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?

[Source]

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 :)

[Source]

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.

[Source]

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?

[Source]

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.

[Source]

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.

[Photo credit: Splash News; Source]

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?

[Source]

Now here’s a role Vanessa Hudgens would like to sink her teeth into. The High School Musical star has auditioned for the part of werewolf Leah Clearwater in the Twilight sequel New Moon, according to Ashley Green, who played Alice in Twilight. “I think she’d be great,” Greene tells MTV. As Leah, Hudgens, 20, would be a foil to Taylor Lautner, who will reprise his role as werewolf Jacob Black. In the Stephenie Meyer novels, Leah is her pack’s lone female werewolf – and a jilted one, at that. Unlike Hudgens’s Gabriella in HSM, Leah experiences heartbreak, being ditched by classmate (and fellow werewolf) Sam Uley.

HMMM … you know, I’m not immediately repulsed by the idea of Vanessa playing Leah in New Moon. Truth be told, I’ve never seen Vanessa Hudgens act so I can’t comment on that regard but judging by looks alone, I think she could play a respectable Leah Clearwater. I’m sure there are many diehard Twilighters who may balk at the idea of Vanessa joining the Twilight cast … but she will add some more starpower to the Twilight sequel. Whether that is a good thing or a bad thing remains to be seen. I’m very curious to see if she manages to get the part … I guess I always figured they’d cast a newcomer but … HMMM. I may have to think on this some more. What do y’all think … could Vanessa Hudgens actually bring Leah Clearwater to life?

[Source]

January 7, 2009

- 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.

[Source]

Following last week’s dismissal and replacement of Catherine Hardwicke, this weekend began with a press release from Summit Entertainment officially appointing “New Moon” director Chris Weitz to the job. Suspicious in its omission of Taylor Lautner, the release seemed to all but confirm Twilighter whispers that Hardwicke won’t be the last “Twilight” talent replaced before the sequel. So where does the series go from here? MTV News can confirm that 26-year-old “Scorpion King 2″ actor Michael Copon [pronounced "COPE-on"] is one of several actors Weitz is considering to play the new, larger Jacob Black. A representative for Copon told us that they’re making a full effort to land the high-profile gig. And in a bit of 21st-century self-publicity, the actor has even recently updated his Facebook status with messages like: “Michael Copon [is] in a Twilight Zone!” and “Michael Copon is the older Jacob Black!” Copon’s representative confirmed to MTV News that the Facebook page is run by the actor himself and that those are indeed his words. Approached for comment on Lautner’s omission from the “New Moon” press release, Summit confirmed that it was not a typographical error. “The casting decision in regards to the character Jacob Black has yet to be made,” a representative told MTV News.

But even once Copon (or whoever else) is officially announced as the new Jacob, Weitz still has many other key casting decisions to make and an extremely brief amount of time in which to make them. With barely 12 weeks until cameras are due to begin rolling, the “Golden Compass” filmmaker needs to find faces to portray several key characters — including the peace-keeping, Italian vampires known as the Volturi. With the buzz building for these roles, MTV News has confirmed that 27-year-old “Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” heartthrob Ben Barnes is throwing his hat into the ring. The actor is already quite popular with the “Twilight” fanbase and shares the same manager as both Copon and “Twilight” star Cam Gigandet. Barnes is believed to be campaigning for the role of Aro, a mind-reading vampire whose “New Moon” encounter with Edward and Bella helps shape their destiny together.

I mean, I get that sometimes characters have to be recast but something about giving Taylor Lautner the shaft and bringing in a new person kinda irks me. I really think that Taylor can do the job of playing Jacob in New Moon and I would love to see him be allowed to continue playing the part. That being said, I think his Michael Copon guy looks like he would make a pretty good older Jacob Black — in fact, he looks very much like an older and muscly version of Taylor Lautner himself. I would bet money that Ben Barnes will get the role of Aro and I’m sure we’ll be hearing very soon who else is up for playing other Volturi characters. New Moon is still about a year away from hitting theaters and the drama is already in full swing. What do y’all think … should Copon be cast as the new Jacob? Do y’all think that his Facebook announcement is pretty much proof that he already got the part?

[Source]