Catherine Hardwicke won’t be back to direct the “Twillight” sequel entitled “New Moon.” The film director won’t continue to collaborate with Summit Entertainment because her agenda doesn’t synchronize with the project for a sequel that would be launched in late 2009 or early 2010.

Hardwicke, who recorded the biggest opening ever for a female director with “Twillight’s” opening weekend, played a key role in casting Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson as the young lovers in the vampire movie. Her departure from this project will surely be felt as her track record clearly shows that she is very good at dealing with themes regarding young people ("Thirteen" and "Lords of Dogtown.")

“New Moon,” which is based on the second book in Stephenie Meyer's series, continues the tale of the forbidden relationship between vampire Edward Cullen and high school girl Bella Swan. Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson will continue to play the couple.

In its first weekend, “Twillight” cashed in nearly $70 million, making it the biggest opening ever for a female director. The vampire romance grossed about $138 million in its first three weeks.

In a joint news release with Summit Entertainment, Catherine Hardwicke motivated her decision not to produce “New Moon” “due to timing.” She also said that directing “Twillight” was one of her life’s most important experiences.

“I wish everyone at Summit the best with the sequel — it is a great story," the 53-year-old director and production designer added.

Summit Entertainment also thanked Hardwicke through its president of production Erik Feig, who described her role as “an incredible job” in helping the company to launch the “Twillight” franchise. Believe it or not, Hardwicke is currently still on the promotional tour for “Twillight.”

The news of Hardwicke’s withdrawal from the project didn’t even sink in and media sources have already made predictions on who will take over. The names of Kimberly Pierce ("Boys Don't Cry"), Mira Nair ("The Namesake"), Sarah Polley and even Sofia Coppola were among the top options.

On the other hand, other industry analysts said that the sequel is in safe hands. Screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg is said to have played a paramount role in condensing more than 500 pages of Meyer’s book into a two-hour film. Meanwhile, lead actors Pattinson and Stewart will continue to play their roles and this will remain one of the key factors for the success of “New Moon.”

However, Hardwicke’s touch and vision in “Twillight” cannot be contested. But whether the sequel will have at least the same success as “Twillight” remains to be seen.