"Twilight" sequel draws fangirls by the thousands

Taylor Lautner, left, Kristen Stewart, center, and Robert Pattinson, right, pose at a news conference held to promote their new film "Twilight: New Moon" at the Comic-Con International 2009 convention held in San Diego Thursday, July 23, 2009. [CFP] See more Robert photos: Robert Pattinson on set of 'Remember Me' in NYC Nude photos of Robert Pattinson released Robert Pattinson in suit on locaton for 'Remember Me' in Queens Robert Pattinson on set of movie "Remember Me" in NY

SAN DIEGO – Most camped out overnight. Some spent two nights outside the San Diego Convention Center. They wore homemade T-shirts, made friends with fellow fans and talked about their allegiance to Team Edward or Team Jacob.

They are the "Twilight" fangirls, and they came to Comic Con by the thousands to see the movie's stars in person at a panel Thursday for the film's sequel.

Director Chris Weitz was joined by Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Kristen Stewart and Ashley Greene.

High-pitched screams drowned out the introductions.

Those same shrill screams (of joy) also threatened to overwhelm the dialogue during the clip filmmakers showed.

The clip shows Jacob (Lautner) teaching Bella Swan (Stewart) how to ride a motorcycle, but she's distracted by visions of the vampire Edward (Pattinson) with whom she fell in love. She crashes, and Jacob takes off his shirt to soothe her wound, provoking more fangirl screams. Lautner famously gained more than 20 pounds of muscle since for the role.

Pattinson, who was greeted with adoring screams when made his Comic Con debut with "Twilight" last year, said the event was "an eye-opener, and it's just gotten bigger and bigger since."

"None of us saw it coming," Lautner added.

"It's a little overwhelming to have so many people here," Stewart said, "but I guess it's a good thing."