Kristen Stewart Warns Hollywood: ‘Stay Vigilant, Look Alive’

CANNES, France — Kristen Stewart, known for her role as Bella Swan in the beloved Twilight franchise, is urging Hollywood creatives to remain alert as the film industry faces significant challenges. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Stewart explained the grim state of the industry.

Stewart, 35, is making her directorial debut with The Chronology of Water, based on Lidia Yuknavitch‘s memoir. She has been part of the film world for over 20 years and shared her concerns about the direction of the industry, saying, “The shadow is bleak. You could almost say opaque. The slippage is just terrifying.”

Having transitioned between mainstream and independent films, Stewart highlighted how her career has shaped her perspective. After starring in Disney’s Snow White and the Huntsman in 2012, she began choosing more indie projects, eventually returning to mainstream films. Her latest project is a personal milestone, reflecting her desire to tell impactful stories.

Stewart expressed her surprise at premiering her film at Cannes, stating, “We barely finished this movie. It’s not even done. This is my fucking first draft… We’re running in here half-dressed.” Her sincerity resonates as she hopes her film “crashes and burns” in Cannes, encouraging mistakes as part of the creative process.

She described directing as a more fulfilling experience than acting alone. She emphasized the collaborative nature of filmmaking and her excitement to embody both roles as a director and actress.

As she prepares to share her debut film with audiences, Stewart reflects on the challenges of the industry, especially under the shadow of political influences like Donald Trump. “Stay vigilant. Look alive,” she reiterated, emphasizing the need for creatives to remain aware of the evolving landscape of Hollywood.

Her insistence on authenticity brings a rawness to her work that she hopes viewers will appreciate. In Stewart’s words, filmmaking should allow for growth, even if it means embracing imperfections.