Ever since Twilight was released fans have been speculating as to whether Taylor Lautner would be reprising his role in New Moon. In the sequel the character of Jacob Black has an expanded role, and he also ends up turning into a 7 foot werewolf monster. Fans have been wondering whether Lautner is up for the role physically, and in interviews he has been reassuring everyone that he will hit the gym everyday if he needs too. However, with filming expected to begin soon could he bulk up enough?
Well now according to Deadline Hollywood Taylor’s job is safe:
Director Chris Weitz today confirmed that Taylor will be reprising Jacob “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.”
Stephanie Meyer added, “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 what he’s going to bring to Jacob’s character this year.”
