When Twilight hit theaters in 2008, it quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Based on Stephenie Meyer’s best-selling novels, Twilight‘s subsequent five-film arc follows the love story between Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) and vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) as they face various challenges, including Bella’s mortality and the looming vampire threat of the Volturi facing the Cullen family.

The Twilight Saga earned over $3.3 billion at the global box office, yet its reception was divisive. While fans heavily praised the film, as evident by the first outing’s 72% Popcornmeter on Rotten Tomatoes, critics gave generally negative reviews, with Twilight scoring a 48% Tomatometer. Furthermore, some actors like Robert Pattinson have shunned the role despite its commercial success.

That being said, the chemistry between Edward and Bella is the emotional core of the Twilight movies, helping drive the vampire franchise to global success. In fact, Pattinson’s portrayal of Edward became so iconic that it’s hard to imagine anyone else stepping into the role. However, before he was cast, a number of actors auditioned for the part.

Dave Franco Admits He Was “Not Ready” For Twilight

In a recent Vanity Fair interview with his wife and Together co-star, Alison Brie, Dave Franco revealed that, despite auditioning to play Edward Cullen in Twilight, he was “not ready” for the part due to the “kind of attention that would have come [from it].” During the lie detector test, Brie teased Franco about the missed opportunity. Check out their exchange below:

Alison Brie: You auditioned for the role of Edward Cullen in Twilight, but didn’t get it. Sorry.

Dave Franco: That’s okay.

Alison Brie: Do you feel like they made a mistake by not casting you?

Dave Franco: No. No. I was not ready to be the lead of a film like that and was not ready for the kind of attention that would have come.

The lie detector test revealed that Franco was telling the truth about the role of Edward being too much for him. At the time of Twilight‘s casting, Franco was still relatively new to Hollywood, mostly known for small television roles. Furthermore, Pattinson has even stated that the widespread attention was overwhelming, with the actor famously disliking his Twilight history.

Our Take On Dave Franco’s Edward Cullen

While Dave Franco has since led a successful career in comedy and indie films, his screen presence in 2008 was very different from the moody personality required to portray Edward Cullen. Franco’s natural charisma and comedic timing would’ve brought a lighter edge to Edward. However, that likely would’ve clashed with the tone that made Twilight resonate with its target audience.

In hindsight, Robert Pattinson was not only the right choice, he was the only choice. His performance captured Edward’s character in a way that connected deeply with fans, helping Twilight become the defining franchise of a generation. Pattinson’s unique hatred of his self-loathing character is just part of the reason why the Twilight movies have aged so well.