the mommy avenger

If you were around in 2008, there is a good chance you remember the absolute frenzy surrounding Twilight. The books were everywhere. The movies were everywhere. Team Edward vs. Team Jacob was basically a personality trait for a while.

And I have a confession.

I have never actually seen the movie.

I know. Gasp.

Before you completely revoke my pop culture card, let me defend myself a little. I did get completely sucked into reading the books when they were wildly popular. Like many people, I tore through the series by Stephenie Meyer back when everyone seemed to be talking about it. Somehow though, I never sat down and watched the first film.

Which makes this upcoming event in Salt Lake City feel like the perfect time to finally fix that.

A Special Twilight Screening Is Coming to Salt Lake City

On May 23, 2026, a very fun event is coming to the historic Capitol Theatre. There will be a special screening of Twilight followed by a live, behind-the-scenes discussion with two of the film’s stars.

Yes, actual cast members.

Peter Facinelli, who played Dr. Carlisle Cullen, and Ashley Greene, the fan-favorite Alice Cullen, will both be there in person to talk about making the film, what it was like on set, and share stories about the cast and production.

The conversation will be moderated by actor and theater veteran Andrew Lenz, who many local audiences already know from film, stage, and events like these. He is known for his roles in Day of Defense, Singles Ward, and Touched by an Angel. He is wonderful!

If you’re a fan of the series, this is honestly a pretty cool opportunity to hear directly from the people who helped bring the story to life.

We Went To One Of These Events Before… and Loved It

This isn’t the first time Andrew Lenz has hosted an event like this in Salt Lake City. A veteran of the stage, Lenz has previously hosted similar events with the cast of The Sandlot and Cary Elwes of The Princess Bride. We actually attended one a while back featuring Sean Astin discussing The Goonies, and it was fantastic!

There is something really fun about watching a movie on the big screen and then immediately hearing stories from someone who was actually there while it was being made. The behind-the-scenes insights, the little moments you would never hear otherwise, and the audience interaction made it such a memorable night.

So when I heard another one was coming, I was immediately interested.

My 90s Kid Heart Is Also Excited

And if I’m being completely honest, there is another reason this event caught my attention.

Peter Facinelli will be there.

Any fellow 90s kids remember Can’t Hardly Wait? Because I definitely do. That movie was practically required viewing back then, and seeing someone from it in person is making my inner 90s girl geek out a little bit.

What the Event Includes

The evening will include:

• A big screen showing of Twilight
• A live conversation with Peter Facinelli and Ashley Greene
• Behind-the-scenes stories from the making of the film
• Moderation by Andrew Lenz

The film itself, directed by Catherine Hardwicke, tells the story of Bella Swan moving to Forks, Washington and falling for the mysterious Edward Cullen. Their relationship unfolds inside a complicated vampire world, with Carlisle Cullen guiding the family and Alice Cullen bringing her own unique insight through her ability to see the future.

Whether you were completely obsessed with the series back in the day or just enjoy fun movie events, it sounds like a really entertaining night.

Tickets and Presale Details

Tickets go on sale March 13 through the Capitol Theatre Box Office and Arttix.

If you want to try for tickets early, you can sign up through the Hollywood on Broadway presale to get access before the public sale. From experience, these events tend to sell quickly, especially since there will be a limited number of VIP tickets that include a personal meet-and-greet with Peter and Ashley.

I Guess It’s Finally Time

So here we are.

After reading the books all those years ago and somehow never watching the movie, it looks like my first time seeing Twilight might be on the big screen with members of the cast sitting in the same building.

Honestly, that feels like a pretty great way to finally watch it.

Now the real question is… do I bring a Team Edward shirt just in case?