A 'Twilight' dawn breaks over Comic-Con

SAN DIEGO — The giant Comic-Con pop culture showcase opened on Thursday with the stars and director of the newest teen vampire "Twilight" movie thrilling fans, some of whom camped out for days just to see them.

Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner and director Bill Condon gave fans a taste of the first of two final installments in the film franchise that has generated $1.8 billion in worldwide ticket sales from three movies.

The fourth in the series, "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1," lands in theaters on November 18, and is the first part of the final chapter in the saga. Stewart, who portrays lead character Bella Swan in the romance movies, told fans at Comic-Con that she has had a difficult time separating herself from the character she portrays.

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"I can't draw the line between myself and the stuff I do," she said at a news conference. "This one is loaded with those really cathartic and impactful life moments, and they are not all completely fantasy."

Fans of the films and best-selling "Twilight" books by author Stephenie Meyer, know that in this first part of "Breaking Dawn," Bella and the vampire to whom her heart belongs, Edward Cullen, finally marry. But, of course, there is more trouble afoot for the pair.

Director Bill Condon was asked whether there might be more of the "Twilight" movies following "Breaking Dawn - Part 2," which hits theaters next year, and he said that it is likely, but probably not with Bella in the tale.

"I think (Meyer) always says it's the end of the Bella story. Especially in the second movie, there are so many characters that I suspect she'll want to revisit them at some point," Condon told reporters.

More "Twilight" movies should excite fans of the love stories set among a world of vampires and werewolves. Many had camped out overnight and waited in line to get into a Comic-Con panel and catch a first glimpse of the movie.

Roberta Curry of San Diego said she and her group had tried to line up as early as Sunday, but had been told to leave and come back on Monday. To greet them, some of the movie's stars came outside to the line to give them breakfast.

Elsewhere, Comic-Con International kicked off for some 130,000 people who are expected to turn out for four days of panel discussions and seminars about comic books and the latest science-fiction movies and TV shows.

The annual event is filled with fans of all things pop culture -- many of them dressed as their favorite characters from movies and publishing -- and has become a key place where Hollywood's studios promotes upcoming films and TV programs.

There are numerous panels for directors and stars to talk up films such as "The Amazing Spider-Man" and "The Adventures of Tintin." Steven Spielberg will be on hand to accept an award, and two big-budget flicks -- "Captain America: The First Avenger" and "Cowboys & Aliens" will get big promotions.

Some of the more talked-about new TV shows anxious to woo crowds here include fantasy-themed "Grimm" and "Once Upon a Time," along with "Person of Interest" and "Alcatraz," both produced by "Lost" creator J.J. Abrams.

The casts and creators from "Dexter," "Supernatural," "True Blood," and "The Big Bang Theory" also will appear.