(Writing and reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis)
It may have taken a casting controversy to do it, but actor Taylor Lautner has proven he is a “Twilight” fan favorite. Those fans of the vampire romance books and movie can celebrate now, because the studio behind the film says Lautner will reprise his role as Jacob Black in the sequel “New Moon,” with earlier concerns about him being too small for the role brushed aside.
Stephenie Meyer, the author behind the “Twilight” book series, said in a statement on her Web site on Wednesday that she was part of the decision to recast Lautner, along with the studio Summit Entertainment.
“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,” Meyer said.
Jacob Black is a shape-shifter who turns into a wolf. When it became clear in December that he was not a lock for the part, “Twilight” readers cried foul on the myriad of fan Web sites that appeal to the book series’ readers, who are mostly young women and teens.
The problem with recasting the 16-year-old Lautner for “New Moon” was a physical one, because in the book series Jacob Black bulks up and grows about a foot taller between the first and second book. But Lautner has said he is working out for the role, and maybe he can count on a teenage growth spurt.
With Summit announcing late Wednesday that Lautner would be back to play Black, fans reacted quickly. On the fan Web site BellaAndEdward.com, one fan wrote, “I’ve been saying this whole time that it’s not about who is physically best for the role, it’s about who is emotionally best for the role.” On another fan site called HisGoldenEyes.com, fans said they were hyperventilating, crying and even shaking with joy at the casting choice. One fan named Tiffany wrote, “My life is complete now!” But despite the overwhelming positive reaction to the news, not everyone was happy. One fan named Khacie wrote, “What are you people thinking?! Taylor Lautner is NOT Jacob Black!”
“New Moon” comes out on Nov. 20. “Twilight” has made more than $177 million in the U.S. and Canada since it came out on Nov. 21, a whopping take for a film that cost about $37 million to make.
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Im glad that Taylor Lautner is coming back again as Jacob Black, I thought he was perfect for the part!! Who is going to be playing Edward though I heard he’s going to be recast. I hope that’s not true he was such a big part of the show. I thought it was perfect the way it was why change it?
- Posted by KatieIn the end, it doesn’t matter if people think he is “right” for the role. The only important thing is that he was Jacob in the first movie, and to recast a pivotal role would have GREATLY harmed the sequel.
- Posted by Aprili’m so glad they made that decision. I think he really fits for the role….GO TAYLOR!!!!
- Posted by ArlynneYAY! Now i can sleep happy again!!! Taylor is the best Jacob Black E-V-E-R! Im so glad they aren’t going with that airheaded Micheal! Eww!
- Posted by JillTaylor Lautner is funni and sexii. I love how in some pix he got a serious tan so he luks as black as me like how Jacob in the book is described. But if that’s his natural tan, that is beyond sexii. Honestly he’s probably one of them sexii guys that looks good in ANYTHING!!!! =]
- Posted by FaithYAAAH! i wasnt going to go see new moon because of the recast of taylor, but now i soo cant wait!!
i love taylor lautner!!!
- Posted by Tonishaman i cnt wait till new moon cumz outt!!!!:)
- Posted by julieOMG this is great!!!!!!!!!! Taylor Lautner IS Jacob Black!!!!! i am sooo exited!!!! i was gonna cry if Taylor wasn’t playing Jacob. when i heard we might not be in “new moon” i was about to cry. he is the best jacob black EVER.
and is very very hot
- Posted by MollyI think Taylor fits Jacob very very well!!!!!
- Posted by Emma