Report: Guillermo Del Toro's protege in the running to direct "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse"

Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner during the February premiere of "Twilight" in Japan.

Credit: AP Photo/Katsumi Kasahara

The ongoing speculation of who will direct the third "Twilight" flick, "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse," continues.  Drew Barrymore has already emerged publicly as one of the candidates and now, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Guillermo Del Toro protege Juan Antonio Bayona has also appeared to make the final round.

The next film in the series, "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" is scheduled to begin production at the end of this month with Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner returning along with newcomer Dakota Fanning. The sequel to the blockbuster hit is scheduled for release Nov. 20. "Eclipse" would follow right on its heels with a shoot this fall and winter for a June 30, 2010 release.

Bayona directed the very commercial Spanish ghost-thriller "The Orphanage," which did respectable business when released in the states in late 2007. However, worldwide it was a profitable hit raking in over $78 million. Now, the filmmaker's name is being discussed alongside filmmakers such as James Mangold, Barrymore and the brother of "New Moon" director Chris Weitz, Paul Weitz. 

The first film was directed by Catherine Hardwicke, but the notoriously difficult director could not come to an agreement to return for the sequel.  Another female director was considered for "New Moon," but the opportunity to bring Chris Weitz, fresh off "Golden Compass," was too hard to turn down.

In related news, Twlilighters.org is reporting Paul Weitz is the leading candidate to direct "Eclipse," but Summit Entertainment is keeping mum for the moment.

Universal Pictures has also recruited Bayona to direct the thriller "Haters," but the opportunity to tackled Stephanie Meyer's Vampire world would take precedence.

March 11th Update: Variety confirms tonight that Juan Antonio Bayona has been confirmed as 'Eclipse' director.

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