Rachelle Lefevre Releases A Statement About Being Fired From ‘The Twilight Saga: Eclipse’
I KNEW IT! I mother-effing knew it! Early Wednesday we learned that Summit Entertainment announced that actress Rachelle Lefevre has been replaced by actress Bryce Dallas Howard in the role of evil vampire Victoria for the third Twilight movie The Twilight Saga: Eclipse. Summit explained that Rachelle was not able to fulfill the role of Victoria in Eclipse due to “scheduling conflicts” so they instead decided to hire Bryce in her place. At the time we heard the news, I KNEW that the “scheduling conflict” explanation was bullshit … and it turns out that I was right. Lefevre has issued an official statement on her firing and explains, in her words, how “stunned” and “saddened” she was to learn that she was fired from the role she originated. Here is the full text of her official statement:
“I was stunned by Summit’s decision to recast the role of Victoria for Eclipse. I was fully committed to the Twilight saga, and to the portrayal of Victoria. I turned down several other film opportunities and, in accordance with my contractual rights, accepted only roles that would involve very short shooting schedules. My commitment to Barney’s Version is only 10 days. Summit picked up my option for Eclipse. Although the production schedule for Eclipse is over three months long, Summit said they had a conflict during those 10 days and would not accommodate me. Given the length of filming for Eclipse, never did I fathom I would lose the role over a 10-day overlap. I was happy with my contract with Summit and was fully prepared to continue to honor it. Summit chose simply to recast the part. I am greatly saddened that I will not get to complete my portrayal of Victoria for the Twilight audience. This is a story, a theatrical journey and a character that I truly love and about which I am very passionate. I will be forever grateful to the fan support and loyalty I’ve received since being cast for this role, and I am hurt deeply by Summit’s surprising decision to move on without me. I wish the cast and crew of Eclipse only the very best.”
I SOOOOO knew it. Scheduling conflicts my ASS! There’s no way Summit couldn’t make the 10 days she would spend on the other film not work into the Eclipse shooting schedule. Summit must’ve LEAPED at the chance to hire Bryce Dallas Howard in her place because of who she is. It’s pretty damn gross that they would be so blatant about it. I feel so bad for Rachelle Lefevre because she really was great in the role of Victoria. Eclipse would’ve been her time to shine as Victoria’s role is more pronounced in that installment. Damn … the other Twilight actors better watch their backs. Who knows who else might get the axe should Summit Entertainment decide to replace them for a bigger name actor.
UPDATE: Summit Entertainment has issued their own official statement in response to Lefevre’s statement, here it is in full:
“We at Summit Entertainment are disappointed by Rachelle Lefevre’s recent comments which attempt to make her career choices the fault of the Studio. Her decision to discuss her version of the scheduling challenges publicly has forced the Studio to set the record straight and correct the facts. Ms. Lefevre’s representatives were advised as early as April that THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE was expected to start shooting in early August. If Ms. Lefevre was, as she describes “passionate,” about being part of THE TWILIGHT SAGA, we feel that she and her representatives would have included us in her decision to work on another film that would conflict with the shooting schedule of THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE. It was not until July 20th that Summit was first informed of Ms. Lefevre’s commitment to BARNEY’S VERSION, a commitment we have since been advised she accepted in early June. Summit had acted in good faith that she would be available to fulfill her obligations both in terms of rehearsals and shooting availability for THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE. We feel that her choice to withhold her scheduling conflict information from us can be viewed as a lack of cooperative spirit which affected the entire production. Furthermore Ms. Lefevre took a role in the other film that places her in Europe during the required rehearsal time, and at least ten days of THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE’s principal photography. This period is essential for both rehearsal time with the cast, and for filming at key locations that are only available during the initial part of production. Contrary to Ms. Lefevre’s statement, it is simply untrue that the Studio dismissed her over a ten day overlap. It is not about a ten day overlap, but instead about the fact that THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE is an ensemble production that has to accommodate the schedules of numerous actors while respecting the established creative vision of the filmmaker and most importantly the story. The fact remains that Ms. Lefevre’s commitment to the other project – which she chose to withhold from Summit until the last possible moment – makes her unfortunately unavailable to perform the role of Victoria in THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE.” –Summit Entertainment
Oh snap … the studio doesn’t seem too happy at Rachelle’s comments on her firing but, to be honest, I still believe her. It’s way too convenient that Rachelle gets the boot and Summit gets the benefit of Bryce Dallas Howard stepping in to fill the role. And the fact that they kept the casting change a secret until after Rachelle did her duty and appeared at 2009 San Diego Comic-Con this past weekend is totally dubious. I still call bullshit on Summit’s shady dealings with their actors. Again I warn the Twilight cast, watch yer backs.
[Source]
Tags: 'The Twilight Saga: Eclipse', Rachelle Lefevre
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July 29th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
Summit is getting a shitty rep in the industry and I must say, deservedley so.
July 29th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
i knew it!
July 29th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
I also heard it was a money issue… I guess the rest of the cast, Kristen and Rob especially, are getting HUGE pay raises for Eclipse and they cut Rachelle because Bryce wanted less money… Either way, it was a super shady move on Summit’s part.
July 29th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
@Brett — I hope Rachelle sues their asses and gets her contract paid, would serve them right for trying to screw her over.
July 29th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Ok- I’m booing when the new Victoria is on screen. Yep- I’m going to go revert back to being a teenager and boo….
July 29th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
i wish I had the time, energy, and clout to organize something against this. its FRI-RICKEN-DICULOUS. so absurd i made up a … word.
seriously, I am very upset about this. I just think it is so WRONG. nobody in the harry potter series ever gets changed… right? so why change twilight series? because summit is douchebaggery.
GRRRRRR. I will be very sad to see eclipse messed up so. I hope her public statement causes summit to do something about it, bring her back!!!!
July 29th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
I’ve never seen Twilight but she’s been quite popular over here in Canada for quite some time. I was hoping these films would finally allow her to procure bigger roles and allow people of other countries to see how amazing of an actress she really is.
July 29th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
MOTHERFUCKING SUMMIT, I’m so pissed! She was the best thing in the whole Twilight movie. If you know what’s good for you, you will bring her back!!!!
July 29th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Dang that sucks. I thought she did really good as Victoria, and 10 days isn’t really that big of a deal.
July 29th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Personally I think she did a wonderful job in Twilight, and I’m sure she will do a wonderful job in New Moon too. It is a bad move to switch characters, especially so far into a movie series, when it gets to that characters main part too.
Thankfully though, Rachelle was very mature about the whole matter, she could have handled it a lot differently. Handling it, as she is, will surely give her bonus points, and knock summit down a bit.
Honestly, if they were to replace anyone, I wish they would have replaced Kristen and Robert, because those two always seem like they are getting big heads from the attention they are now getting >.< Its annoying, I feel bad for Rachelle. But hopefully, now she can move on, and really shine.
July 29th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
This is absolutely ridiculous! Besides the hair color in Twilight, she was perfect for the role of Victoria! I think she did a very good job… I know Rob or Kristen won’t get the axe since they’re so prominent in the series BUT they should stick up for Rachelle! First Jacob gets threatened and now Rachelle? Stupid! The two primary characters should stick up for Rachelle. I’m pissed.
July 29th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
This is a very sad thing to hear! I think Rachelle would have done a wonderful job in Eclipse …to me she is Victoria. And to be honest Bryce Dallas Howard is really creepy (her eyes scare me) :(
July 29th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
As much as I love Twilight and the films, I think this is bullshit and I have absolutely ZERO interest in seeing Eclipse unless they rehire Rachelle. I really hope the actors refuse to show up to set without her or something, because this is outrageous.
July 29th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
She rocks. She rocked in “What about Brian?”….
They dumped her because she wasn’t getting the press that RobPatz is getting. They needed a name with clout and you can totally tell by getting Bryce Howard, poor poor move!
July 29th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
Major props to her though, for having a very appropriate and mature statement.
July 29th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
#BringBackRachelle is already the number 1 trending topic on twitter!
July 29th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Rachelle is the perfect Victoria, though! BOO! I may not watch this one now…I can’t stand Bryce! She’s not a great actress!!!!
July 29th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Could it be that somebody’s daddy is working his contacts to get his little girl some work? No way is Bryce in the same league as Rachelle.
July 29th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
I find it absolutely ridiculous that they would change an actress, after she has already played the part in 2 movies, just because of a 10 day overlap. Summit really sucks!
July 29th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
That is awful! (I have to say I LOVE Rachelle’s hair, she just looks like an angel…which meshes nicely with the vampire thing). It seems like Summit doesn’t understand their fan base at all. First they wanted to replace Taylor, and now they replace her! Don’t they know not to funk with a good thing? I really am not a fan of Bryce…and this makes me REALLY not like her. It might not have anything to do with Bryce, but I think that people will come away from it thinking that her daddy had something to do with it.
I think that if fans come together and raise heck like they did when they threatened to replace Taylor, things could change! They have caved to pressure and fan demand before!!!
July 29th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
I really can’t stand Summit. They’re one shady studio to pull this swap and then blame it on Rachelle’s schedule.
July 29th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
Like I said, they are ruining this franchise. The movie does not need “big names” (who the FUCK is bryce howard?). Twilight has a solid fan base and they are being ridiculous. I am seriously considering not seeing this movie now.
July 29th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
There are 4 trending topics on twitter about this.
Summet is on a mission to fuck up the Twilight movies.
twitter.com/liz_who
July 29th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
Victoria was the most interesting character in Twilight and I would have a hard time seeing someone else take over the role when Rachelle did such a great job. I probably won’t bother seeing the movies that she’s not in. This was a dumb, tacky move on Summit’s part. (Is Bryce Dallas Howard even that famous? I know nothing about her other than that she’s the daughter of Ron Howard.)
July 29th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Wow. Summit is like a teenage boy dumping a girl right before the prom. This is ridiculous.
I hope she sues Summitt too. She should get compensated for all of those roles that she turned down. Silver lining: at least now, everyone knows who she is. They don’t just know her as “victoria from Twilight”. I wish her all the best in her career.
July 29th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
It seems to me very odd that they waited until right after Comic Con was over to announce this. Almost as if they knew those crazy crazy twilight fans would have rioted,if they heard the news when amassed in a large group, or something.
Believe me, I’m not a big twilight fan at all (actually kinda mad at how they ruined comic con for the rest of people), buuuuuuuuut even I think this is complete bull, and just really crappy to do.
July 29th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
Wow, this is the story of how a small studio gets a big, dysfunctional head! Money, the only thing they care about. And they hit the jackpot with Twilight.
First, the were about to screw the series recasting Jacob’s role. If it weren’t for Taylor’s commitment to keep his role and the fans support, they would’ve succeeded.
Now Rachelle gets screwed! And they manage to keep it under wraps until it was a done deal! Dick move, Summit. Stupid and unnecessary.
One would think that a few days of overlap would be less importance next to preserving the integrity of the movie Series.
Coordinate schedules! Harry Potter works with stars of bigger names and careers and WB still manages to get everybody’s schedule into consideration. Yes, WB cares about money too, but at least you get a feel of their commitment to the series.
This was clearly Summit’s doing and I feel sorry for Rachelle. Her commitment isn’t questioned by fans. But, yet again, Summit’s is. Sad, sad, sad.
Slackers!
July 29th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
According to Ted Casablanca Summit is meeting right now about what to do about Rachelle.
http://i32.tinypic.com/xgl00o.png
July 29th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
this sucks. I want Rachelle as Victoria! Except no substitutes!
(nothing against Bryce)
July 29th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
Let’s start a petition or raise hell, like when they threatened to recast Jacob!!
July 29th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
If you hear about a petition, Trent, let us know. She did an excellent job as Victoria!
July 29th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
That’s totally effed up…and incidentally (to echo a few others here), if they were looking for a “big name” they could’ve done much better than Bryce Dallas Howard. I haven’t been particularly impressed with her in anything I’ve seen her in…
July 29th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
RIDICULOUS!! I hope the backlash makes summit feel shitty about this. Poor rachelle. This is no way to treat someone so devoted to the movies. I am so upset for her. Not only s it horrible they recast her but to do so so sneakily and under handidly! You are right Trent the other actors should watch their backs!
July 29th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
Twilight, blah, blah…now, the good stuff, TRENT, Who did Jude Law impregnate?!?!?!
July 29th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
@ LuvYa – are you kidding me? Howard is a talented thespian and I don’t think there should sour comments about her.
Summit is making some very poor decisions. I don’t agree with their “less is more” motto (when it comes to budget) – that is why this film will probably look cheap in the effects realm. Not to mention the rush of getting scripts, planning, and editions all spit out in simply months… yuk.
I do like Howards look, however, it would/will be harmful to the continuity of the film to replace Lafevre – and I think she fills the rold just fine also.
I’m not a fan of Summit and their shallow and cheap tactics.
July 29th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
According to Ted Casablanca’s (@theawfultruth) Twitter account, Summit is meeting to see what hey are going to do with the Rachelle situation. Good heavens, Summit works backwards! Idiots.
July 29th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Petition here:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/keep-rachelle-lefevre-as-victoria-in-eclipse
July 29th, 2009 at 6:57 pm
another one
http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?rach3cli
July 29th, 2009 at 7:11 pm
this one has the most
http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/rachelleinecpliseyes
July 29th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
Yeah if she was in a contract for more films, i’d sue their asses. I’m not a big Twilight fan but i believe they are fucking themselves up with the whole character changes. First it was Jacob but in the end they didn’t, they kinda saved themselves there.
I don’t get why they’re changing. This Rachelle chick doesn’t play a major part, well not in the Twilight movie. But the actor replacing her looks nothing like her. Its kinda effed up the way producers do this – Twilight doesn’t have Oscar performances and the chick replacing her i haven’t even seen as far as i know, but i had seen Rachelle somewhere before Twilight.
They’re really just gonna get all the fans pissed off & confuse A LOT of people in the process and therefore eff the franchise up more.
July 29th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
i am so freacking pissed!!! she was amazing, i dont fricking care about a big name person as victoria i love twilight and think that summit should be more committed to telling a story through characters and keeping the very huge base that they are recieving thorugh twilight. the characters should not be changed like this. people flipped shit when they tried to get rid of taylor and they are going to the same thing with rachelle… i am
July 29th, 2009 at 7:31 pm
summit are such assholes, Rachelle Lefevre was doing an amazing job, this is so bullshit. i hate it when they switch characters, and honestly who the hell doesn’t know twilight? what’s Bryce Dallas Howard gonna bring? more fans? i don’t think thats even possible
July 29th, 2009 at 7:46 pm
summit is getting the worst reputation in this industry. no actor will want to work for this company if they keep doing this
July 29th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Summit best reconsider this!!! I cannot believe they would do this!! I’m so upset!! Rachelle is the only Victoria and I refuse to support this Howard chick!!
July 29th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
What the f**k is summit doing? It’s like they are trying to ruin these movies. My god it is only 10 days. That is so stupid. I knew this was gonna happen. I knew that they were gonna fuck it up, because eclipse is my favorite book. GOD! This is so retarded. I guess summit will learn their lesson when the go down hill.
July 29th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
That’s so sad, Rachelle is a super sweet girl.
Summit is a little bitch.
July 29th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
Weren’t Summit going to do the same thing with Taylor Lautner? Sounds to me like Summit are a bunch of asshats.
July 29th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
Also, it was pretty smart of them to drop this bomb AFTER Comi-Con. That would have been Awkward!
July 29th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
she got replaced by a far better actress.. boo hoo. move on. hahahaha..
July 29th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
soooo its a shity move how cears
July 29th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
This is so beyond not cool, and unprofessional. They should hire her back.
July 29th, 2009 at 8:57 pm
Summit has released a new statement and boy do they burn Rachelle
http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=57592
July 29th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
SUMMIT RESPONDED via the Twilight Facebook group;
We at Summit Entertainment are disappointed by Rachelle Lefevre’s recent comments which attempt to make her career choices the fault of the Studio. Her decision to discuss her version of the scheduling challenges publicly has forced the Studio to set the record straight and correct the facts.
Ms. Lefevre’s representatives were advised as early as April that THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE was expected to start shooting in early August.
If Ms. Lefevre was, as she describes “passionate,” about being part of THE TWILIGHT SAGA, we feel that she and her representatives would have included us in her decision to work on another film that would conflict with the shooting schedule of THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE.
It was not until July 20th that Summit was first informed of Ms. Lefevre’s commitment to BARNEY’S VERSION, a commitment we have since been advised she accepted in early June. Summit had acted in good faith that she would be available to fulfill her obligations both in terms of rehearsals and shooting availability for THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE. We feel that her choice to withhold her scheduling conflict information from us can be viewed as a lack of cooperative spirit which affected the entire production.
Furthermore Ms. Lefevre took a role in the other film that places her in Europe during the required rehearsal time, and at least ten days of THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE’s principal photography. This period is essential for both rehearsal time with the cast, and for filming at key locations that are only available during the initial part of production.
Contrary to Ms. Lefevre’s statement, it is simply untrue that the Studio dismissed her over a ten day overlap. It is not about a ten day overlap, but instead about the fact that THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE is an ensemble production that has to accommodate the schedules of numerous actors while respecting the established creative vision of the filmmaker and most importantly the story.
The fact remains that Ms. Lefevre’s commitment to the other project – which she chose to withhold from Summit until the last possible moment – makes her unfortunately unavailable to perform the role of Victoria in THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE.
–Summit Entertainment
July 29th, 2009 at 9:09 pm
Summit are just trying to cover their butts like when they tried to recast Jacob.
July 29th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
note there was no “we wish her all the best for her future career” etc etc…. brrr it’s a little cold over at Summit!
I understand that it’s a lot of work to fit in so many actors schedules, but she’s not in it THAT much, I don’t remember reading of her presence until the show-down at the end – could they not shoot that later in the three months?
July 29th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
Does seem like Rachelle is caught in the middle of a rock and a hard place. Lack of communication between Summit and what appears to be her management seems to be the biggest problem at this point. I just can’t see Summit wanting a more high profile actress (when I would be assured Rachelle would be the cheaper option of herself and Bryce on experience alone). There’s got to be more to this. Pointing the finger just makes both parties look quite elementary to be honest.
So saying that, I can’t imagine Bryce would actually want to be a part of this film now with some of the immense over-reaction to this news. I would think something like a Twilight film would be quite below her.
July 29th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
I disagree with Summit on principle. They said they didn’t even know about Rachelle schedule until July 20th. Then the re-casting process was only 9 days long? WHAT? Then they keep the situation under wraps. Still fishy. Summit could have accommodate her part if they wanted to. And that’s what it comes down to: they don’t. I’ll trust the actor over the $tudio, any time. As much as I hate WB from time to time, Summit should take a few lessons from them.
July 29th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
They are totally just covering their butts. If they knew about this on July 20th, then why on earth would they tell her to go to the Comic-Con a few days ago? Shady Shady.
July 29th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
Am I the only one on Team Bryce? Apparently so. I didn’t think there was anything special about Rachelle in Twilight. I didn’t even like her. Her hair color was all wrong. Team Bryce!
July 29th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
Trying to change the cast again?!! When i was reading the books, i ‘visioned’ Rachelle as Victoria already. This is screwed up. It’s gonna work against Summit.
July 29th, 2009 at 9:52 pm
What a bunch of fucktards.
Rachelle IS Victoria. I hope they’re feeling the wrath of millions of Twilight fans….hard.
July 29th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
There must be something fans can do!
I mean, how many people out there are fanatic over Twilight and want Rachelle to stay on!
There is power in numbers!!!
July 29th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
To be fair (and a devil’s advocate here), I think the first Twilight movie was shot in a total of 30-something days…so a 10 day overlap could potentially be kind of a big deal? Just wanted to throw that in there…
July 29th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
@Les — “the production schedule for Eclipse is over three months long” 10 days out of 3 months is no biggie
July 29th, 2009 at 10:54 pm
This should be interesting.
New scoop coming tomorrow via Ted Casablanca:
http://twitter.com/theawfultruth/status/2924897419
“just got the interesting inside Summit reaction to this whole studio-said-she-said rachelle lefevre situation…. coming tomorrow morn!”
July 29th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
after reading the update…i dont feel as bad for her (*IF* its all true) – i mean you only get a certain amount of time to shoot certain things in certain spots..so those 10 days could be costly.
July 30th, 2009 at 12:50 am
Instead of moaning over this situation… MAKE YOUR VOICES HEARD! BOYCOTT the film, or better yet, start a petition drive to bring Rachelle back for “Eclipse”. Ther’s time to due it since it doesn’t start filming until next year, right? So, get to work!
-
Word it like this… “We, the undersigned, are hereby protesting the sudden and unfavorable replacement of Rachelle Lefevre in place of {Bryce Dallas Howard}. We are therefore Making a point NOT to attend the movie, ‘Eclipse’ when it is released.”… Or words to that effect.
-
It worked for other shows &/or bringing back actors’ who were fired/released from their contracts & later replaced. TV & movie-land. Try it… What can it hurt?
July 30th, 2009 at 12:52 am
They probably saved her career by firing her from this STLLY TRIPE. Oh look I’m a sparkly blood-sucker who digs high school chicks even though i;m hundreds of years old. The bloody house fraus who sit at home reading this drivel and dreaming Ed will come love them need to get a bloody life and grow up and any guy that likes this mess well just give up your life is over.
July 30th, 2009 at 1:17 am
@jen : dumping a girl before prom? this is more like dumping her AFTER he gets her into bed prom night. this… is a hump and dump.
i mean, getting her to do Comic-Con and informing her AFTER the fact is one thing. but think about this: she missed out on other roles she could have done for an ASS LOAD OF MONEY to do Eclipse. That is the one thing that makes me truly angry. and they seriously think they can bring in Bryce Dallas Howard and she’ll be lovingly accepted by the rest of the cast after they filmed the previous two movies with a completely different actress? i mean, it’s going to be seriously awkward around there for a while…
July 30th, 2009 at 2:55 am
Ok people calm down. First of all her role in the first movie did not ask alot from an actress. Be realistic she was cast not knowing that twilight would become as huge as it is now. Eclipse saga is asking a whole lot from her character which quite frankly i dont believe she could have pulled off. We should all be happy with who she got replaced with. Not only is Bryce Dallas Howard a great actress she has proven in past that she has the skill to not only pull off what is needed from her role but introduce some real acting in this saga of films.
July 30th, 2009 at 3:06 am
Talk about Summit doing a “Mullholland Drive” on their young actors!
Surely Stephenie Myer gets a say…..?????
Twilight is NOT the bold and the beautiful with it’s revolving cast doors….
These are books that have re-invented a genre.
It doesn’t matter what Summit say- their level of ‘explanation’ is pretty pathetic.
As a corporation, the lamest of excuses is to be expected-”they can,so they do”
Obviously, If Rachelle had her tongue down Taylor’s throat, there would be no problem. So they drum up ‘other’ publicity whilst covering their arse getting a ‘new=new buzz” actor. It’s all so unnecessary.
What they haven’t realised is her fan base have connected with her the way she has connected with her character- a very real reason to go to the cinema.
We need Stephenie Myer on board!
July 30th, 2009 at 3:12 am
It’s an understatement to say i’m pissed about this. Total freaking bullshit!!! Don’t they care about continuity? Replacing an actor who is portraying such a main part in Eclipse is a sure fire way to ruin the films credibility and believability. I mean who can immerse themselves in a movie that doesn’t feel *real*, its like those badddddd soap operas that just cycle through actors! It looks cheap and nasty! *end rant* :)
July 30th, 2009 at 4:41 am
I guess I’m in the minority. I wont miss her. I don’t think her work in the film was anything out of the ordinary. I guess that’s Hollywood for you!
July 30th, 2009 at 6:37 am
I don’t think Twilight singlehandedly redefined or revitalized a genre. The credit for that probably deserves to fall in Anita Blake’s territory for the first few books, at least, along with a great many other authors. But I digress…
The real problem here is flipping around an actress midway through for what very much feels like Summit’s attempt to get more publicity and fame going on even if they’re masquerading it as “scheduling conflicts.” Other series, from Harry Potter to plenty of television programmes, sure manage to handle 10-20 days of shooting for a movie with one of their principals just fine. I honestly think this is a move on their part to snag another higher profile actress, to match Dakota Fanning and a number of “knowns” who are joining for New Moon and Eclipse. Essentially they are upping their star wattage because it’s financially prudent to do so, likely expands their coverage in the market, and saying “So-and-so is in the movie” generates more buzz for Summit than “Unknown cast who is superb for this role.” HP -made- its own younger stars, it’s quite true, without seeing the need to cast extremely famous Hollywood child actors in the main three to five roles. Sure, you have Alan Rickman and many others as the adult cast, but that’s more a treat for the parents!
In short I feel terrible for Rachelle, who is a great young Canadian actress and hopefully would receive much more attention for the quality of her work. This is coverage for her of the kind she didn’t need; she deserved to be in Eclipse. No reason to knock Bryce Howard, but there had to be other projects she could be involved with.
July 30th, 2009 at 7:11 am
next up:
Now playing the role of Bella Swan in Breaking Dawn: Miley Cyris
Esme Cullen played by Megan Fox
and Renesme Cullen played by Suri Cruise
…ridiculous.
July 30th, 2009 at 7:18 am
[...] Summit had also explained that Lefevre had not been able to fulfill her role because of “scheduling conflicts“, but apparently Lefevre issued an official statement on the whole [...]
July 30th, 2009 at 7:36 am
Ok … first off, 10 days inside of a 3 month production schedule IS a scheduling conflict. A production schedule is not a SHOOTING schedule, it’s rehearsal, shooting, etc. HOWEVER … that schedule should have been provided to the cast and crew WELL in advance. I completely believe her when she says she did not fathom it would create this kind of backlash. Locations only available during that time period is one thing, but her management team should have been apprised of this, by Summit, before it ever became an issue. I fully believe she would not have accepted the other role if she’d known the schedule for Eclipse.
The thing that strikes me the most about all of this is the difference in their statements. Rachelle released an extremely professional statement, gave her feelings in a mature way, and wished everyone luck. Summit pointed fingers, placed blame, and seemed to be sulking. The whole “has forced the Studio to set the record straight and correct the facts” is so childish it’s unbelievable.
Whoever is writing their Press Releases should be fired for having the writing & PR skills of a high school freshman.
After the Twilight movies are completed, I can’t see Summit continuing to exist. How they’ve publicly treated their cast and crew is going to come back to haunt them. I can’t see any self respecting professional wanting to be associated with them. These movies are one thing … they are launching and building up careers … once they’re done? Summit with have no respect from anyone in the industry.
July 30th, 2009 at 7:54 am
this really all comes down to one simple question that i would want answered by both Rachelle and the people at Summit:
After Summit found out about Rachelle’s scheduling conflict, did they explain to her that it would be a conflict and that they would have to replace her if she retained her commitment to the other movie? Because if they did, then the oweness is on Rachelle. It seems pretty clear that they never gave her that option, or else Summit would have used it as a defense and Rachelle wouldnt have been surprised when she was replaced.
It’s all about due diligence. It seems clear to me that they never gave her that option, and they jumped at having an excuse to replace her. Which is, IMHO, mind-blowingly stupid. To think that you can replace any character at this point, is like removing a family member. How could they underestimate how possesive this fanbase is of their characters/actors?
July 30th, 2009 at 7:57 am
I think it’s shit. I don’t believe that they can’t work around Rachelle for those 10 days – even though this is her biggest part in the series, it’s still not a huge part. I think Summit is the big, bad studio kicking the little guy (or girl) in this case.
I looked up some pictures of Bryce Dallas Howard. She’s got nothing on Rachelle and the movie won’t be the same if she’s the new Victoria.
July 30th, 2009 at 7:59 am
team rachelle!!!
July 30th, 2009 at 8:45 am
I can’t believe summit did this, scheduling conflict .. yeh ok. Rachelle did a great job with the role and I hate when they recast actors, this is all because bryce’s dad is big in the industry. They have a petition going http://www.petitiononline.com/rach3cli/petition.html about Rachelle’s firing.
July 30th, 2009 at 8:56 am
You can write to Summit at this address. Sending letters is much more effective then signing internet petitions:
RE:Rachelle LeFevre
Summit Entertainment
1630 Stewart St, Suite 120
Santa Monica, CA 90404
July 30th, 2009 at 9:02 am
lols man summit are talking out of their ass its obviously that they did what she said plus when u read their statement to me it sounds like they werent happy with her doing a job on another film, sounds like they just wanted her and then when she took another job which is natural in the industry they blown it up to sound like their victims TOTAL dickheads.
TBH the director of the first one didnt she get fired after that or was it after the 2nd film for some bs reasons.
July 30th, 2009 at 9:13 am
But why would she take another job during the filming of Twilight if she was so passionate about. Haven’t watched the movie so don’t know how good she is, but if she really didn’t tell them about the conflict then its her own fault.
July 30th, 2009 at 9:16 am
I just can’t believe it only took them 9 days to replace her, and they still held off from telling her until AFTER they did Comic-Con.
Cause I have to think if she knew she was getting fired, there’s no way she’d have shown up at CC.
I know I sure wouldn’t have.
Summit needs to stop treating their actors/writers/producers like they’re expenable, or no one’s going to want to work for them.
July 30th, 2009 at 9:22 am
@ erin: “Now playing the role of Bella Swan in Breaking Dawn: Miley Cyris
Esme Cullen played by Megan Fox
and Renesme Cullen played by Suri Cruise”
LOL! Especially Renesme… oh god. Brills.
July 30th, 2009 at 9:50 am
i am obviously the minority out here… but i am kinda stoked. i never really cared for that victoria! meh. if they had an issue with her missing 10 days…. maybe it was the 10 days they needed her there! either way… don’t bite the hand that feeds ya. SHE was no one before twilight (i’d never heard of her) and this is a pretty damn big roll for her…. she’s kicking herself in the ass right about now i bet!
July 30th, 2009 at 10:01 am
Thanks for the mailing address so I can write a letter! Done and Done! It may not do any good, they may not even read it, but at least I feel like I’ve done my part in voicing my opinion.
:)
July 30th, 2009 at 10:11 am
@Cupcake, thanks for the address!
I met Rachelle at the first Twilight Convention for Creationent in San Francisco, and she was so graceful and amazing and truly beautiful.. I really want her to play Victoria!!
July 30th, 2009 at 11:07 am
Summit Entertainment issued that recent statement just to save face…. I DONT BUY IT!!! bunch of douchebags! i can’t believe they’re replacing Rachelle just like that… They’re ruining the flow of this movie for the fans… ARRRGGGHHH! Such bullies!
July 30th, 2009 at 11:46 am
You people are pathetic — she did a great job, you’re going to boycott the movie — right. This unknown chick had about 12 frames of screen time and one line in Twilight. Do you really think Summit cares about her salary? What do you think it is for a bit part, 100K? We’re talking about this franchise grossing over a billion. Why should they rearrange or hold up their shooting schedule for some nobody who should be thanking God they gave her the best job she’s ever going to have. She acted like an ungrateful amateur and they gave her spot to a pro. And every one of you whiners we’ll be in line to see this trash the day it opens.
July 30th, 2009 at 11:57 am
First of all, I think this is total crap that Summit would do this to one of the actors on Twilight. Once New Moon comes out it will be halfway through the series and that is not the time to be replacing actors. I read on that Awful Truth blog at E! that the Eclipse shooting schedule was moved up and maybe they moved it up just so they had a reason to replace Rachelle, or maybe not. Who knows, either way what Summit has done is real shitty. And while I am not a crazy fan of these movies, I still think that what Summit did is stupid and incredibly disrespectful. They are basically telling Rachelle that they do not care about all the time and energy she has put into bringing this character to life. Summit better fix this!!
Also, everyone says Bryce Dallas Howard is such a “big name” and established actress but in my opinion she really is not. Because I was bored I looked on IMDB and Rachelle has twice the number of acting credits as Bryce. Just because Bryce has been in bigger movies does not make her the better actress, just the richer one.
Sorry about this long rant but what Summit did has really irritated me and I just needed a place to rant :D
July 30th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
UGH i cant stand Bryce howard – she makes this whoel deal aobut how she doesnt get any part becasue of beign ron Howard’s daughter. Yea right she’s ugly and can’t act —it really has left a bad taste in my mouth. Twilight won’t be the same
July 30th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Sign a petition, send them a letter, or email them:
‘EFeig@summit-ent.com’; ‘NKirkpatrick@summit-ent.com’; ‘VMayer@summit-ent.com’; ‘Wyck@templehillent.com’; ‘Paul@pcommgroup.com’; ‘RFriedman@summit-ent.com’; ‘PWachsberger@summit-ent.com’; ‘BHayward@summit-ent.com’; ‘DGarrett@summit-ent.com’; ‘RHohauser@summit-ent.com’; ‘RFay@summit-ent.com’; ‘SNickerson@summit-ent.com’
July 30th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
I agree with Lubeck. (not the insulting parts though)
It is annoying. I hate when actors change in the middle of a series as well.
I get it though. I can understand both sides, but in the end you can’t expect the entire rest of the cast and crew of a movie to rearrange their schedules for you. She really shouldn’t of accepted the other role in the end if she really wanted to stay in Eclipse.
Also, not very nice of the some of you who are talking poo about Bryce.
Another also, 10 days is a HUGE amount of time to be unavailable when you were told to be. 3 months is Production time NOT Shooting time. (someone above also mentioned.) It seems to me that they are probably starting to shoot the ending part first which she would be needed in to get started on all the special effects stuff.
She made her bed now she must lie in it. Don’t get me wrong I wish she was continuing, but alas, it is what it is.
We should be welcoming Bryce to the Twilght Family instead of being Bitchy McBitches.
July 30th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Screw summit. What jerks!
July 30th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
F@CK THAT B!TCH!!! Seriously…
…she HAD the job in Eclipse. Then she decided to take another job AFTER making the commitment for Eclipse. She is the one on the wrong. Effing actors think they can aways do what they want and have it their way all the time. Well, apparently, this little tw@t isn’t the diva she thinks she is.
And you IDIOTS always seem to side with the actors.
July 30th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
@seriously — Is that you, president of Summit Entertainment?
July 30th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
She is such a nice girl, I’ve seen her on interviews – and she gets along so well with the cast of Twilight. They should have got together and protested it. I’m sure if Rob Pattinson refused to continue they would do anything to get him back. People think they can bully and oppress others when they are small and weak because they have power and money. That’s backstabbing and betrayal to the first degree. It’s sick.
July 30th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
That was shitty of them to do that. If they wanted Bryce as a big name, surely they could’ve put her in another part??? Something in Breaking Dawn perhaps. I feel bad for Rachelle. Yup, those others better watch their backs. They wanted to oust Taylor as Jacob, which was bad judgment. What is wrong with those people?
July 30th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
This is basic contract law. She had obligations to Summit pursuant to her contract. If she told Summit that she could not satisfy one of those obligations, they had every right to replace her. This is the real world, people. Deal with it.
July 30th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
@Joey — “I turned down several other film opportunities and, in accordance with my contractual rights, accepted only roles that would involve very short shooting schedules. My commitment to Barney’s Version is only 10 days. Summit picked up my option for Eclipse.” — Lefevre
July 30th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
No one mentioned how Summit probably has to work around Kirsten Stewart’s schedule with The Runaways, just saying. It’s still pretty effed up but I mean, we don’t know how complex the situation was even though they don’t make it out to sound very complex at all besides “those 10 days were VERY important!”. Rachelle did a decent job in Twilight but who knows what Bryce can bring, even if she is not the same person. She has a lasting face what with our final view of Twilight being Rachelle walking down the stairs towards revenge so you know you wanna see that face again, but after New Moon comes out, how much are we still gonna remember her then? It’s gonna be Jacob and all his werewolf pals. Plus, I remember one very significant line that stood out to my in Eclipse, at the end (SPOILER) a flaming red fireball that is Victoria’s head bouces off a tree and rolls across the ground after Edward tears it off her neck, and well, I really wanna see that! And Rachelle’s hair was not a dramatic fireball, she looked more angelic. Like I said, we don’t know what Bryce could bring, I really like her work, she’s a creeper. haha This all really sucks but I’ll reserve my opinion till after the movie!
July 30th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
Bryce Dallas Howard — yuck! Talk about overrated celebs who got where they are through nepotism. Damn she’s ugly too.
Right up there with Joan Rivers’s talentless, homely daughter.
July 30th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
I think I forgot when Summit and Rachelle formed a friendship instead of a contract. 10 days or a month, her scheduling cuts into film prep time… which isn’t only contractual but necessary.
I wouldn’t fret too much about it, though. When the Rachel Dawes character was switched in Dark Knight (Gyllenhaal replaced Holmes), there was some outrage. But once it debuted, no one seemed to mind anymore. These films could be apples and oranges, but at least they’re both fruit to compare one to another.
July 30th, 2009 at 10:08 pm
[...] Rachelle Lefevre Releases A Statement About Being Fired From ‘The Twilight Saga: Eclipse’… (pinkisthenewblog.com) [...]
July 30th, 2009 at 10:18 pm
I think if you’re part of one of the biggest movie series sine Harry Potter, you make damn sure you’re available when ever production wants you. It’s not like eclipse has a huge roll for Victoria…oh wait a minute, YES IT DOES!!! Stupid mistake on Rachelle’s part.
July 31st, 2009 at 6:53 am
for god sake. 10 days out of 3 months. BAH! thats like a day out of my summer hols from school i wouldn’t mind. summit can chill for those ten days it wouldn’t be hard to film other shots or even get going ahead on BD. fuck sak people. I’ve heard nothing stating the dates for the scheduling in her contract so 10 days not really her fault. any way more importantly. RACHELLE IS PERFECT FPR THE PART SO THEY’RE GONNA RUIN THE MOVIE! THIS IS MUCH MROE IMPORTANT THEN 10 FUCKING DAYS!
July 31st, 2009 at 8:46 am
I just feel so upset at the whole thing, DAMM IT!!!! SUMMIT, it is not fair bring Rachelle back…….bring her back, bring her back…….
August 4th, 2009 at 11:18 am
RACHELLE ROX!!!!!!!!!! she is one of the best things about twilight and I don’t even know who this bryce person is!!!!!!!!!!! if they don’t bring her back I am having serius doubts about seeing eclipse!!!!! Rachelle was my fav character from the start and I always thought she was really beautiful and I luv her hair!!!!!!!!!! BRING HER BACK!!!!!!! That scheduling thing is totally just a cover-up for the real reason they canned her!!! My whole family is so upset!!!!! I HATE SUMMIT! BRING RACHELE BACK!!!!-(who is bryce howard anyway??) Finally an amazing canadian actress!!!–NOW SHE’S GONE!!!!!! RACHELLE ROX!!! BOO BRYCE!!!!!
August 5th, 2009 at 2:59 am
FUCK U SUMMIT U SHADY BITCHES!
Bryce is a shitty actress with no where near the talent Rachelle possesses!
August 5th, 2009 at 10:54 am
i liked Rachelle playing victoria to me there cant be another victoria Rachelle played the part so good and in movies i hate when in sequels when they changed the people you like the people in the 1st on and then they change it how rude
August 12th, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Summit seriously sucks. They really are trying to cover up the REAL reason why they fired Rachelle with this scheduling conflicts nonsense. First, Taylor Lautner. And now, this. Who else are these bastards going to try to replace?!
The Twilight actors better watch out…
September 14th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Even if what summit says is true in their counter-comment, the simple fact that fans and people in general cant stand it when actors get changed to play the same character in movie sagas….is just flippin ANNOYING!!
I think Summit couldve made an extra effort to work with Rachelle’s dual schedule, after all…the Twilight series is what’s even making summit ‘existent’ to the world. If not for her, for her fans and fans of the twilight series…
September 18th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Hell ya!!!! They better watch their backs, i’m very mad at summit right now. They should not have fired her. Eclispe isn’t going to be the same now they better hope they dont lose some fans because of this!!!!! :( :( :( :(
October 11th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
Okay, folks, think about this….
#1 If Rachelle had any sense, she would have ASKED Summitt about the 10 days BEFORE she agreed to do the other role. DUH!! She had a contract abnd broke the contract therefore was let go. it really was entirely her fault and Summitt made the only move they could in hiring someone who could actually work when required.
#2 Bryce is a better actress .
#3. Seriously, time is money and if the 10 days happened to be the only ten days Summit could lock in a location…You think that they should renegotionate the location needs to a different time for the benefit of ONE actress, who quite honestly didn’t even mention her other role until weeks before the shoot. Seems Rachelle got a little to big for her pants, if you ask me.