In a post on her website, Twilight author Stephenie Meyer confirms that Taylor Lautner will reprise his role as Jacob in the hit vampire romance’s sequel, New Moon. As EW first reported last night, this news
ends months of curiosity about whether Lautner would return. The full text of the announcement, which includes a statement from New Moon director Chris Weitz, is after the jump and at StephenieMeyer.com.
January 7, 2009
Good news about New Moon from director Chris Weitz:
I’m very happy to announce that Taylor Lautner will be
playing Jacob Black in New Moon and that he’s doing so with the
enthusiastic support of Summit Entertainment, the producers, and
Stephenie Meyer.The characters in Stephenie’s books go through extraordinary changes
of circumstance and also appearance; so it is not surprising that there
has been speculation about whether the same actor would portray a
character who changes in so many surprising ways throughout the series.
But it was my first instinct that Taylor was, is, and should be Jacob,
and that the books would be best served by the actor who is emotionally
right for the part. I think that fans of Twilight the book and the
movie will be surprised by the Jacob Black that Taylor will bring to
the screen in New Moon; and I’m looking forward to working with him and
the rest of the cast in realizing the film.very best
Chris Weitz
I’d just like to add that I was very much a part of this decision.
My first priority was always what was best for New Moon—what was going
to give us the best possible movie. 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. And I’m very much looking forward to
seeing what he’s going to bring to Jacob’s character this year.
- Steph
January 7, 2009
Good news about New Moon from director Chris Weitz:
I’m very happy to announce that Taylor Lautner will beplaying Jacob Black in New Moon and that he’s doing so with theenthusiastic support of Summit Entertainment, the producers, andStephenie Meyer.
The characters in Stephenie’s books go through extraordinary changesof circumstance and also appearance; so it is not surprising that therehas been speculation about whether the same actor would portray acharacter who changes in so many surprising ways throughout the series.But it was my first instinct that Taylor was, is, and should be Jacob,and that the books would be best served by the actor who is emotionallyright for the part. I think that fans of Twilight the book and themovie will be surprised by the Jacob Black that Taylor will bring tothe screen in New Moon; and I’m looking forward to working with him andthe rest of the cast in realizing the film.
very best
Chris Weitz
I’d just like to add that I was very much a part of this decision.My first priority was always what was best for New Moon—what was goingto give us the best possible movie. I’m truly thrilled that Taylor wasthe one who proved to the director, to Summit, and to me that he is thebest possible Jacob we could have. And I’m very much looking forward toseeing what he’s going to bring to Jacob’s character this year.
- Steph
I was so hoping that they would recast the part of Jacob, oh will. New Moon/Disney anyone?
Yes! Taylor is prefect to play Jacob, and I can’t wait to see the movie when it comes out!
YAY SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Taylor will be a fantastic Jacob in New Moon. Happy the director and Stephenie support him!
YAY TAYLOR!
Well I hope the teens are happy, you have your new leading man. As for me, I have lost all interest in this movie. So sorry Rob that you are stuck in this, and that you had to give up your part in Parts Per Billion.
Thank god, I dont think as many people would have seen it unless Taylor was in it. He may not be the lead in the series, but is is still a very important part.
GO TEAM TAYLOR!
I am happy for Taylor, but NM was my least favorite book. Jacob got on my last nerve, and seeing how I’m in my twenties, I think I’ll pass on watching Taylor Lautner as a leading man. Is it to late for Rob to get out of this? Just asking.
yayyyyyyyy!!!!!!
TEAM TAYCOB!!!!
i’m so happy
I ams so happy about this.
Congrats Taylor!!!!
I am now officially watching this movie. All I was waiting to hear was that Taylor would be Jacob. No one can replace him.I’m super excited, cause New Moon revolves around Jacob. Without Taylor, the film would be incomplete.
Awesome. Any guy that puts on 20 pounds of muscle just in case the movie is green lit totally deserves it.
Congratulations Taylor!
Wooooooooooooooo hoooooooooooooooooooooo!
I think that says it all.
Dude better hit the gym. And a little BGH wouldn’t hurt, either.
“end months of curiosity”???? Try “months of complete stress and anxiety that caused ulcers to many”!! Thank goodness Summit finally saw good reason and rehired Taylor. He is literally the best possible Jacob! It was a no-brainer to many fans so I don’t know what took this long!
i’m super happy.
he seems like he cares enough about the film/success that he’ll work hard to make it work.
go taylor!
I’m so happy that Taylor is still in the movie! I hope they stick with the book. Rob is Edward! No one else could ever play him! He was meant for the role.