When you think of one of the most famous celebrity relationships in Hollywood history, the first name that probably comes to mind is probably Robert Pattinson. After all, it was the stunning Scottish actor that made it famous. Now, more than a decade later, we will be rekindling the spark that started it all. On September 13, 2019, the “Good Will Hunting” actor will be seen at the London premiere of his latest film, “The Lighthouse,” and who better to launch a new film than his on-screen lover.
But while Pattinson’s career has soared since their short-lived relationship, the star’s life hasn’t always been a bed of roses. In fact, just two years ago, he was involved in another highly publicized split. This time, it was from actress and singer Kristen Stewart. The two had been dating for more than a year when, in the summer of 2017, they reportedly called it quits. In August of that year, Stewart filed for divorce, citing “incredible emotional distress.”
While Stewart’s and Pattinson’s on-screen chemistry was undeniable, their real-life romance was undoubtedly influenced by the media circus that followed them around like a stray dog. Before their separation, the pair had already made headlines for their high-profile feuds. In 2013, Stewart publicly accused Pattinson, then 28, of emotionally abusing her. She claimed that he was possessive and jealous, and that he would get upset when he thought she was cheating on him with another person. The actor strongly denied the allegations and in an interview at the time, he said it was “ridiculous” for Stewart to suggest that he was controlling.
Pattinson and Stewart met while filming the 2015 movie “The Martian.” In the film, he plays an astronaut stranded on Mars, and she plays his science partner who helps him survive the perilous planet. The movie was based on the real-life 2010 Facebook incident when astronaut Mark Watney used the social media platform to desperately try to persuade someone to help him survive on Mars. Despite the characteristically dour circumstances, the movie’s ending is hopeful, with Watney and his science partner (Pattinson) successfully transmitting a signal for help back to Earth.
Stewart reportedly didn’t know what planet she was signing up for when she entered into a relationship with the “Robin Hood” actor. The 26-year-old, who was previously married to singer Harry Styles, said in an interview at the time that she took the plunge “thinking [she] would just have a silly fun time. And then [she] ended up falling in love with [Pattinson].”
The media scrutiny that comes with being in a popular relationship is undoubtedly a hurdle for any newlywed couple. Just a few weeks after announcing their engagement, Pattinson and Stewart had to put an end to their whirlwind romance. According to the Daily Mail, the two had to walk down the aisle hastily, with the “Beautiful Ghosts” singer having to rush to wear her dress before the wedding ceremony.
The media scrutiny didn’t end there. As soon as the “twilight” couple tied the knot, Hollywood’s top fashion magazines were on hand to chronicle the lavish wedding that was graced by close family and friends. And for good measure, the publication then released a story featuring newlywed Stewart, revealing intimate details about her life as a wife and mother-to-be. The publication also published a number of racy photos of the actress, which she later shared on her Instagram.
The year 2019 has seen both Pattinson and Stewart’s careers take shape. The Scottish actor fronted “The Lighthouse,” his first movie in four years, and he earned rave reviews for his portrayal of a struggling artist in the romantic drama. Stewart, meanwhile, has maintained a low profile since her split from Pattinson, but continues to pop up here and there in the media. In April 2019, it was officially confirmed that she was expecting their first child together. The couple are now thought to be enjoying life as a family unit.
Pattinson’s dramatic transformation was on full display at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival. The year before, in 2018, the actor was largely absent from the red-carpet circuit, save for a few appearances at London Fashion Week. But at this year’s edition of the Festival, he was back, showing off his new, svelte figure and sharp attire. While in previous years, the actor stuck to classic looks, mixing sportswear and evening wear for the day, this year he opted for a more unique approach. During the festival’s opening parade, he sported a brown leather jacket, paired with white jeans and brown shoes.
For someone who spent much of the previous year in hiding, the past year has clearly been a comeback year for Robert Pattinson. While 2019 has not seen him headline a major motion picture, his return to the spotlight has more than made up for his absence. And with his newfound profile, there have been hints of new projects in the pipeline. In May 2019, it was reported that he would soon be joining the acclaimed Netflix series “The Irishman,” based on the true story of Frank Sheeran. In the series, he will play Jimmy Hoffa, one of the most controversial figures in American history. Interestingly enough, Sheeran’s film “I Don’t Feel At Home In This World Anymore” is said to be loosely based on his time working with the Irish mob. While details are scarce, it will be interesting to see how Pattinson’s character fits into this evolving landscape.
The On-Screen Chemistry
While Robert Pattinson didn’t always have the easiest of routes to the top, his ascent has been nothing short of meteoric. After making his screen debut in the British TV series “Skins,” he broke into Hollywood and quickly landed a role in the film adaptation of “The Twilight Saga.” The Scottish actor’s work in “The Twilight Saga” and its upcoming sequels, “Breaking Dawn – Part 1” and “Breaking Dawn – Part 2,” arguably made him a household name. Between the three films, he racked up a total of 20 million views on YouTube.
Pattinson’s on-screen chemistry with Kristen Stewart was instantly recognizable. The two young turks proved to be an irresistible on-screen pairing, and their on-again, off-again romance was largely depicted through the media. The actor and the “Step-Down Elf” singer were engaged in 2013 and married in 2014. The following year was filled with speculation about their split, culminating in Stewart filing for divorce in late 2017. Since then, they’ve been spotted together on several occasions, most notably at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival. While they have both faced backlash over the years for their public feuds, it’s clear that audiences around the world have held onto their star power and love for the pair.
Off-Screen Controversies
While Robert Pattinson’s career as an actor is something to celebrate, his off-screen life hasn’t been without controversy. Over the past few years, he has found himself at the center of multiple scandals and disputes. In 2017, it was revealed that he paid $150,000 to keep the scandal-ridden sex tape of his then-girlfriend, model Camille Camiola, private. In August 2019, it was reported that the star would be charged with misdemeanor battery for allegedly hitting a Paris Hilton companion last year. He was also recently ordered to hand over a $5000 payment he made to an ex-girlfriend following a restraining order filed by the woman in 2018.
These events represent a sharp contrast to the largely positive image that Pattinson has cultivated over the past two decades. But it’s important to remember that these scandals don’t represent the whole story. In some cases, he has been victim of cyberbullying and false accusations. In the case of the sex tape, he was tricked into doing so by a former assistant. In 2018, he finally spoke out about the incident, saying, “I can’t even imagine what went through her mind when she saw that video. I genuinely feel bad for her. It was a private moment between us. It wasn’t meant for the whole world to see.”
While much of the world might still see Robert Pattinson as the golden boy of Hollywood, his personal life has been anything but carefree. After years of ups and downs, the Scottish actor is finally starting to embrace the public spotlight and enjoy his new found success.