9. Over 5,000 actors reportedly went out for the role of Edward Cullen, including Dave Franco, Jamie Campbell Bower (who would go on to play Caius in the follow-up films), Schitt's Creek's Dustin Milligan and Michael Welch (who landed the role of human Michael Newton). Moreover, Henry Cavill was Meyer's first choice, but was too old by the time the movie came along. He was reportedly considered for the role of Carlisle, the Cullen family patriarch.
But the final four contenders were Robert Pattinson, Ben Barnes, Shiloh Fernandez and Jackson Rathbone (who would eventually nab the role of Jasper Cullen), and they were all brought to Hardwicke's home in California to test opposite Stewart.
10. The chemistry read involved the infamous meadow scene, which Stewart and Pattinson performed on Hardwicke's bed. When it came to the kiss, Hardwicke recalled Pattinson being a bit too revved-up, but told EW, "It was electric." Pattinson later revealed he took half a Valium before the make-or-break audition.
After the four actors tested, Hardwicke was still uncertain, but Stewart knew who her Edward was right away, telling Vanity Fair, "I was like, "'Are you kidding me!? It's such an obvious choice!'"