Maybe it was a case of creative differences. Or maybe the Hollywood studio decided it couldn't entrust a new money-making franchise to a female director.

Whatever the explanation, "Twilight" director Catherine Hardwicke won't be helming the sequel, "New Moon." Some headlines about this development say she quit. Some say she just parted ways with the studio, Summit Entertainment. One says she was fired.

I've not seen "Twilight" yet (though I've read the book). I do know it's hauling in millions of dollars, which you'd think would allow the director -- the person with the vision -- to continue shaping the story built from Stephenie Meyer's popular books. On the other hand, reviews were -- dare I say it? -- bloodcurdling. It managed a mere 44% critics' approval concensus rating on rottentomatoes.com

So the franchise will be entrusted to a new vision ... Hmm, I wonder if the next director will just happen to be a man.

[Photo: Rick Bowmer for AP]

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