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
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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.
I just hope NM is done better than Twilight.I will be curious to see what Taylor brings to the character of Jacob. And for those saying that Taylor is the leading man for this movie, I have to disagree. While I don’t think they will change the movie to have Rob in it more, I do think they will cut out more of the middle to fit in the beginning and the end of the book…which means the same amount as Rob, as there is Taylor. The ending of the book was by far the best part. I’m happy for Taylor, he really seemed to enjoy all the attention that he was getting from the fans. I’m sure Rob will appreciate some of the focus shifting to Taylor this go round. Now it will be a wait and see if Taylor becomes the breakout star of 2009, or will he get lost in Rob’s shadow.
Oh My Wow!! well at least I dont have to check up on this every 5 min now
im so so happy about this i have been on the coputer every day searching to see if taylor would be in the movie im realy glad he got the part(=(=
YES! I CANNOT WAIT TO SEE IT! tO SEE WHAT CHRIS W. SAYS”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”
he need to get really toned up and grow 12 inches..lol..
Not really sure how I feel about this. I really didn’t care for the character of Jacob until Breaking Dawn. So I think it really didn’t matter to me one way or the other who was cast as Jacob for New Moon. So with that, if the fans are happy, then that is what matters.
YESSSSSSSS!!!!!! I was immensely worried that he wouldn’t be cast, he is MY perfect Jacob! I can’t wait for New Moon to come out now!!! Hopefully November 2009 will hurry like it did with Twilight!!!
I’m kind of surprised that “older” twilight fans seem to not be supporting Taylor Lautner for Jacob in NM. I can understand older women wouldn’t see him as a leading man but then his character isn’t 100 years old either – which is probably why these older ladies can see Rob, who is only 22, as more of a man. I am reading the book now – 3/4 of the way thru and Jacob is much the same, friendly guy that Bella cares so much about in most of the book. I like how his character evolves from child to man. Other than his size Taylor is the perfect choice for this role – he makes me smile – the way Jacob does in the books. Oh and I am in my 30s.
Bringing this post over…”Team Edward thanks you for picking such an asexual guy who has no chemistry with Kristen. We are all breathing a sigh of relief knowing that all the new fans will be firmly in camp Edward” This is how I feel too. My biggest concern was that they would pick someone who would give Rob’s Edward a run for his money. They didn’t do that. So…Yeah!!!! I’m so happy they picked Taylor!!
YES!!! I’ve been on edge for WEEKS! This is EXACTLY the news I’ve been wanting to hear!
Yessssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *jumps up & down* Yay! This made my week!!! IM so happy now!!! Even though i’m a Team Edward I really loved Taylor as Jacob and i’m very pleased that he got to keep that role!!!! Taylor Rocks!!!!
thank god its been confirmed. For some strange reason I find myself addicted to all things twilight which as a hetero 22year old is difficult to admit. He’s a good actor and fits perfectly as Jacob
Something about Stephenie Meyer is starting to get on my nerves. She seems very smug and pretentious to me – like “I was very much a part of this decision. I’m glad Taylor proved himself to me”. Ugh. He shouldn’t have to prove anything to her. I think the movies would be far better if she would back off a little bit. Just get over yourself and let these people do their own interpretation of your book, ya know? I don’t want to start the Steph vs. JK game but Rowling seems much more humble and normal in her interviews. I seriously doubt she sat around on set all day whining about actors and hoping for a cameo. Yay for Taylor though. I hope New Moon is better than Twilight.
I am so excited and happy for Taylor. I was not sure I could see New Moon if they replaced him. He is the perfect Jacob.
KB23 I’m an older fan and I support Taylor as Jacob. Even though Jacob looked older than he was, he still acted like a teenager throughout the books. I think Taylor will do just that. I don’t see him as a leading man, but I don’t think Jacob was ever considered a leading man just more of a main character in New Moon. I also don’t think that Summit will be foolish enough to put the majority of New Moon on Taylors shoulder to carry. I do believe that they will build the beginning of the movie, then show the building of Bella’s and Jacob’s relationship in the middle, with the main focus being the time spent in Italy and when they get back. While I agree that it is important to show the relationship that Bella and Jacob build, the ending of the book is truly the best part. The really could shave off some of the middle. I mean look how much the cut out of Twilight. Anyway, I think Taylor will be fine as Jacob. Besides, it is just a movie:)