Los Angeles  - Chris Weitz, director of About a Boy and The Golden Compass, was named Monday as the director of New Moon, the sequel to the hit movie Twilight.

The movie is scheduled for release in November 2009, according to a statement by the film's producer Summit Entertainment.

The director of Twilight, Catherine Hardwicke, left the production last week, apparently because she felt unable to complete the sequel on the strict timetable needed to meet the November 2009 release date.

A series of bestsellers by Stephanie Meyer tells the story of a teenage heroine who galls in love with a handsome vampire.

"I am honoured to have been entrusted with shepherding New Moon from the page to the screen," said Weitz. "The extraordinary world that Stephenie has created has millions of fans. It will be my duty to protect on their behalf the characters, themes and story they love."

Fans of the book series were upset at Hardwicke's departure, but Meyer was keen to calm them.

"I'm excited to work with Chris, and I think he brings a lot to the table," Meyer wrote on her website. "He is also very aware of you, the fans, and wants to keep you all extremely happy." (dpa)