Robert Pattinson has transformed a story about a tormented vampire who never grows old into an international movie sensation.
But why has the blood-sucking tale gripped the world?
The 'Twilight' series has sold 53 million books, 2.5 million cinema tickets in Germany alone and has grossed $380 million.
It also made the actor into a sex symbol overnight!
The 'Twilight' marketing machine plastered Robert Pattinson across cover shoots, talk shows and red carpets as he became an object of adoration and hysteria for teenage girls.
Pattinson-mania quickly spread across the globe.
But what is so sexy about the 23-year-old heartthrob?
He is tall at 185cm, slim and has striking features - but that was also the case in 2005 when he played Cedric Diggory in the fourth Harry Potter film and that did not send the teen girls into raptures.
The Brit, who has finished filming 'Twilight' follow-up 'New Moon', is also pale with unkempt hair and models himself on the London drug-rocker look à la Pete Doherty – dark skinny jeans and grey t-shirts worn for days on end.
In interviews Robert Pattinson talks about his lack of bodily hygiene and is constantly running his hand through his hair.
Psychologist Michael Thiel said: “He is quite normal looking. His unassuming appearance encourages many young girls. They think: ‘I could have a chance with him.’”
Is the vampire the perfect sex symbol?
Vampire expert Friedhelm Schneidewind thinks so: “He embodies eternal fidelity and love. He doesn’t grow old so the lovers can stay together forever.
"He also possesses superpowers which takes his sexiness to another level.
"What's more, vampires have something aristocratic and educated about them, combined with the danger and violence it makes for a sexy cocktail.“
Has his army of fans then perhaps fallen for his character Edward Cullen the vampire rather than Robert Pattinson the actor?
