"Twilight" director Catherine Hardwicke announced that she won't be returning for the film's sequel.

She says the late 2009 or early 2010 shoot for the second film in the series, "New Moon," doesn't fit into her schedule.

"I am sorry that due to timing I will not have the opportunity to direct 'New Moon,'" said Hardwicke. "Directing 'Twilight' has been one of the great experiences of my life, and I am grateful to the fans for their passionate support of the film. I wish everyone at Summit the best with the sequel -- it is a great story."

"Twilight" delivered the biggest opening weekend for any film directed by a woman.

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