Entertainment Weekly brings us our first look at the new cover artwork for the trade paperback version of Stephenie Meyer’s book New Moon which ties in with the release of the movie version of the book The Twilight Saga: New Moon … behold:

Attention Team Jacob: Little, Brown has revealed their cover for the movie tie-in edition of New Moon, which features an exclusive image from the Twilight franchise’s second film. Taylor Lautner fans should certainly pick up more than a few copies (Those arms! That smoldering stare! Remember, he’s only 17!). As for Team Edward…well, at least the image proves that the moon is not, in fact, made of green cheese.

Holy moly! Now that’s the kind of book cover that might inspire the young’ns to pick up a book and start reading. This coverphoto adeptly highlights the focus of New Moon and rightfully puts the character Jacob Black (portrayed by actor Taylor Lautner) front and center with Bella Swan (portrayed by actress Kristen Stewart). I like how Edward Cullen (portrayed by Robert Pattinson) is integrated into the moon (which is normally the symbol of the werewolf). I realize that you cannot always judge a book by its cover … but in this case I think the coverphoto adequately sums up the plot of New Moon. What do y’all think … do you like this book cover?

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Last December we learned that the Tonner Doll Company was releasing a set of dolls of Bella Swan and Edward Cullen from the big screen adaptation of the book Twilight. Today, we get our first look at the new set of dolls from the Tonner company created for the upcoming new film The Twilight Saga: New Moon. Say hello to the doll versions of Bella, Edward and Jacob Black:

Now, fans of The Twilight Saga can play to their heart’s content with these 3 dolls … placing them in whatever kind of fun scenarios they can dream up! How fun!! The mind boggles at all the fun predicaments that one can place these three dolls in and out of … depending on your proclivities, the possibilities are endless! I’m not sure if the Jacob doll is available for sale just yet (he is not yet listed on the Tonner website) but I’d suggest saving your pennies now … the dolls each sell for about $120. Prices this high seems to suggest that these particular dolls are meant for an adult audience. Again, imagine all the adult play that YOU can enjoy with dolls like these :)

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Here’s a casting news update from the world of Twilight. Earlier this week we heard that, due to manager Guy Oseary’s involvement as movie producer, Madonna might be appearing in the upcoming Twilight sequel New Moon … in some capacity. While it was reported that her association with the film may be limited to just appearing on the movie’s soundtrack, there were whispers that may also appear in the film as a character as well. Today, we are hearing that Maddy will deffo NOT be appearing IN the film but will, more likely, have a song on the soundtrack:

Madonna may not be seen in “New Moon” after all. Citing on a source close to the production, Entertainment Weekly reported contrary to the circulating rumors suggesting that Madonna will make an appearance in the”Twilight” sequel, Summit Entertainment have no plans in bringing the “Evita” star into the project. Though slamming the casting rumor, the trade hinted on the possibility of her making a contribution to the sequel’s soundtrack. “However, because Madonna’s manager, Guy Oseary, is a producer on the project, there is some talk of her providing songs for the sequel,” EW’s report read. Still, it should be noted that no deals have been set in stone so far on the matter. An adaptation to Stephenie Meyer’s second novel of her “Twilight” series, “New Moon” will be directed by Chris Weitz and penned by Melissa Rosenberg. To see the return of Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Ashley Greene, Taylor Lautner and other original stars, it will be filmed in mid-March in Vancouver before moving to Italy in May.

And Twilighters the world over heave a collective sigh of relief. Judging by the response from just the Pink readers, I don’t think that anyone thought that the idea of Madonna starring in some way in the upcoming Twilight movie was a good idea … at all. I, personally, believed that she would most probably get a spot on the movie’s soundtrack … but it wasn’t unfathomable for me to see her secure a tiny cameo spot in the film as well … mebbe as an elder Vampire who exclusively feasts on the blood of much younger men, of the Latino variety. That’s a role that I think she could really sink her teeth into. Ah well. And so, New Moon is saved … for now.

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The latest casting news rumor to come from the upcoming Twilight sequel New Moon claims that Madonna will be associated with the film in some way. It is being reported that Maddy’s manager Guy Oseary is producing the film, due out in November, and has reportedly informed E!’s Ryan Seacrest that Madonna will be involved with the film in some way … she could either appear on the soundtrack with a new song OR appear in the film as a character — or both:

Could Madonna’s next move be to shock tweens all over the world? CinemaBlend posted a rumor today that the age-defying sex icon is interested in working on the Twilight sequel, New Moon. We think that Madonna as a vampire could be sexy, but could also gives us nightmares. Just look at those arms—she could easily devour any victim with her bare bones. Looks like another reason for this ’80s-but-still-rocking star to fuel a new awe factor into a generation she has yet to infiltrate. Parents beware!

Personally, I ain’t buyin’ it … but if Oseary really is producing the film, then he absolutely could involve Madonna in whatever way he sees fit. Truth be told, I could see Madonna pop up in a cameo role capacity … even if she does appear in the film (which I still feel is highly unlikely), it wouldn’t be in any high profile capacity. A song on the soundtrack is more likely. My guess is that we’ll find out if this rumor is true or not sooner rather than later. But what do y’all think … good idea or does it just plain suck?

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First we heard rumors that Vanessa Hudgens was interested, then we learned that Dakota Fanning is definitely interested … and now we get word that 90210 star AnnaLynne McCord is the latest member of Young Hollywood lookin’ to join the cast of the Twilight sequel movie New Moon:

Another 90210-er may be making a stop in the Twilight zone. I’m hearing that filmmakers have been considering the idea of casting 90210 star AnnaLynne McCord as Heidi in the upcoming New Moon, the much-anticipated sequel to Twilight. Heidi isn’t a major character in the book, but McCord definitely has the gorgeous looks to pull it off. The character is a “fisher” who brings humans to the Volturi vampires to eat. She’s also known as “bait” because of the way she uses her stunning looks to attract humans. In her brief appearance in the book, Bella describes Heidi as having “exceptional, unforgettable” beauty. She has stunning legs, long hair and violet eyes. Sources tell me McCord has auditioned for the role. “It’s not a big part,” one of the sources said. “Heidi would be more like a cameo.” McCord should feel pretty comfortable on the set. Her 90210 costar Kellan Lutz—and rumored real-life boyfriend—played Emmett in Twilight and will return for the sequel. McCord’s rep did not immediately comment nor did a rep for the studio, Summit Entertainment. Director Chris Weitz is expected to start shooting the flick with Robert Pattinson & Co. next month in Vancouver and Italy with a Nov. 20 release date. Summit has yet to make any major new casting announcements for New Moon.

Yeah, it sounds like pretty much everyone wants to jump on board the Twilight bandwagon these days. It makes sense that McCord might get the cameo role in the film … she does have a strong connection with Kellan Lutz (AnnaLynne’s rumored boyfriend and 90210 co-star who plays Emmett Cullen) and I suspect that might help her secure the role. I’m very curious to know who might get cast in the more high profile new roles in New Moon. Folks in Hollywood know a hot commodity when they smell one (kinda like how sharks can smell blood in the water) … I just hope that the rabid frenzy to get attached to the coming Twilight films won’t adversely affect the product of the films along the way. Personally, I think the strong desire by pretty much everyone to secure roles in New Moon will help the film’s success in the long run. Of course, we’ll have to see if the powers that be exercise good judgment when the decide to dole out the big parts. I guess we shall see.

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Late last week we learned that Dakota Fanning is in reported talks to appear in the upcoming Twilight sequel New Moon and today we have a bit of confirmation that the talks are underway. People magazine reports that Dakota believes that it would be a “fantastic experience” for her if she were able to secure a role in New Moon:

Dakota Fanning is ready to bare her fangs as vampire Jane in the Twilight sequel New Moon. “I really hope it works out,” Fanning, 14, told Hitfix.com while promoting her current thriller, Push. “It would be a really fantastic experience, I’m sure.” Just last week it was reported the young star was offered the role sans audition because director Chris Weitz is so confident that Fanning is right for the part. Talk about a perfect fit: A member of the deadly Volturi, the Jane character is described in a casting notice as a petite blonde with a “Botticelli angel-like face [and] crimson irises.” If everything falls into place, Fanning will join returning stars Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner. Filming begins in March in the U.S. and Italy, with New Moon set to open in November.

OK, so at this point we know that A.) the negotiations for her to play Jane are underway and B.) that she wants the role. Methinks the role is hers if the money is right. I understand that these negotiations usually come down to the money … and Dakota Fanning is already a big name (relative to the other actors thus far cast in Twilight and New Moon) so she’s gonna need a bit o’ change to sign on. Something tells me that they’ll pay up … for the most part, reaction to Dakota playing Jane has been really positive. I suspect we’ll hear an announcement soon (again, if the money is right) that the part is hers.

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Hold on to your hats, Twilighters. A couple of weeks ago we learned from trusted sources (actress Ashley Green [who played Alice Cullen in Twilight] talking to People magazine, MTVNews) that High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens had auditioned for the role of Leah Clearwater in the upcoming Twilight sequel New Moon. That news sent shockwaves thru the Twilightverse and was a source of much strife among fans of the Twilight Saga. Today we have more casting news … and it might cause the same sort of reaction from fans. The absolutely reliable Marc Malkin, of E! News, is reporting exclusively that Dakota Fanning is in talks to play Jane (one of the main vampire characters from the European Volturi clan). Even more surprising, I think, is that the report claims that Dakota didn’t even have to audition for the role … she was merely offered the part and both sides are now in negotiations to see if they can seal the deal. Be warned! The following report may contain spoilers for those of you who have yet to read the Twilight books:

Dakota Fanning…with fangs? It’s possible. I can exclusively report that the 14-year-old child star—she turns 15 on Feb. 23—is in talks to play Jane opposite Robert Pattinson & Co. in New Moon, the upcoming sequel to box office megahit Twilight. “There were no auditions,” a source reveals. “They just offered it to her outright, and now they’re in negotiations. They’ve been going back and forth.” Jane is a member of Italy’s Volturi, the most deadly group of bloodsucking killers in author Stephenie Meyer’s best-selling series. In the casting notice we got our hands on earlier this month, Jane is described as a petite blonde with a “Botticelli angel-like face…[and] crimson irises.” While fellow Volturi guards Demetri & Felix “are three times the size of her, they are terrified of her,” the casting notice reads. Coincidentally (or maybe not), an online petition started by a Twilight fan already asks the studio, Summit Entertainment, to cast Fanning because she would be “perfect” for the role. Early last month, Entertainment Weekly suggested Pushing Daisies star and Broadway diva Kristin Chenoweth. “Her voice is certainly high enough, and at 4′11”, she’s also short enough,” writer Amy Wilkinson proposed. Director Chris Weitz is expected to start shooting New Moon in March in the U.S. and Italy. If all goes as planned, the movie will hit theaters on Nov. 20.

I suppose we can forgive Malkin for thinking that the vampires in Twilight have fangs … but I absolutely believe his reporting on this casting news. He is very much in the know about these things and he is not one to post unsubstantiated information just to get attention. Whether or not Dakota gets the part remains to be seen but, it sounds like the role is hers if she wants it. I hadn’t considered Kristin Chenoweth as Jane … she’s prolly a bit too old to play the part but Malkin is right, she is short enough. I know that many Twilight fans were really upset at the prospect of Hudgens joining the cast of New Moon … but mebbe Fanning will be better received because it’s feasible that her casting sprang from an online petition started by a fan? What do y’all think? Is Dakota right for the part of Jane? Would you like to see her get the part?

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