The film version of ‘Twilight’ will open three weeks earlier than expected, moving to the weekend recently vacated by ‘Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince’.

The Hollywood Reporter reported that Summit Entertainment decided to move ‘Twilight’ from its original December 12 release to November 21, in order to build on the momentum of recent widespread exposure and attention being paid to the book series.

"We by no means are trying to fill the shoes of the incredible Potter franchise for 2008,” said Rob Friedman of Summit. “Rather, we are just looking to bring the fans of Stephanie Meyer's incredible book series the film as soon possible."

Warner Brothers recently announced they were postponing ‘Half-Blood Prince’ from its scheduled November release until Summer 2009. Reports from the BBC have suggested the recent writer’s strike is the reason behind the film’s later release, and that Summit’s 'Twilight' did not have any impact on the decision.

‘Twilight’ is directed by Catherine Hardwicke, and stars Kristen Stewart ('Into the Wild') and Robert Pattinson (‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’). No full length trailer has been released as of yet, but two teaser trailers are available on the official 'Twilight' movie website.    

(Sources: Hollywood Reporter, BBC)