Monday, May 4

• Michael Copon on New Moon and Replacing Taylor Lautner

  

  Naibe Reynoso is a correspondent for ReelzChannel TV's Movie News, and occasionally shares stories from the field.

  During the Ghosts of Girlfriends Past premiere on April 27th, I got a chance to talk to Michael Copon on the red carpet. You may remember him -- he's the guy who was rumored to replace Taylor Lautner as Jacob Black in the Twilight sequel New Moon.

  I asked him if that was real or rumor, and he told me it was 100% true. It was a tense back-and-forth during casting, but we all know who got the role in the end. Copon told me he really, really wanted to get the role, but that he is happy for Lautner: "There are no hard feelings between Taylor and me -- we are friends."

  He also said that he and Lautner have the same talent agent, which according to IMDb is Thor Bradwell from William Morris agency. While it was a win-win for Thor, Copon -- now bitten buy the Twilight bug -- will have to see New Moon in theaters like the rest of us mortals.

  I trust there is quite a future for Copon though. Standing on the red carpet with Copon, who was promoting his next movie, Night of the Demons, I realized he is statuesque and very good looking. It's no wonder he was considered for the Jacob Black role.

  
  
  Next Showing: Night of the Demons releases on October 9th

  Posted 05/04/2009 by reelz

  Related: Taylor Lautner | Michael Copon | Ghosts of Girlfriends Past | The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Friday, March 13

• Exclusive Twilight and New Moon News from Naibe

  

  Naibe Reynoso is a correspondent for ReelzChannel TV's Movie News, and occasionally shares stories from the field.

  Fans of director Catherine Hardwicke were happy to know she is releasing a book, Twilight: Director's Notebook: The Story of How We Made the Movie Based on the Novel by Stephenie Meyer. It will be released on March 17 and I have learned that Hardwicke and a surprise Twilight cast member will be appearing at a secret Los Angeles location. Hardwicke will have an opportunity to talk with fans about her Twilight experience. But don't expect her to slam the franchise; the book is published by Little, Brown and Company, the same publisher as the entire Twilight Saga. They've released a new exclusive early image from the book that shows the crucial items director Catherine Hardwicke kept with her at all times during shooting (such a toothbrush!).

  So now that most of the New Moon cast has been confirmed, most recently Dakota Fanning in the role of Jane, and with prepping nearly complete, the fast track to filming has begun. In a recent interview, Rachelle Lefevre (who plays the sultry and vengeful vampire Victoria) told me that her buddy Taylor Lautner has definitely pumped up for the role of Jacob. "He's been eating a lot of protein to build his muscles, and it's worked!" she said. Rumors had whirled a few months ago that his role was at risk, and that actor Michael Copon would take his place. While it wasn't meant to be, don't feel bad for Copon. His IMDB page lists 7 movies that will be released in 2009/2010, including Night of the Demons about a group of kids who go to a Halloween party, only to have to face down a group of demons! It's no New Moon, but in this economy, at least he's got work!

  
  

  Posted 03/13/2009 by reelz

  Related: ReelzChannel Movie News | Dakota Fanning | Catherine Hardwicke | Taylor Lautner | Rachelle Lefevre | Michael Copon | Twilight | The Twilight Saga: New Moon

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 | The Twilight Saga: 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 | The Twilight Saga: New Moon