'Twilight' Falls on the UK

WENN

Insanely popular vampire romance Twilight had its UK premiere Tuesday night at the Vue cinema on London's Leicester Square. The mood was defined by a black carpet, blasts of dry ice, and the pleasant chattiness of stars Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, along with the film's director, Catherine Hardwicke.

Back in his hometown of London, Pattinson reflected on the fandemonium that's greeted the young cast since news of the movie—based on author Stephenie Meyer's popular novel—broke.

"It's absolutely mad. I'm in a daze. They're here for the character, not for me," the 22-year-old modestly offers. "I don't know what to do. I'm terrified of doing the sequel."

Stewart, meanwhile, says that she encountered some heat from feminist groups because her character, Bella, falls for dominant vampire Edward Cullen.

"It's a love story about two people who would die for each other. Bella has very innately female qualities, she really trusts herself," the Los Angeles native notes. "A lot of feminist groups have problems with her which I don't understand because it takes someone very strong to be able to give that away."

(Perhaps the 18-year-old can win the feminist crowd back with her upcoming portrayal of hyper-butch rocker Joan Jett.)

Helmswoman Hardwicke (whose credits also include 2005's Lords of Dogtown) used her moment in the spotlight to pay tribute to their host city—and, of course, the screaming fans who attended the premiere.

"We love London even though it's so cold," Hardwicke, 53, enthused. "These fans are braver because they're out here and it's freezing so they are heartier souls."

Maybe Pattinson and Stewart can help out the fans in that regard. From all accounts, the two of them have plenty of money to burn these days.