Now that "Twilight" fans got used to the fact that Catherine Hardwicke won't return to the franchise, moviemaker Chris Weitz was officially signed on to helm the upcoming installment of the saga, "New Moon."

Summit Entertainment, the film's producers and distributor, released a statement confirming that "The Golden Compass" and "American Pie" director Chris Weitz was their choice for the second movie based on Stephenie Meyer's bestselling, young adult "Twilight" series. The announcement was made by Erik Feig, Summit's President of Production.

Weitz, who has a proven track record working with a broad range of material dealing with youth-oriented characters, fantasy and action, "very much understands the world of NEW MOON and has the skill set required to bring the book to glorious life as a movie. We think he will be an excellent steward of Stephenie Meyer's vision."

In a letter addressed to all the "Twilight" fans, Weitz said he was honored with his new mission, and promised to do his best not to disappoint anyone.  

"My job is to live up to that devotion," Weitz wrote, adding, "I will devote myself to making the very best and most faithful version of New Moon that can be brought to the screen."

The news of Catherine Hardwicke's sudden departure from the "Twilight" franchise prompted a strong reaction from the fans who had reservations that he was suitable for the girl-oriented project.

"To those who doubt that as a male director I can capture Bella's experience, I can only say that emotion is universal and that my work has often involved working with some of the most talented actresses in the world," Weitz said.  

Hoping to calm the rising anguish among fans who loved the first film adaptation, author Stephenie Meyer addressed the issue in a post on her website offering her support to the newly chosen director.

"I've had the chance to talk to Chris, and I can tell you that he is excited by the story and eager to keep the movie as close to the book as possible," Meyer wrote on her website. "He is also very aware of you, the fans, and wants to keep you all extremely happy."

Although she admitted she was sad that Hardwicke won't return, Meyer said she was looking forward to start working with Weitz, who "brings a lot to the table, not the least of which for me is that he wrote the screenplay for and directed one of my favorite movies of all time, 'About a Boy.'"

Summit said production on "New Moon," which is expected to have a slightly larger budget than "Twilight" ($37 million), is scheduled to begin early next year with a release at the end of 2009 or early 2010. "Twilight," which was released last month, has surpassed $150 million in domestic and foreign box-office receipts. The film also marked the biggest opening weekend ever for a female director.

Both Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart will return as Edward Cullen and Bella Swan in the new film. Other stars, including Ashley Greene (Alice), Nikki Reed (Rosalie), Jackson Rathbone (Jasper) and Kellan Lutz (Emmet) have also signed for the next installment while young Taylor Lautner, who played Jacob Black, may not make the cut, studio sources said.

"New Moon" will follow Bella Swan in her attempt to cope with Edward Cullen's decision to leave her in order to protect her while she finds refuge in Jacob Black's company.