In a world where pop culture grudges can linger like an eternal fog, Robert Pattinson has no time for the lingering resentment some still harbor toward the Twilight saga. At a recent press junket for his latest indie film, Echoes of Dawn, the 39-year-old actor, once known as the brooding vampire Edward Cullen, addressed the persistent criticism of the franchise that launched him into global stardom. With his trademark self-deprecating humor and a glint of mischief in his eyes, Pattinson didn’t just defend Twilight—he playfully roasted those who still clutch their grudges against it, sparking a fresh wave of conversation about the series’ enduring legacy.

It was a sunny afternoon in Los Angeles, and the press room was abuzz with journalists eager to dissect Pattinson’s latest role, a gritty, introspective musician in Echoes of Dawn. But as questions inevitably veered toward his past, one reporter couldn’t resist revisiting the Twilight era. “Rob, it’s been over a decade since the last Twilight film,” the journalist began. “Yet some fans and critics still dismiss it as teenage fluff. How do you feel about that lingering hate?”

Pattinson leaned back in his chair, his lips curling into a wry smile. The room went quiet, anticipating a diplomatic sidestep. Instead, he let out a low chuckle that broke the tension. “Look, if you’re still out there hating on Twilight in 2025, I’ve got to say—you’re working harder than I am,” he quipped, his British accent lending a playful lilt to the jab. The room erupted in laughter, and Pattinson shrugged, as if to say, What’s the point? “I mean, come on. It’s a movie about sparkly vampires and werewolves. If you’re still mad about it, maybe it’s time to let it go and, I don’t know, binge something new.”

The comment, delivered with his characteristic blend of charm and irreverence, quickly went viral. Clips of the moment spread across social media, with fans of the franchise cheering his unapologetic stance and even some detractors admitting they couldn’t help but smile. But Pattinson’s remarks weren’t just a throwaway soundbite. They opened a window into his complex relationship with the saga that defined his early career—and revealed why he’s not only at peace with Twilight but also finds the ongoing vitriol faintly absurd.

For those who’ve somehow missed the cultural phenomenon, the Twilight saga, based on Stephenie Meyer’s bestselling novels, follows the love story of Bella Swan, a human teenager, and Edward Cullen, a vampire with a penchant for brooding. Released between 2008 and 2012, the five films grossed over $3.3 billion worldwide, cementing Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, and Taylor Lautner as household names. But alongside its massive success came a tidal wave of criticism. Detractors called the series melodramatic, poorly acted, and pandering to teenage girls—a demographic often unfairly maligned in pop culture discourse. The films were mocked for everything from Edward’s glittering skin to Bella’s perpetual indecision, and the backlash became a kind of cultural shorthand for “lowbrow” entertainment.

Pattinson, who was 22 when he first stepped into Edward’s pale, immortal shoes, bore the brunt of much of this scrutiny. His casting was initially met with skepticism, and as the franchise grew, so did the memes and snark aimed at his stoic performance. Yet, over the years, Pattinson has leaned into the absurdity of it all, often poking fun at himself and the series in interviews. “I used to get so mad about the hate,” he admitted during the junket, his tone more reflective. “I’d read reviews and think, ‘Why are they so angry?’ But now? It’s kind of hilarious. If you’re spending your energy hating a movie from 15 years ago, I’m not sure I’m the one with the problem.”

This wasn’t the first time Pattinson has addressed Twilight’s polarizing reputation, but his latest comments struck a chord for their blend of humor and defiance. He went on to recount a recent encounter with a fan who apologized for liking Twilight as a teenager. “She was like, ‘I know it’s silly, but I loved those movies,’” Pattinson recalled, shaking his head. “I told her, ‘Why are you apologizing? You were 14. You had a crush on a vampire. That’s not a crime.’ Honestly, the fact that people feel embarrassed about loving something so unapologetically romantic is kind of sad.”

Pattinson’s defense of Twilight’s fans—particularly its largely female audience—touched on a broader point about the cultural tendency to dismiss media aimed at young women. “The hate always felt a bit… targeted,” he said, choosing his words carefully. “It’s like, if a movie’s for teenage girls, it’s automatically less serious, less worthy. But those fans built something real. They showed up, they cared, they made it a phenomenon. That’s not nothing.”

He’s not wrong. The Twilight fandom, often credited with pioneering modern fan culture, transformed the series into more than just a set of films. Fanfiction, conventions, and online communities flourished, many of which laid the groundwork for later fandoms like The Hunger Games and Harry Potter. Pattinson, who’s admitted to lurking on fan sites in the early days, said he’s still amazed by the creativity the series inspired. “I saw some of the fan art back then, and it was better than anything I could’ve done,” he laughed. “People poured their hearts into it. That’s what art’s supposed to do, isn’t it?”

Yet, for all his lighthearted mockery of the haters, Pattinson doesn’t pretend Twilight was flawless. “Oh, there are things I’d do differently now,” he admitted, grinning. “I spent half the first movie looking like I was in physical pain. Probably because I was.” He recounted the grueling filming conditions—endless night shoots, freezing rain in the Pacific Northwest, and the pressure of carrying a franchise on his young shoulders. “I was so nervous I barely blinked,” he said. “If you watch Twilight closely, Edward looks like he’s about to cry every five seconds. That’s not acting; that’s just me panicking.”

His candor about the challenges of Twilight only endeared him further to fans, who’ve long appreciated his willingness to embrace the saga’s quirks. Unlike some actors who distance themselves from early roles, Pattinson has never shied away from his Twilight past. He’s referenced it in everything from his Saturday Night Live monologue to casual red-carpet chats, often with a wink that suggests he’s in on the joke. “I’m not going to pretend I didn’t do it,” he said at the junket. “It’s part of my story. Plus, I got to work with some incredible people, and I wouldn’t be here without it.”

Indeed, Twilight was a springboard for Pattinson’s eclectic career. Since the saga ended, he’s carved out a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors, starring in critically acclaimed films like The Lighthouse, Tenet, and The Batman. His choice of roles—often quirky, dark, or experimental—seems almost a deliberate counterpoint to Edward Cullen’s mainstream appeal. Yet, he credits Twilight with giving him the freedom to take risks. “That franchise paid for my ability to do weird little movies nobody watches,” he said, laughing. “So, in a way, the haters are indirectly funding my art-house phase. You’re welcome.”

As the junket wound down, Pattinson was asked if he’d ever consider revisiting the Twilight universe, perhaps in a reboot or cameo. His response was classic Pattinson: equal parts thoughtful and cheeky. “I’m probably too old to play Edward now,” he said, running a hand through his famously tousled hair. “Unless they make a vampire midlife crisis movie, which, honestly, I’d be down for. Picture Edward with a sports car and a bad haircut, trying to relive his glory days. Oscar bait, right there.”

The room burst into laughter again, but Pattinson’s comments left a lasting impression. By refusing to take the Twilight hate seriously, he’s reframed the conversation around the saga, inviting fans and critics alike to see it for what it was: a cultural moment that captured the hearts of millions, flaws and all. His playful jab at the haters wasn’t just a defense of his past—it was a reminder to let go of cynicism and embrace the joy of storytelling, no matter how sparkly.

As clips of the interview continued to circulate, social media lit up with reactions. Fans shared nostalgic Twilight memes, while others praised Pattinson for calling out the double standards in how the series was judged. Even some former detractors admitted they might give the films another chance, if only to see what all the fuss was about. In the end, Pattinson’s laughter and shrug did more than mock the haters—they reminded us that sometimes, the best response to criticism is to keep moving forward, with a smile and a spark of defiance.