Thursday, December 18

• Taylor Lautner Fights For New Moon Role

  In the face of growing rumors that he will be replaced -- perhaps by Michael Copon -- in the Twilight sequel, Taylor Lautner has bulked up and is fighting back to reprise his role as Jacob Black. He tells MTV that he has put on 19 pounds and will put on ten more to fill out the werewolf role in New Moon. Noting that he hasn't been scratched off the list yet, Lautner is optimistic about his sit-down with director Chris Weitz this Friday to talk it over. And the fans appear to be in his corner on this one, with an MTV poll showing him a 12-1 favorite over all other contenders for the role, including Copon. Given Weitz's evident eagerness to appease the fan base, it looks like he may still have a fighting chance.

  
  

  Posted 12/18/2008 by reelz

  Related: Taylor Lautner | Chris Weitz | Michael Copon | New Moon

Tuesday, December 16

• New Moon Casting News

  With director Chris Weitz now firmly in the director's chair, it may not be the only change that happens to the Twilight sequel New Moon. MTV reports that the role of Jacob Black, played by Taylor Lautner in Twilight, is up in the air after the Summit Entertainment press release omitted Lautner. Summit told MTV: "The casting decision in regards to the character Jacob Black has yet to be made."

  Instead of Lautner, MTV reports that Michael Copon (Scorpion King 2) is being considered for the role, while Ben Barnes (Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian) is vying for the role of Aro, a mind-reading vampire, who plays a critical role in New Moon.

  Whoever plays these roles, Weitz will have to decide quickly. Shooting begins in twelve weeks. Check back here for more New Moon casting news.

  
  

  Posted 12/16/2008 by reelz

  Related: Taylor Lautner | Chris Weitz | Ben Barnes | Michael Copon | New Moon

Monday, December 15

• New Moon Director Chris Weitz Eager to Appease Twilight Fans

  Summit Entertainment has announced its decision to hire Chris Weitz to direct the Twilight sequel, New Moon. And because Weitz is best known for his role in creating the American Pie franchise, all parties involved seem eager to reassure legions of wary Twi-hards that their beloved series won't metamorphize into the wacky escapes of a nerdy but horny teenage vampire who is so eager to get his first taste of blood he bites the neck of his mom's freshly baked rhubarb pie. Weitz has even written an open letter to fans wherein he strikes the meek, obsequious tone of, say, a sports hero convicted of running a dog-fighting operation: "I promise to remain responsive to your hopes and fears," he exclaims. "I thank you for this opportunity and for your faith." Relax, Chris, you haven't done anything wrong yet. And if you feel the urge to throw in a joke about band camp or two, do it. It's not like you're running for president here -- you're making a movie about teen vampires.

  
  
  Next Showing: New Moon is expected to start shooting in March

  Posted 12/15/2008 by reelz

  Related: Chris Weitz | Twilight | New Moon

• Twilight Fansites React to Chris Weitz Directing New Moon

  We asked top Twilight fansites about what they think of Chris Weitz directing New Moon -- HisGoldenEyes.com, Twilightlexiconblog.com, BellaAndEdward.com, twilight20somethings.com, Newmoonmovie.org -- and here is what they had to say.

  
  

  Posted 12/15/2008 by reelz

  Related: Catherine Hardwicke | Chris Weitz | Twilight | New Moon

Sunday, December 14

• It's Official: Chris Weitz to Direct Twilight Sequel New Moon

  After days of rumor and speculation, Summit Entertainment has announced that Chris Weitz, producer of American Pie, will direct New Moon.

  We'll have top Twilight fansite reaction soon. Meanwhile, what do you think?

  
  

  Posted 12/14/2008 by reelz

  Related: Chris Weitz | Twilight | New Moon

Tuesday, December 9

• Golden Compass Helmer Chris Weitz to Direct New Moon?

  Summit Entertainment isn't wasting any time in their search for a director for New Moon and Eclipse, the much-anticipated follow-ups to their uber-hit vampire flick Twilight. Deadline Hollywood Daily's resident troublemaker Nikki Finke is reporting that they've offered the job to Chris Weitz, director of one of last year's biggest flops, The Golden Compass. Why? Summit reportedly liked the job Weitz did with visual effects on the film, which snagged a 2007 Academy Award for Best Achievement in Visual Effects. New Moon and Eclipse should both demand higher levels of visual effects than the Catherine Hardwicke-directed predecessor, and Weitz's skills will be especially handy should either film's plot be re-written to involve giant polar bear fights.

  
  

  Posted 12/09/2008 by Thomas

  Related: Catherine Hardwicke | Chris Weitz | Twilight | The Golden Compass | New Moon | Eclipse