(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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I am very excited to hear that Taylor will be back to play Jacob in New Moon. I read the books after I saw the movie and I would have to absolutely say that I agree with all those fans that feel Taylor emotionally connects to the role. After having read the books and having known Jacob through them I felt Taylor is the one that will connect to the level that the fans feel like no one else could.
Good Job Summit and Stef for helping keep Taylor on as Jacob!
Taylor,
I believe you will do the role justice. I can tell in interviews that you have done that this is more than just a big career opportunity for you and that you understand the fans and why they feel the way they do about the Twilight book series and because you seem to understand that I believe you will show everyone that YOU are the man meant to play this role.
- Posted by mayleenI think it’s great that they are keeping Taylor as Jacob in “New Moon”. There were obviously going to be some unhappy people either way so I think it’s good that they stuck with the decision that was made for Twilight. Even though Taylor does not necessarily look the part of Jacob, now that he has played the part in Twilight, I’m sure there are many people who picture Jacob like that now. We also have to keep in mind that he was casted for a reason in the first place, and is prepared as an actor to play the best Jacob. People also shouldn’t really complain because Stephenie wanted him to keep playing the part, and that is the ONE opinion that matters.
- Posted by gabythat’s so awesome! the fan on bellaandedward.com who said “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.” was me!!! yay im so happy right now
- Posted by Mrs. Everarianas Edward CullenWOOOO TAYLOR IS JACOB BLACK!!!
He’s my jacob when I read the books. I don’t see how anybody else could do the role better.
- Posted by julia annthanks for putting taylor lautner back in!!!
- Posted by jessicaomg!! I’m so happy that they have recasted him!!
- Posted by AnnieYou made a great decision. Thank you. I know Taylor will do a great job as Jacob. He seems very dedicated to the role.
- Posted by JuliaMy Heart goes out to you Taylor!!! You were MEANT to be our Jacob Black!! You are going to ROCK the Big Screen in New Moon!!!
- Posted by TelethaI sure hope he has a growth spurt because then he will be perfet.
- Posted by VanessaWell ‘Khacie’ if you’re reading this…. you flat out need a brain. NO ONE would be able to pull of Jacob Black like Taylor Lautner. And if they were to replace him they shouldn’t have even considered michael copon *cough*douche*cough*, the only one who would even remotely resemble Lautner would be the guy who played ‘Warren Peace’ on ‘Sky High’.. TAYLOR IIIIIIISSSSSS JACOB BLACK!!! and i couldn’t be happier.
- Posted by Katyay b&e! they’re the best fansite ever! and, DUH, yay Taylor!!!
peace, love, and Twilight
- Posted by HaleyHaley
Veyr happy to hear they’ve chosen wisely for the role of Jacob Black. Now, if Stephanie Meyer would only continue the series of books… Who cares if someone leaked the first chapter of the continued series, the one from Edward’s point of view? It only makes the public and fans hunger for more….
- Posted by DiahannTHANK YOU SUMMIT!!! *starts crying with tears of joy* He was my favorite person for the role. And you can’t just fire my future husband. So now I’m incredibly happy. So are my friends. All of them agree with me that not only is he the hottest and best person for the role but right when we read the books before they even mentioned that they were making a movie for it we thought of him so we’re all very happy.
- Posted by AshleyHappy to know that Taylor Lautner will be returning as Jacob Black. I agree it is not more on physically fit but emotionally fit. Team Jacob!
- Posted by MariThank u so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!
- Posted by AshlyndThank You!!!!!
- Posted by BritneyThis may sound incredibly silly, but I have been praying for this.
Taylor Lautner is the best Jacob Black there could be.
There could not be a better person for the role!
Wow! This is gonna be the best movie EVA!!!
- Posted by LautnerLover[...] Check out his blog here! [...]
- Posted by TwilightCircle.com | A Social Network based on the Twilight saga » Blog Archive » The Fan Fare on Taylor Keeping the Jacob Roleomg! im soo happy! i screamed so loud when i foind out taylor would be playing jacob again! he’ll do an amazing job! i can’t wait for new moon!
- Posted by ToriThank you so much for putting Taylor Lautner in the new movie for twilight “New Moon” I know a lot of people who well be very happy including me!
- Posted by Katelyn