'Twilight' Casting Swap: Bryce Dallas Howard Joins Third Film

LOS ANGELES — Bryce Dallas Howard is taking over as the villainous vampire Victoria in the third "Twilight" movie, and the actress who's played the part in the first two films says she was "stunned" and "hurt deeply" by the switch.

Rachelle Lefevre says she was unaware that Summit Entertainment, which is releasing the vampire saga, had chosen someone else to play her part in "Eclipse." Summit announced Howard as her replacement late Tuesday, saying Lefevre had scheduling conflicts that would make her unable to participate in the production.

But Lefevre said Wednesday that she was "fully committed" to returning as Victoria. She says her involvement in the drama "Barney's Version," starring Paul Giamatti and Dustin Hoffman, would only last 10 days.

"I turned down several other film opportunities and, in accordance with my contractual rights, accepted only roles that would involve very short shooting schedules," she said in a lengthy statement.

"Although the production schedule for `Eclipse' is over three months long, Summit said they had a conflict during those 10 days and would not accommodate me. Given the length of filming for `Eclipse,' never did I fathom I would lose the role over a 10-day overlap."

Summit says Lefevre didn't inform the studio she would be shooting "Barney's Version" – which will require her to be in Europe during rehearsal and at least 10 days of principal photography on "Eclipse" – until July 20, even though she reportedly signed onto the project in early June. The studio says it made her representatives aware several days ago that taking part in "Barney's Version" could place her "Eclipse" job status in jeopardy.

"Contrary to Ms. Lefevre's statement, it is simply untrue that the studio dismissed her over a 10-day overlap," Summit said in its own statement Wednesday night. "It is not about a 10-day overlap, but instead about the fact that `The Twilight Saga: Eclipse' is an ensemble production that has to accommodate the schedules of numerous actors while respecting the established creative vision of the filmmaker and most importantly the story."

The news shook up the fervent fans of the "Twilight" series: Several are circulating online petitions urging that she return, and the top-trending topic on Twitter for a while Wednesday afternoon was "Bring Back Rachelle."

"Eclipse," based on the third book in Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" saga, is scheduled to begin shooting in Vancouver in August. Part two, "New Moon," comes out Nov. 20.

Howard, while a newcomer to the "Twilight" franchise, is no stranger to blockbusters, having co-starred in "Spider-Man 3" and "Terminator Salvation." She also appeared in "The Village" and "Lady in the Water."

Comments

[ospis]

She is talented and gorgeous. Loved her in Manderlay:
http://www.actressscene.com/2009/06/bryce-dallas-in-manderlay.html

[DogTown]

NEPOTISM AT IT'S FINEST! HER FATHER WORKING HARD BEHIND THE SCENES AGAIN FOR HIS DAUGHTER WHOM OVER ACTS IN EVERY SCENE SHE IS IN!

[MiddleRoadLiberal]

Who and what?

[nwmother]

Her dad is actor/director Ron Howard, duh. I wonder if he's working for summit too...

[ladycubsfan]

I'm glad they changed directors for the second installment and I've heard there will be a new one for the third movie, as well. This keeps it fresh and exciting. I'm not crazy about role changes, but just as long as it's not one of the main characters, I can deal with it. I would think that the popularity of Twilight practically guarantees that a recurring character would have an excellent chance at continued success in the business. Why Rachelle chose to risk that is beyond baffling. Not a very smart decision on her part. Live and learn.

[xAnotherReaderx]

My niece, a big fan of the book series, has already signed 3 online petitions asking for Rachelle's return. Summit Entertainment has cleverly not included its email address on its website. It's a shame they've upset fans of the series. These are the same people who pay to see these films. It's amazing how organized a group of teenaged girls and boys can be when they feel strongly about something!
It's a big deal to them. She asked me to think of an an actor who built a character and having her/him replaced. Being from that 80s generation, I automatically thought of someone replacing Larry Hagman as J.R Ewing or Julia-Louis Dreyfus as Elaine. Yes, I get why the teen fans are upset.

[KT8711]

It's not like Victoria is a major character though. She appears in 1 or 2 scenes in Twilight, is absent from all of New Moon, and even though she's behind the machinations in Eclipse, doesn't appear until one of the last scenes of the book.

Maybe it's because I'm not a tween, and I only read the books because I got snowed in while on vacation and there was nothing else to read, but I don't see why people are getting so upset about the re-casting of a minor character.

[ziadora]

Very disappointed. Rachelle is great for the part. Never enjoy replacements, even if they are good. Disappointment overshadows enjoyment of movie fantasy. Bummer. Wish it were not all about money for the studio. This is why a movie series should be filmed in one fell swoop.

[WYHKTai-Tai]

If Summit can so cavallierly, (sp?) drop it's 1st director, Hardwicke, and now this actress, Why in the world can't they replace that abominable Kristen Stewart??

[lilykudrow]

Rachelle Lefevre is “Hurt Deeply” about Victoria Recast in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
http://celebrise.com/blog/2009/07/30/rachelle-lefevre-is-hurt-deeply-about-victoria-recast-in-the-twilight-saga-eclipse.html

[dorothyday]

After Summit's treatment of director Cathering Hardwicke it is apparent that this is not a touchy feely company and are out to make the most money possible with the smallest output. As much as I hate what Summit has done in replacing Rachel she should have known the devil she was dealing with and made it known her schedule for the Indie film as soon as she was offered the role to make sure there would be no conflict. Unless you are a big celebrity, unfortunately the producers rule. Unfair, awful, but a fact of life.
My heart goes out to Rachel--but she should have played by their rules if she wanted to continue in the role.

[TracySLC]

I don't understand the controversy, Bryce Dallas Howard seems like a huge upgrade from some unkown actress.
The other actress made a really stupid mistake by accepting that other role.

[Ms Fu]

I totally agree. I love BDH.

[mem424]

So I'm going to watch Twilight and New Moon and Victoria will be one person, and then I watch Eclipse and she'll be a completely different person? Might as well just add in a whole new character since you can apparently do whatever you want!?!?

And if you don't like the books, find an article on the books to comment on. This article is about who will play Victoria, not whether or not you like the books.

[Cali Native]

Shame. I met Rachelle Lefevre last week and she's a very nice person. Welcome to Show BUSINESS.

[Crass Innuendo]

So, including this upcoming flick, that'll be...lesse­e...carry the 3...

One good film she's been involved with. Well, 'The Village' wasn't really "good," but it was reasonably okay.

[PoliticalAmazon]

Whatever. After the mess Chris Weiz has made of NM, turning into a trite, campy vampire flick, there may be other NM actors who will develop "schedulging difficulti­es."