EW received the following statement today from actress Rachelle Lefevre’s rep regarding the announcement that she was being replaced by Bryce Dallas Howard for the upcoming third Twilight film, Eclipse:
“I was stunned by Summit’s decision to recast the role of Victoria for Eclipse. I was fully committed to the Twilight saga, and to the portrayal of Victoria. I turned down several other film opportunities and, in accordance with my contractual rights, accepted only roles that would involve very short shooting schedules. My commitment to Barney’s Version is only ten days. Summit picked up my option for Eclipse. Although the production schedule for Eclipse is over three months long, Summit said they had a conflict during those ten 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. I was happy with my contract with Summit and was fully prepared to continue to honor it. Summit chose simply to recast the part. I am greatly saddened that I will not get to complete my portrayal of Victoria for the Twilight audience. This is a story, a theatrical journey and a character that I truly love and about which I am very passionate. I will be forever grateful to the fan support and loyalty I’ve received since being cast for this role, and I am hurt deeply by Summit’s surprising decision to move on without me. I wish the cast and crew of Eclipse only the very best.“
Summit Entertainment announced yesterday that actress Bryce Dallas Howard (Terminator Salvation, Spider-Man 3, The Village) will replace Lefevre in the third Twilight movie (set for release on June 20, 2010) due to scheduling conflicts. Lefevre originated the role of Victoria in the first film, and will be seen in the sequel, New Moon, which is expected to be released theatrically in the U.S. and Canada on Nov. 20.
UPDATE: Summit Entertainment responds to Rachelle Lefevre’s statement
Photo Credit: Christian Lapid/startraksphoto.com
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something told me that she wouldn’t just give this part up. summit entertainment is lying and they need to explain themselves.
watch robert pattinson
robertpattinson.me
i agree with you, rachelle was earning a lot of money off of this and if i were her i wouldn’t have quit. thats why it does seem unbeliveable that SHE was the one that quit. couldn’t summit come uo with a better excuse? serioulsy, it makes me wonder….
So basically, Summit jumped at the chance to replace a lesser known actor with a “name”. Lovely. Know wonder they have such a crappy rep. Cheap, ethicless, and shifty.
Sooooooooo True
Shame on Summit!
Rachelle Lefevre got screwed for a bigger name. Bring back the REAL Victoria!
What? First Taylor and now Rachel? Who will be next??? Dont they understand that Rachel IS VICTORIA!!???
Bad, bad decision. I am glad Rachel spoke up and let everyone know what really is going on!
taylor?? he IS gonna be in new moon!
Yes, but they wanted to boot him too. He had to beg to keep the part.
I bet Rob’s next…
Looks like they want to destroy ‘Eclipse’.
Don’t worry…Stephanie Meyer already destroyed Eclipse by her inability to write a good story.
haha Kevin’s comment made me laugh. I agree 100%
I agree with Kevin except the bad writing goes back New Moon.
I completely agree. I will likely not want to see that movie now. How can we finish the story with seeing someone else who I have to say will never replace her. I am so not excited to see that film.
Bring Rachel back, bring Rachel back!
Poor judgment on Summit’s behalf! Sad to think they would replace someone so fast. Not to disrespect Bryce but Rachelle made the role and is the only Victoria necessary.
Thats too bad but I think having Bryce will only make the character better.
Did I read right ? This aricle reads New Moon will be released 6/2010. .thought that was the release date of Eclipse. . .but about the article they are crasy to replace the role but with that actress . .she has done way too many movies to relate. .this may go the way of the Mummy 3 . .replacing a key character it just didn’t work (after 2 sucessful sequels)and the movie was less enjoyable because of it.
the article says that the 6/10 release date is for Eclipse and the 11/09 date is for New Moon…as always
Thats pretty crappy. It was clear from the beginning that it was shady, but now it just looks more so.
I’m not even a fan of the Twilight brand but this is utterly disgusting! The woman followed the rules and yet she still finds herself out in the cold? Makes no sense. Howard’s not even a good actress, I opt for the original girl or a stick with a wig on it.
Man I hate Summit so much right now. Does it really matter if for ten freaking days she cant be there? Victoria’s part isnt huge in Eclipse anyway. Recasting for the final movie with Victoria is STUPID and it pisses people off such as myself. Seriously this is insane how ridiculous summit is getting. Bryce is a great actress but she should not be playing Victoria when clearly rachelle can do it as she clearly already has and has done it really well.
To correct you…. Victoria’s part is huge in Eclipse. You need to read up on your Twilight Saga. Eclipse is the book in which Edward battles Victoria
To be sure the battle is big, but other than that, Victoria is only spoken of (unless you suspect that it was her hair that Bella saw on the water when she jumped off the cliff, (as I do) but Bella didn’t even think about her til much later)
WTF Summit? I knew the “schedule conflict” thing seemed fishy.
Summit has acted very unethically by firing Rachelle this way. For what? A name, or perhaps a smaller salary? It’s disgusting the way Summit is acting and has been with the Twilight saga (small budgets, not enough pre production time) since the beginning. And yet, they will be very happy to milk the cow and exploit us to the limit with all the crappy Twilight merchandise they’ll sell.
So Summit is pretty much just in it for the money. They can’t wait ten days. Ten days. And now they look like tools. Awesome. Poor Howard and poor Lefevre for being caught up in this crap. Way to go, Summit! You win!
I am REALLY pissed off to hear this news. Summit sucks major balls. I hate how they are always trying to replace the actors for the crappiest reasons. Its 10 days people, the series doesn’t need to be that rushed. You could always film something else in those 10 days, and film her part later or something.
FOR GOD SAKES, STOP THE MADNESS SUMMIT, OR YOU WILL LOSE FANS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow what a dissapointment.. The book doesnt change so why should the characters… What a dissapointment and let down for Summit recasting her. They needed to work it out. I am so dissapointed. The movie will not be the same without her. I hope they rethink this even though they have seemed to already recast it. We need to definitly complain about this. Write letters to Summit and let them know.
Bring Rachelle Back! She did such a great job. Honestly, she was one of the few good things that came out of the first movie. Summit does not get it. Why not replace KS. She’s not a fan and acts too good to be involved with the saga. I was ready to give Summit another try by seeing NM. Now I’m not so sure. I might be done with the whole series.
lol… i’m not a twilight fan; but i do find it funny they opted to replace an “unknown” with a “name” … especially a name who has all her major films been franchise FLOPS… hmmm
I am so frustrated right now! Why Summit? Why?!?
So what if Bryce (whoever she is) has a bigger name or starred on well known movies?
She can’t bring the standard which Rachelle brings!
This is so messed up! Taylor and now her??
All I’m going to say is I hope Summit are ready for a bumpy ride because Twilight fans are not going to be happy!
Casting an actor to replace one who filmed the 1st and 2nd is just disgusting!!!
Your comment’s rather funny in that you make it sound you don’t know how who Bryce Howard is and yet you’re claiming she can’t bring the standard that Rachelle brings. Amusing…
I am so mad that Summit recasted Rachelle. I love her! I think she is so great as Victoria. I know Bryce Howard is good, but she is also related to one of the more powerful directors in Hollywood and I think daddy pulled some strings. The whole thing stinks! BRING BACK RACHELLE!!!
Poor Rachelle! I am sorry, but that is so wrong! If she can, she should sue Summit!
yeah. i so agree! she should really so sue F*!#$# summit! and maybe director chris weitz too! GOD! so frustrating and depressing!
Shocking ot think there is absolutely no loyalty in any industry right now. I am not sure what is behind this but it is absurd that you cannot schedule around an actress who created a part for 10 days. I am not hearing about the cast standing up for her so I would hate to think there is more to it. Its a cut throat business but this is truly sad. Twilight fans will NOT be happy with a new Victoria. Summit is shooting themselves in the foot on this one. Sad.
I think Bryce Howard is an excellent actress, and I think Rachelle is also. If Rachelle truly had to be replaced, Bryce Howard probably is the best runner up for the role. However, from her statement, I suspect they just wanted a bigger name. Shame on them. Rachelle was fantastic as Victoria, she was made for the role, with her gorgeous fiery hair and fantastic personality. I’m sure she’ll have a long lasting career. Good luck Rachelle.
If Bryce Dallas Howard had any integrity, she would back out of the deal.
i so totally agree on this too! she should! she seriously should!
It’s ridiculous. Of course, Summit’s decision to blast through the four movies with low production values, inconsistency with regard to directors and doing whatever it takes to make the biggest profit is not that big of a surprise. What hits have they produced – I mean BIG, BIG BLOCKBUSTERS – besides their accidentally stumbling on to Twilight. Rachelle is AWESOME and they have made a huge mistake. Certainly Bryce Dallas Howard is great, but she is NOT Victoria. Sorry. Summit is horrible studio. I hate that the principal cast is stuck with them, but I hope they milk it for all that it’s worth and get all the money they can. The actors and Stephenie Meyer are what make the movies great.
The problem is they think they can get away with it and they will. That movie will still make a mint at the box office. Good luck to her in her future endeavors.
Maybe the cast and crew will fight for Rachelle like they fought for Taylor. Taylor is the ONLY Jacob and Rachelle is the ONLY Victoria.
thank you summit for thinking of the fans!!!
This really pisses me off!! Rachelle is Victoria and no one can replace her! Summit is gonna get a lot of crap from EVERYBODY about this!!! Eclipse is my favorite and this is kinda ruining it. Shame on you Summit!!!!