Twilight Sisters

Posted By Big Sis on July 31, 2009

Yesterday we reported on the recasting of the role of Victoria for Eclipse. Here is some further info from ET on why that was done.

Summit Entertainment, the studio behind the ‘Twilight’ film franchise,’ released to ET a timeline of the events leading up to their decision to replace actress Rachelle Lefevre — who plays the vampire Victoria in ‘Twilight’ and ‘New Moon’ — with Bryce Dallas Howard.

Lefevre told media outlets that she was “stunned” and “hurt deeply” about being replaced in the series and said she never fathomed she would “lose the role over a 10-day overlap” for the part she took in the film ‘Barney’s Version,’ starring Paul Giamatti and Dustin Hoffman.

ET received the following statement from the studio:

“Ms. Lefevre’s representatives were advised as early as April that ‘The Twilight Saga: Eclipse’ was expected to start shooting in early August.

If Ms. Lefevre was, as she describes “passionate,” about being part of ‘The Twilight Saga,’ we feel that she and her representatives would have included us in her decision to work on another film that would conflict with the ‘Eclipse’ shooting schedule.

It was not until July 20th that we were first informed of her commitment to ‘Barney’s Version,’ a commitment we have since been advised she accepted in early June. Summit had acted in good faith that she would be available to fulfill her obligations both in terms of rehearsals and shooting availability for ‘Eclipse.’

We feel that her choice to withhold her scheduling conflict information from us can be viewed as a lack of cooperative spirit which affected the entire production.

Furthermore Ms. Lefevre took a role in another film that places her in Europe during the required rehearsal time, and at least 10 days of ‘Eclipse’’s principal photography. This period is essential for both rehearsal time with the cast, and for filming at key locations that are only available during the initial part of production.

Contrary to Ms. Lefevre’s statement, it is simply untrue that the Studio dismissed her over a ten day overlap. It is not about a 10 day overlap but instead about the fact that ‘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 fact remains that Ms. Lefevre’s commitment to the other project – which she chose to withhold from Summit until the last possible moment – makes her unfortunately unavailable to perform the role of Victoria in ‘The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.’”

‘Eclipse’ is scheduled to begin production on August 17. Lefevre can be seen in ‘New Moon’ when it hits theaters Nov. 20.

Categories: Cast, Eclipse
Tags: Bryce Dallas Howard, Eclipse, Rachelle Lefevre, Victoria