The speculation is over: Taylor Lautner will get to play Jacob Black after all in the Twilight sequel New Moon.

Questions had arisen about whether the 16-year-old could effectively portray his werewolf character, who ages 10 years and grows much taller and bulkier in the film’s sequel. But Weitz said Lautner, who’s been hitting the gym to build muscle, is “emotionally right for the part” and has the movie studio’s full support.

Dear Twilight Fans,

I’m very happy to announce that Taylor Lautner will be playing Jacob Black in NEW MOON, and that he’s doing so with the enthusiastic support of Summit Entertainment, the producers, and Stephenie Meyer.

The characters in Stephenie’s books go through extraordinary changes of circumstance and also appearance; so it is not surprising that there has been speculation about whether the same actor would portray a character who changes in so many surprising ways throughout the series.

But it was my first instinct that Taylor was, is, and should be Jacob, and that the books would be best served by the actor who is emotionally right for the part.

I think that fans of TWILIGHT, the book and the movie, will be surprised by the Jacob Black that Taylor will bring to the screen in NEW MOON; and I’m looking forward to working with him and the rest of the cast in realizing the film.

Very Best,
Chris Weitz

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