Lautner Will Star in ‘New Moon’

Within the past couple of months there has been a substantial amount of drama surrounding the Twilight sequel, New Moon. First, they switched out the director, and then there were reports that Taylor Lautner (Jacob Black) wouldn’t be asked to return. According to Variety, the speculation may have stemmed from doubts regarding Lautner’s ability to successfully portray the transformation his character undergoes in the next film. He “becomes a central figure in the plot as Bella Swan is drawn into the world of the werewolves, the ancestral enemies of vampires. [It's a] larger role, and ages about 10 years.”

Yesterday Summit Entertainment and New Moon director Chris Weitz made an official statement regarding Lautner’s future with the budding franchise.

Weitz noted there has been speculation about whether Lautner could portray the character who goes through many changes physically, including growing taller and bulkier and aging 10 years. The 16-year-old Lautner has been spending time in the gym, trying to add 19 pounds of muscle.

Weitz added that Lautner is “emotionally right” for the part.

During the height of “Taylor Gate” two actors were named as possible replacements for Lautner, Ben Barnes (The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian), and Michael Copon (The Scorpion King :Rise of a Warrior).

With this roadblock officially behind us, look forward to seeing Taylor Lautner, Robert Pattinson, and Kristen Stewart as they reprise their roles in New Moon, which hits theaters November 20, 2009.