Kristen Stewart (The Twilight Saga: New Moon) Interview

Stephenie Meyer’s wildly successful "Twilight" novels have become a world-wide phenomenon. When the first book, Twilight, became a movie last year, life as they knew it for its stars changed forever.

Kristen Stewart, who plays the love-torn Bella, has a lot going on these days. She recently wrapped The Runaways, in which she plays rocker Joan Jett and of course is deep into promoting New Moon—the second of the Twilight films. In New Moon, Bella has much heartache to contend with. After she recovers from the vampire attack that almost claimed her life, Bella looks to celebrate her birthday with Edward (Robert Pattinson) and his family. However, a minor accident during the festivities results in Bella's blood being shed, a sight that proves too intense for the Cullens, who decide to leave the town of Forks, Washington for Bella and Edward's sake. Initially heartbroken, Bella finds a form of comfort in reckless living, as well as an even closer friendship with her childhood pal Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner). Of course, Bella is never safe. There are surprises at every turn, including a life-altering secret from Jacob.

Tribute's Bonnie Laufer had the chance to talk to Stewart in Los Angeles about jumping back into Bella’s skin, expanding her onscreen and offscreen friendship with Taylor Lautner, and how she has been handling the frenzy in her life since taking on the role.