Picture Credit: Lionsgate
As first unveiled all the way back in September 2024, Netflix and Lionsgate are teaming up for an episodic animated adaptation of Stephenie Meyer’s Midnight Sun—the companion novel that tells the iconic story from the perspective of vampire teen heartthrob Edward Cullen and we’ve finally got a new update as the series looks to be near greenlight status.
Now, closing in on two years later and thanks to a brand new casting call verified by What’s on Netflix, we finally have an exciting update on the project’s development and who the team is currently looking to cast.
Here’s everything we know from the latest production update. As previously announced, Twilight author Stephenie Meyer is an executive producer on the project. She is joined by Sinead Daly, who is officially serving as the Showrunner for the series.
Other executive producers and producers attached include Marty Bowen, Wyck Godfrey, Erik Feig, Meghan Hibbett, and Emily Wissink. Fickle Fish Films are producing with the production operating under Midnight Sun Productions, Inc.
We’ve also learned that Lynn Wang is attached as the Supervising Director. Melissa Kostenbauder serves as Casting Director, with Jake Warnecke on board as Casting Associate.
Who are they casting?
While the script is currently under wraps, a casting document verified by What’s on Netflix reveals that the search is officially underway for the voices behind two of the franchise’s most pivotal Quileute tribe members: Jacob Black and his father, Billy Black.
Interestingly, though this is strictly an animated series, the casting call explicitly notes that no prior voiceover (VO) experience is required. The casting directors are considering strictly on-camera actors for these roles as well.
Here are the character descriptions for the roles currently being cast:
- [ JACOB BLACK ] – Recurring (V.O.)
The team is looking for a male, Native American actor to voice the young teen (specifically asking for adults to play the teen role). The vocal quality is described as “youthful, inviting, and cheerful, exuding a happy-go-lucky demeanor with a husky tone.” Jacob’s youthful innocence makes him relatable and endearing as he develops a budding crush on Bella Swan. As the son of a Quileute tribal elder, he has a strong connection to his family and culture. The character speaks with an American accent. - [ BILLY BLACK ] – Recurring (V.O.)
The production is searching for a male, Native American actor who sounds and appears to be in his late 40s to 50s. The required vocal quality should exude “kindness and wisdom.” Billy is a prominent Quileute tribal elder, a close friend of Bella’s father, Charlie Swan, and is deeply devoted to his son, Jacob. The character is described as being under “significant stress and pressure to protect him and his community from escalating vampire conflicts.” He serves as the bridge between the Quileute culture and the outside world. The character speaks with an American accent.
When will ‘Midnight Sun’ go into production?
Animation takes a notoriously long time, but things are moving forward steadily. According to the casting sheet, the project dates are tentatively set from August 2026 through May 2027. The shooting location (which typically refers to the hub for voice recording and production coordination) is listed as Los Angeles.
Given this production timeline, it reinforces our previous predictions that we won’t be seeing Midnight Sun hit our Netflix queues until late 2027 at the earliest or more likely, 2028 or beyond. We will, of course, keep you posted as soon as we hear any official casting announcements regarding who will voice Edward, Bella, and the rest of the Forks residents!
Are you looking forward to the animated adaptation of Midnight Sun on Netflix? Who would you love to hear voice Jacob and Billy Black? Let us know in the comments below!
