Yesterday I posted a newslink from Entertainment Weekly magazine that reported that all signs were pointing toward Taylor Lautner retaining the role of Jacob Black (which he originated in the Twilight movie that opened last November) for the upcoming Twilight movie sequel New Moon. As you may recall, there was some chatter that Lautner might be replaced for the role by Michael Copon in order to beef up the character in the next film (which is an integral component of the New Moon story). Some fans thought Lautner should be replaced and others lobbied for him to keep the role … Stephenie Meyer, author of the Twilight Saga books, announced on her official website that the decision has been made and Taylor Lautner WILL keep the role of Jacob Black:
January 7, 2009
Good news about New Moon from director Chris Weitz:
I’m very happy to announce that Taylor Lautner will be playing Jacob Black in New Moon and that he’s doing so with the enthusiastic support of Summit Entertainment, the producers, and Stephenie Meyer.
The characters in Stephenie’s books go through extraordinary changes of circumstance and also appearance; so it is not surprising that there has been speculation about whether the same actor would portray a character who changes in so many surprising ways throughout the series. But it was my first instinct that Taylor was, is, and should be Jacob, and that the books would be best served by the actor who is emotionally right for the part. I think that fans of Twilight the book and the movie will be surprised by the Jacob Black that Taylor will bring to the screen in New Moon; and I’m looking forward to working with him and the rest of the cast in realizing the film.
very best
Chris Weitz
I’d just like to add that I was very much a part of this decision. My first priority was always what was best for New Moon—what was going to give us the best possible movie. I’m truly thrilled that Taylor was the one who proved to the director, to Summit, and to me that he is the best possible Jacob we could have. And I’m very much looking forward to seeing what he’s going to bring to Jacob’s character this year.
- Steph
IMHO, this is great news. Altho I always felt that, if handled properly, bringing in a new actor to play the “much changed” Jacob could work in the next film, I really wanted Taylor to keep the part. First, I hate when major characters get replaced with new actors in between films. Second, I thought that Taylor did a great job of bringing Jacob to life in the first film. In the end, none of this is rocket science and I’m sure they would’ve made any scenario work but I’m happy that Lautner will be able to keep playing the role he originated and won’t be cast aside as the next film is being made. I’m sure he is very happy with this news … Michael Copon, notsomuch.
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I’m really happy they decided to keep Taylor as Jacob Black. I too, thought he did a wonderful job at bringing Jacob to life and I’m excited to see how he does in New Moon. Besides, the poor thing didn’t get to show off as much in Twilight as he will in New Moon. :)
Boo…. hopefully they get him some damn good acting lessons before filming… :p
Give the kid a break, the first show he’s been on, has been cancelled, and then there’s talk of him being fired from his first movie, I for one am glad that he’s NOT leaving Twilight. I loved him as Jacob!
Aw, good! I thought he was adorable.
This is thee best News! I think he will totally kick butt in New Moon and I sooo can’t wait for the dynamics between Edward and Jacob in Eclipse. Then Breaking Dawn!! I need to see me some headboards break baby!!!!! ;)
I for one am so happy about this decision. Taylor is the PERFECT Jacob!! It would not be right if someone else came in to play that role! He will do a great job!!
Taylor has his heart in this from day one, he’ll do great. Congrats to him.
I don’t understand why they don’t just make the older guy Sam. That would be pretty fitting casting, and he’d get to be in Twilight. Everybody wins?
cmc that’s a stroke of genius! Cast Michael Copon as Sam! I’m glad Taylor is keeping the role, I thought he was cute in Twilight, but he’s really going to need to buff up and bring it in New Moon. Personally I couldn’t stand that book, so I doubt there is too much they could do to make me enjoy it anyway (RPattz shirtless a lot of the time maybe?) but I’m glad they are not switching actors. I also really don’t think they make Breaking Dawn into a movie, I think they’ll keep it as a trilogy with Twilight, New Moon then Eclipse, those 3 round off the storyline with Victoria, and RPattz said he’s only been contracted to make 2 sequals.
yaaay n_n
not that i care at all about Twilight, but i’m happy about this cause that boy is a hottie!! i’m glad he’ll still be on the celeb radar for awhile to come. :0)
I am very happy he will be in the next one! I get attached to characters lol
honestly i am glad taylor is going to be back. i can’t stand michael copon… he has a habit of ruining everything hes in. Could not stand him in One Tree Hill… too cocky
I think that they need Taylor for New Moon but I’m curious how they are going to make him look 6ft- after the change. I think Michael Copon could be Jacob after the change. My humble opinion.
I’m really glad they decided to stick with Taylor, he seemed to really be inside Jacob’s head, the same way Kristen and Rob really analyzed Bella, Edward, and their relationship. And he is very devoted to the books and the fanbase, so I’m sure he’ll do right by it. What I find even more promising about this announcement, is that Chris acknowledges the need for an actor thats “emotionally right” and seems to have approached this process in a logical and well thought out way. I really think he is going to be able to create a great screen version of New Moon. It seems that he realizes how important it is to stay loyal to the books and fan. @ CMC: Technically they already have a Sam. One of the boys with Jacob when he approcahed Bella at the beach in Twilight is credited as Sam Uley. A recast of that would be no problem..it was so minor nobody noticed. And it would be fitting — the boy was scrawny, and much too young looking. Poorly thought out idea to credit him as Sam in Twilight, I think done by someone who just saw the name and threw it in, not realizing the pivatol role that character comes to play. That being said….Copon doesn’t jive with how I picture Sam. And from what I’ve picked up on him from interviews is he just sees Twilight as a career move, and has no interest in it otherwise. He seems immaturen and arrogant, and wouldn’t know how to approach the role the right way.
Michael Copon is a toolbox (I mean, I get the acting on One Tree Hill isn’t award winning, but give me a break), I’m happy that I don’t have to worry about him runing the movie.
hahahaha! this is great! I bet that other guy feels like a douche that he wrote that he was Jacob Black on his facebook! haha!
I wasnt impressed with Jacob in the first movie but I would have been pissed off if they switched actors for the roles. He’s adorable and Im sure they will find a way to make the movie work. It would have been alienating to their fans who saw the movie multiple times and now identify Taylor with Jacob.
He’s so hot.. he’s completely turned me to ‘Team Jacob’
Yeah! This is awesome news! Team Jacob right here:)