One month after the anticipated Twilight film release, the fan-demonium still surrounds the Twilight universe. It has already suffered the loss of original director, Catherine Hardwicke, who was replaced by Golden Compass director, Chris Weitz.
It may now suffer another loss – the actor Taylor Lautner who portrayed the role of Jacob Black.
The decision of who will be playing Jacob Black in ‘New Moon’, the second Twilight film, has still not been confirmed.
Online sources state that it is between actor Michael Copon, who was last seen playing the lead role in Universal Studios’ The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior, and Taylor Lautner.
In my opinion as a passionate aspiring film director Summit Entertainment should remain with Taylor Lautner. Keeping in mind the physical changes and appearance that Jacob Black goes through in New Moon here are the reasons as to why I believe Taylor Lautner should not be recast.
Though Lautner may not be as tall as Jacob is in the novel, the chemistry between the actor and Kristen Stewart is phenomenal and that is needed to be to be able to portray a friendship as deep and powerful as Bella and Jacob’s. I think that in itself should be a number one reason to keep Lautner.
Secondly, the fan base already has Lautner imprinted in their minds as Jacob, why toy with them now when you are beginning to gain their trust.
Third, Lautner embodies the role of Jacob perfectly. His intense eyes, skin tone, etc. Jacob Black’s smile should be contagious and in the novel it says, ‘…he carried that happiness with him like an aura…like an earthbound sun, whenever someone was within his gravitational pull, Jacob warmed them’hellip;’ Lautner’s portrayal of Jacob visualizes that, word for word.
Lastly, even some of the cast members want Lautner to remain. Ashley Greene, who plays Alice Cullen, was quoted in an interview saying, ‘We all love Taylor. He’s the best kid. He’s so adorable and so good-hearted, and he’s a good actor too. He did a great job, so I’m hoping to see him come back…I love him to death, and he’ll grow; I know he’s working out like crazy to try to bulk up. I think there are a lot of people [in ‘Twilight’] who don’t necessarily physically fit their part. So I’m hoping we keep him.’
I do understand the hesitation in that he is not as experienced, or does not physically fit the role, but in a lot of other ways he is perfect for it. In an interview with MTV representative Lautner was quoted, ‘I have been working out. I’ve been working out since the day we finished filming Twilight. I just weighed myself today; I’ve put on 19 pounds, I’m guaranteeing Weitz [director of New Moon] 10 more by filming.’
Give him a chance I say. I believe he won’t let you or the fan base down. Also for the physical dilemma, in this day and age with all the technological advances in the film industry I am sure you can find a solution to that even on a tight budget.
For more on the interview with Ashley Greene, visit MTV at
http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1601626/story.jhtml
Also take a look at the interview with Taylor Lautner: http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1601555/story.jhtml
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