‘New Moon’ Finds A Release Date, But Loses A Werewolf

Posted by Rob Hunter (rob@filmschoolrejects.com) on December 16, 2008

new-moon

Summit Entertainment has set a release date for their Twilight sequel, New Moon. The film will bow November 20th, 2009, the same pre-Thanksgiving weekend occupied by Twilight this year. The prime spot used to belong to another popular fantasy series, but Warner Bros. decision to move Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince from Fall ‘08 to Summer ‘09 left Summit an opening they couldn’t refuse. The true test of Summit’s newly discovered strength will come in November of 2010. WB has already scheduled the debut of the final film in their series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows for that Thanksgiving weekend… so the big question is will Summit stay on schedule and have book three in the Twilight series, Eclipse, ready to face-off against Mr. Potter and his mighty wand?

Along with the release date and announcement of Chris Weitz (American Pie, The Golden Compass) as director of New Moon, there was one casting surprise. Taylor Lautner, who played Jacob in Twilight, may not make the cut for the follow-up. Jacob’s role is expanded in New Moon which finds weak-willed waif Bella trying to fill the void left by Edward’s departure with some canine companionship. Lautner is reportedly “too small” to play a werewolf…

Speculation has already started as to who’ll fill Lautner’s hairy shoes, with the most oft-mentioned name being Michael Copon. Who’s he? Who cares. But for the record, he starred in the direct to DVD stinker The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior and the upcoming Night of the Demons remake.

Do you care about any of this? New Moon will be opening up against WB’s Sherlock Holmes, Sony’s animated Planet 51, and MGM’s Three Stooges film.

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Rose

Hmmm... although i like the younger Jacob, unless they can make him look older it might not go so well.. He's suppose to be like towering over Edward isn't he?
if they can make him look bigger then by all means keep him <3 =]
if not, it might be better to replace him... =[ ..but I'm hoping that they'll do something with special effect to enhance him a bit...but they did set a budget already so who knows.

Shannan

I wish people would stop saying Taylor can't fit this role of transformation. How many werewolves do you know? This will require special effects for any actor. How many nearly 7 foot tall people do you know? This also will require SPECIAL EFFECTS for any actor. Taylor is already buffing up for this part that it requires that he didn't need for the first movie. It takes time, give him a chance.

feriebecca

i agree with u shannon...yes there is a budget...but come on...i think they will want to make the fans happy...besides yes it might cost extra to do all that special effects..but i think they r considering how much money they will make..twilight fans r loyal if ur a true fan...granted the part of jacob may not be that big to some but i belive he plays a huge role and will do great...thank u shannon for ur comment

Caroline_

I really don't care about who is playing who. If you are a big fan of the stories as I am, then it shouldn't really matter whether they kick off Taylor or not. As long as there is a Jacob Black to fill Bella's void...(that sounds funny)....but you know what I mean. Just be happy they are making a second movie. Plus, I love The Golden Compass. If the man who directed that movie is responsible for New Moon, then I am really excited. Anybody in their right mind would know that Taylor is too small to play Jacob. Do you expect them to waste money on making Taylor look bigger?? Nah!! These business people have other important things to worry about. All they have to do is get a guy who is tall and good looking and thats that.
I'm sorry for those who really love Taylor and won't be able to see him in the next movie, but as long as they make it better than the first one...I'm all good!!!

feriebecca

wow....bet u regret saying that...cuz its official..taylor is going to stay as jacob as he should be!! i respect your opinion but fortunately for me and many other taylor fans....he will be sticking around a little longer..besides these business people are in it for the money and knows that replacing taylor will be a big error...thats my opinion!! btw many others feel that way as well!!

kenyaxx

if there replace taylor the movie is gonna suck there cant fing 5 indians that r 6 foot 7 and he is perfect for the part summit could go fuck themselves

Chris

It's weird that there have been multiple James Bonds and nobody seems to care, but when they replace someone because he can't fit the role.
And Shannan, I don't know any werewolves personally, and yes, it would take digital enhancing for anyone, but I think it's a matter of budget. It would take a lot more work and money to make Taylor look good than Copon. It's also about budget for future movies. They would have to waste the same amount of money again on him in Eclipse.

Phoenix Greenleaf

I agree with you. Taylor is a cute kid of course but with Jacob's transformation into a werewolf, he needs to look like a man, not a teenager. It's too bad for Taylor Lautner though. I liked him in Twilight. I saw the name Michael Copon and wow... he would be fine for that role. He's hot looking and pretty tall... We'll have to wait a few weeks to know. I saw Twilight so many times... I read all 4 books so now that I know what will happen in the future for Bella and Edward, I can't wait to see New Moon and the other movies too. This serie will be great !

Cole_Abaius

I'm glad someone at this site is still madly obsessed with Twilight news. Thanks for filling that void, Hunter!

Davebaxter1989

oooo a whole year I'm sure they'll pull out all the stops to make it a quality, quality film. . .

‘New Moon’ Finds A Release Date, But Loses A Werewolf

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