EW.com has learned that after a monster of a casting dilemma, it appears likely that actor Taylor Lautner may get to keep the Jacob role in Twilight sequel New Moon.
According to sources around Hollywood, things may start looking very hairy for Taylor Lautner. The actor-not to mention legions of Twilight fans-has been desperate to learn whether Summit Entertainment will cast him once more as Jacob Black in the Twilight sequel New Moon.
This week, Summit is expected to announce its decision for the next film based on Stephenie Meyer’s wildly successful series of vampire romance novels. Kristen Stewart, 18, is set to return as Bella Swan, the beautiful human who falls for a softhearted bloodsucker. And Robert Pattinson, 22, has a lock on his job too; his turn as Edward Cullen, the hunky, soulful vampire, has made him an overnight superstar with young female moviegoers around the planet. But Lautner, 16, has a more uncertain future. That’s because the character he was so perfectly cast to play in the first Twilight film-a slim, baby-faced teenager-will be greatly expanded in the sequel. And by greatly expanded, we mean into a hulking, snarling, seven-foot Lycan. ‘‘Jacob is a totally different character in New Moon,’’ screenwriter of both Twilight films, Melissa Rosenberg, tells this week’s Entertainment Weekly. ‘‘He’s a foot taller and huge-and he’s supposed to look 25. It’s really a question of whether or not the same actor can play the role.’’ Rosenberg is quick to add, however, that ‘’everyone would love to keep him. We all think he’s the loveliest person ever.’’
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Lautner’s certainly been doing everything in his mortal power to hang on to the part. Since Twilight, he’s gained 19 pounds and is promising to pack on 10 more before shooting starts on New Moon this March.
UPDATE: (7:05 PM PST) Summit Entertainment has just issued the following press release announcing that Taylor Lautner will indeed reprise his role as Jacob Black in New Moon. Here’s the official press release below.
