BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhuanet) -- Robert Pattinson says he and Kristen Stewart are "just friends," for real, according to media reports on Tuesday.

Actors Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart win the Best Kiss award for the movie "Twilight" at the 2009 MTV Movie Awards in Los Angeles May 31, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    The Twilight actor insists that he and his onscreen paramour are simply "good friends," and that he considers her "the best young actress around."

    Stewart is even more emphatic, telling the media, "It's so retarded... We're characters in this comic book."

    And the naturally shy Pattinson, who was a virtual unknown before Twilight debuted a year ago, finds all the attention excruciating.

    "I guess I'm not the type of guy cut out to do a franchise," the 23 year-old actor says, noting his aversion to crowds and his particular fear of paparazzi snapping him. He scoffs at suggestions that he's anything to look at, too, calling himself "a cartoon character."

    Yet Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke clarifies that her new star wasn't shy during the filmmaking process. At night, she recalls the young actor as "always drunk" and frequently regaling cast mates with his guitar-playing.

    Of the Stewart-Pattinson dynamic, Hardwicke says, "What Rob and Kristen had is a multitude of feelings for each other... Complex, intense fascination."

    The sequel The Twilight Saga: New Moon will hit theaters Nov. 20.

    (Agencies)