Successful or forgotten? Where are the cast from 'Twilight' now?

2023 will mark 15 years since the first film of the 'Twilight' saga. A lot of time has passed since these young Hollywood stars hit the big screen and became outrageously famous - almost overnight. But where are the cast now? Have they had professional success or have they disappeared in a puff of smoke?

Taylor Lautner was the big surprise of the saga. His muscled appearance - in the famous shirtless scenes - made him a highly sought-after actor. He was only 16 years old and yet he seemed destined for great things.

But the saga ended and Taylor Lautner did not have the big movie career he would have expected. To be honest, the fact that his physique was more talked about than his talent didn't help him much.

His choice in movies after the 'Twilight' success, such as 'The Ridiculous 6' and 'Abduction', did not have the desired outcome. Little by little, the most famous werewolf of the 21st century started to fade into the background.

He was in the British series 'Cuckoo', which ended in 2018 and then 'Home Team' for Netflix which was described by Rotten Tomatoes as 'A film that mostly plays as a checklist of scenes and tropes required from a Sandler-backed sports comedy' alongside a one star review.

When 'Twilight' was released in 2008, Robert Pattinson had already proved himself as a worthy actor in a few films. But the doors of Hollywood opened even wider thanks to the vampire saga and his hypnotic appearance in it. When the 22-year-old actor started a relationship with Kristen Stewart, it helped him further.

Despite his quick rise to the top, the actor has proven to have his head screwed on (as well as being perfectly advised by management) and chosen roles that weren't necessarily the image of a leading man. That way, he could show off all his talent.

Films such as 'Good Time', 'High Life' and 'The Lighthouse' have made him one of the best and most versatile actors in Hollywood. He's been circling the Oscar nomination for several years now and it's only a matter of time before he grabs a coveted award.

Pattinson shoots between two and three films a year, always with very well-selected roles and, in many cases, small, independent titles that allow him to shine. The world adored him as Bruce Wayne in 'The Batman'. Esquire's review was booming: 'Robert Pattinson's Batman is everything: angry, wistful, oddly romantic, and very, very emo'.

Ashley Greene almost didn't get to play the role of Alice Cullen, because she was almost 20 cm (8 inches) taller than the character described in Stephenie Meyer's novel. In fact, the author wanted Rachael Leigh Cook for the role. However, in the end Greene was cast, and the 21-year-old actress caused a sensation among the fans.

Even though she has not stopped working since the saga ended, it is hard to remember the roles in which she truly stood out. Apart from the movie 'Bombshell,' they have all been minor roles, and she also had bad luck with 'Pan Am', the series about the legendary stewardesses in which she had a leading role. The show was cancelled after one season. Still, Greene does well on social media, with a lot of fans who admire her style and beauty.

In 2008, the 22-year-old Kellan Lutz made a big impact on 'Twilight' fans with his athletic looks. At times, he even overshadowed Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner. His character was Emmet Cullen, Edward's brother. The role was supposed to go to another actor, but at the last minute, the other person dropped out of the project and Lutz joined the saga.

Hollywood saw a new action film hero in Kellan Lutz. Most of the roles that came his way have been in this genre. However, the titles he starred in, such as 'The Legend of Hercules' or 'Extraction', have not had the expected outcome and his name has now almost completely disappeared from the Hollywood A-List aside for 7 episodes of 'The Guardians of Justice'.

The American actress was 11 years old when she stepped into the shoes of Bella and Edward's daughter, Renesmee Carlie Cullen. Her performance did not go unnoticed and it earned her a Young Artist Award nomination.

Since the end of the saga, MacKenzie Foy has managed to grab roles in masterpieces such as 'Interstellar' but also in scary cult titles such as 'The Conjuring.' She then starred in Disney's adaptation of 'The Nutcracker', sharing the cast with Keira Knightley, and 'Black Beauty' with Kate Winslet. We have certainly not seen the last of Ms. Foy.

Kristen Stewart's filmography was already impressive when she joined the 'Twilight' family at age 18. The saga helped her make the leap to fame and came out 'post-Bella' tops.

Just like Robert Pattinson, the actress alternates between big productions such as 'Charlie's Angels' and smaller titles like 'American Ultra'. It may have been 'Café Society', directed by Woody Allen, that really put Kristen Stewart on Hollywood level.

As she filmed 'Spencer', the movie in which she plays Princess Diana, Kristen Stewart had to alternate her busy film schedule with her work in fashion. As one of Chanel's muses, the actress has become an icon of style, beauty and, of course, of the LGBTQ community.

All those years ago Rami played Benjamin, the Egyptian vampire with a serious skill set. He certainly has one of those stand-out faces that made him perfect for the role.

Despite being cornered by Hollywood thanks to his heritage, he managed to break away from the stereotype and has proved to the world, on more than one occasion, he comes with some incredible talent. Of course, his roles such as Freddy Mercury in 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and his villain in 'No Time to Die', have left people in awe of this actor's brilliance.

Photo: 20th Century Fox

She was 23 when she took on the adorable (yet slightly annoying) role of Jessica. Bella's friend knew how to make the most of her screen time and undoubtedly succeeded after the saga. Her acting talent, combined with her tremendous skill in selecting roles, made Anna Kendrick one of the best actresses in Hollywood today.

While filming the saga, in 2010, Anna Kendrick was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for 'Up in the Air.' Afterwards, she crowned herself in comedy and in the world of musical theatre, thanks mainly to the 'Pitch Perfect' saga.

Peter Facinelli was 35 years old when he had to dye his hair blonde for 'Twilight'. Although he has played many roles, the character of Dr Carlisle Cullen, Edward's adoptive father, remains the most prominent of his career.

After finishing the saga, the actor combined film and television as few others have, working on series such as 'Glee', 'Nurse Jackie' and 'SWAT', and big films like 'The Vanished'. However, the success in his professional life was not equaled in his personal life. Immediately after filming the franchise, in March 2012, Peter Facinelli divorced his wife, actress Jennie Garth ('Beverly Hills, 90210') with whom he has three children.

Among so many handsome vampires, Charlie Swan's image became just as recognisable. The passing of time has actually helped his image and made Billy Burke one of the most desirable men in 21st-century Hollywood.

The actor was 42 years old when the saga began and he definitely rode the wave it created for him. Billy Burke appeared in such well-known pieces as 'Revolution', 'Zoo' and 'Major Crimes'.

At 32, she was the perfect choice for the charming Esme Cullen. Hers was a restrained and quiet role that, despite everything, made Elizabeth Reaser shine in the few moments she had to do so.

Elizabeth Reaser gambled on a future with Netflix when the streaming platform was still a risky project. Her boldness certainly paid off. 'Manhunt', 'Easy' and, above all, 'The Haunting of Hill House,' are among the platform's biggest hits.

She was 20 years old when she stepped into the shoes of the invincible Rosalie Hale. Both in the novels and in the film saga, her beauty is constantly being talked about and Nikki Reed fit the profile perfectly.

As fate would have it, this movie vampire ended up married to television's favorite vampire: Ian Somerhalder (Damon Salvatore from 'The Vampire Diaries'). She participated in dramas like 'Sleepy Hollow' and 'V-Wars' but has also lived a happy, quiet life with her husband and their daughter, Bodhi Soleil. The actress has a great relationship with most of the cast, especially Peter Facinelli, Elizabeth Reaser, Kristen Stewart, and Jackson Rathbone.

She was 24 years old when he first set his fangs. His Jasper Hale was incredibly seductive for many who watched the saga, despite the character being a bit of an oddball.

The actor has not stopped working since the saga ended in 2012. Alternating between film and television, none of his titles or performances have attracted much attention but, unlike other actors, he has managed to stay in the profession permanently - something that is not easy to do.