and for a few years, he was everywhere.
After Twilight:
- Starred in Abduction and The Ridiculous 6
- Appeared in the TV series Scream Queens and Cuckoo
- Took a step back from acting to focus on personal life
Life Update:
- Married long-time girlfriend (also named Taylor!)
- Now lives a quieter life, away from Hollywood’s glare
Though his Hollywood star dimmed, Lautner still holds a firm place in the hearts of Team Jacob fans.
Anna Kendrick (Jessica Stanley)
The snarky, slightly annoying bestie? That was Jessica Stanley. And while she was a supporting role in the Twilight cast, Anna Kendrick has had one of the most successful post-Twilight careers.
Her Rise Since:
- Starred in Pitch Perfect franchise
- Received an Oscar nomination for Up in the Air
- Hosted Saturday Night Live and published a memoir
Side Hustles:
- Launched her own production company
- Became a prominent figure in romantic comedies and indie flicks
She might joke that she “forgot” she was in Twilight, but fans haven’t forgotten her.
Ashley Greene (Alice Cullen)
Stylish. Perky. Visionary vampire. Alice Cullen was a fan favorite, and Ashley Greene gave her life. Being part of the Twilight cast put her on the map, but where is she now?
Career After Twilight:
- Acted in horror flicks like Burying the Ex and The Immaculate Room
- Guest-starred on shows like Rogue and Pan Am
- Started her own podcast: The Twilight Effect
Personal Life:
- Married Australian TV announcer Paul Khoury
- Became a mom in 2022
She’s stayed close to the fandom, even revisiting Twilight memories with co-stars on her podcast.
Kellan Lutz (Emmett Cullen)
Big. Loud. Protective. Emmett Cullen had major “protective older brother” energy. Kellan Lutz embraced the action-hero image post-Twilight cast fame.
Projects Post-Twilight:
- Took roles in action films (The Legend of Hercules, Extraction)
- Played an FBI agent on FBI: Most Wanted
- Known for fitness advocacy and motivational speaking
Interesting Note:
He auditioned for Edward originally—but we can’t picture that.
Kellan carved a niche in TV procedurals and straight-to-streaming action flicks.
Nikki Reed (Rosalie Hale)
Let’s be honest—Rosalie had a resting vampire face. But she was deeply complex, and Nikki Reed brought depth to her story. After being part of the Twilight cast, Nikki took a creative turn.
What She’s Been Up To:
- Starred in indie films like Jack Goes Home and In Your Eyes
- Founded sustainable lifestyle brand Bayou With Love
- Became a passionate environmentalist and ethical jewelry designer
Personal Life:
- Married to The Vampire Diaries star Ian Somerhalder
- Has two children and lives a low-key family life
Turns out, Nikki went from vampire to eco-warrior.
Peter Facinelli (Carlisle Cullen)
Ah, Dr. Dad Vampire. Peter Facinelli’s calm demeanor as Carlisle was a grounding force within the Twilight cast.
Where He Went:
- Appeared in TV series like Nurse Jackie and Supergirl
- Directed and produced indie films
- Continues to work steadily in Hollywood and theater
He’s also active on social media and often reminisces about the Twilight days with fans.
Elizabeth Reaser (Esme Cullen)
The warmest vampire mom you’ll ever meet. Elizabeth Reaser brought humanity to the Twilight cast through her portrayal of Esme.
Notable Roles:
- The Haunting of Hill House (Netflix breakout hit)
- Grey’s Anatomy, The Good Wife, and Manhunt: Unabomber
- Recently starred in Law & Order: Organized Crime
She’s the quiet powerhouse who just keeps delivering one quality performance after another.
Jackson Rathbone (Jasper Hale)
Brooding, emotionally conflicted, and always kind of stiff (literally). Jackson Rathbone gave Jasper depth despite limited dialogue in the Twilight cast.
Where He’s Been:
- Released music with his band 100 Monkeys
- Acted in indie thrillers and horror films
- Regular on the convention circuit and Twilight-themed events
A loyal fanbase still follows his every move.
Billy Burke (Charlie Swan)
The king of dad staches. Billy Burke played Bella’s down-to-earth father and earned unexpected love from fans.
Post-Twilight Appearances:
- Starred in Zoo, Revolution, and 9-1-1: Lone Star
- Played villainous roles in Mafia Mamma and Lights Out
- Also launched a music career with two country-rock albums
Dad vibes? Always. But with edge.
The Volturi Crew – What Happened?
Let’s not forget the villains. Every good story needs a dark side, and the Twilight cast had theirs in the Volturi.
Michael Sheen (Aro):
- Became a critically acclaimed stage actor
- Co-created and starred in Good Omens
- Frequent political activist in the UK
Dakota Fanning (Jane):
- Continued her acting streak with The Alienist, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and Ripley
- Starred alongside sister Elle Fanning in various indie films
Jamie Campbell Bower (Caius):
- Had a music career with Counterfeit
- Appeared in Stranger Things Season 4 as Vecna (mind blown!)
They all took different paths—stage, TV, horror—but still carry their villain roles with pride.
How Twilight Shaped Their Careers
Being part of the Twilight cast wasn’t just about fame. It was about exposure, opportunity, and a whole lot of intense fandom.
Pros:
- Instant global fame
- Massive social media following
- Lucrative film and endorsement deals
Cons:
- Typecasting in supernatural roles
- Constant media scrutiny
- Some careers stalled from overexposure
But for many, the franchise served as a launchpad. Others? A reminder of the double-edged sword that is mega-franchise fame.
Where Are They Spiritually, Emotionally… Really?
Let’s go deeper. Not just who’s starring in what, but who found peace.
- Kristen Stewart: Found her artistic voice in indie cinema
- Robert Pattinson: Redeemed his craft through intense roles
- Taylor Lautner: Stepped away, found love, and embraced normalcy
- Ashley Greene & Nikki Reed: Pivoted to family and entrepreneurship
- The rest? Still thriving, but at their own pace
The Twilight cast grew up—right in front of us. And they’ve become more interesting because of it.
Twilight’s Cultural Legacy
Fifteen years later, the glitter has faded—but not the love.
- Gen Z is discovering Twilight via TikTok memes
- The series is enjoying a nostalgic comeback
- Fan fiction and cosplay are still going strong
- There’s talk of a reboot or Twilight TV show (no, seriously)
And guess what? The Twilight cast continues to feel the ripple effects. Every appearance, every podcast mention, every reunion sparks fan excitement.
Final Thoughts: From Forks to Forever
Love it or roll your eyes at it, the Twilight cast made history. They turned a teen romance into a billion-dollar empire and helped define an entire era of pop culture.
Some became A-listers. Others quietly exited stage left. But all of them played a part in a story that’s still echoing through conventions, rewatch marathons, and meme culture.
Fifteen years later, we still care. We still debate Edward vs. Jacob. We still quote awkward lines. And we still remember the people behind the fangs, capes, and contacts.
