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 Early Wednesday we learned that Summit Entertainment announced that actress Rachelle Lefevre has been replaced by actress Bryce Dallas Howard in the role of evil vampire Victoria for the third Twilight movie The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.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.

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