Divergent star Shailene Woodley has slammed the Twilight franchise, particularly the “toxic” relationship between the lead characters. Woodley told Teen Vogue magazine, “‘Twilight,’ I’m sorry, is about a very unhealthy toxic relationship. She falls in love with this guy and the second he leaves her, her life is over and she’s going to kill herself! What message are we sending to young people? That is not going to help this world evolve.”  Wise words from such a young actress!

shailene woodleyThe Divergent actress has labeled Twilight "toxic" and "unhealthy"

We’ve got to admit, 22 year old Shailene has said what’s been playing on our minds for a long time now! The Bella-Edward relationship is all very romantic if you don’t mind a suffocatingly intense relationship with a man who thinks it’s OK to watch you without your knowledge while you sleep. Edward’s express instructions to stay away from werewolves, who happen to be Bella's good friends, also comes under the jurisdiction of controlling, while he also makes most of Bella’s decisions without her even questioning it. Under him she becomes like a weakened infant, entirely subservient and reliant.  Can anyone say 'co-dependent'?

Edward’s dramatic attempt at suicide because he couldn’t be with Bella is also a major indication that something is a more than a little off balance in their relationship. Bella in turn practically ditches everybody she knows as soon as she begins a relationship with Edward. His possessiveness over her is marketed as romance by Stephanie Meyer who wrote the novels, as well as Summit Entertainment who produced the movies. 


Watch Shailene Woodley on the red carpet:

While Woodley may not be purchasing the Twilight boxset anytime soon, she does admit that she respects The Hunger Games actress, Jennifer Lawrence, who she consulted before beginning working on Divergent. Twilight and The Hunger Games certainly send out different messages to their target audiences.  While Bella is weakened by her love for a man, Katniss is strengthened by her love for her family. When Bella curls up and refuses to eat or speak to anybody because Edward has left her, Katniss fights a revolution to rescue those she loves despite the fact that she is not with them. 

We know which franchise promotes the healthier ideals and we’re pleased to see that Shailene does too, particularly as she is about to become a franchise star herself. Do you agree with Shailene that the Twilight movies are “unhealthy” for young people? 


Watch the trailer for Shailene’s new movie Divergent, also starring Theo James, right here.