Drew Barrymore says she is happy not be directing the third film in the Twilight Saga, Eclipse.

The actress was among the original contenders to direct the movie, but eventually lost out to 30 Days of Night's David Slade.

However, in an interview with the Irish Times, Barrymore said she wasn't upset because she had not fallen “in love with” the script.

“Timing-wise, I’m glad that it didn’t work out and everything I think happens for whatever reason it’s supposed to,” she said.

“I’m very much looking forward to seeing that film. And there’s been two or three others that I’ve flirted with."

She added: "The thing that’s really the most important for me is to be so in love with what I do that it’s what gets you out of bed and makes you work six to seven days a week, 18 hours a day.

"Unless you’re that invested, you won’t care about every single detail.”

Barrymore took her seat in the director's chair for the first time on Whip It!, which was released this month.

Meanwhile, filming for Eclipse, which stars Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, is currently ongoing in Vancouver.