Acknowledging the rumor linking Vanessa Hudgens to the Leah Clearwater character, screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg slammed down the speculation, stating that Leah won't be seen until 'Eclipse'.
- Feb 3, 2009
AceShowbiz - "High School Musical 3: Senior Year" star Vanessa Hudgens will definitely not get the part of Leah Clearwater anytime soon. Teasing out about the matter was "Twilight" and "New Moon" screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg, who claims that the character won't even be seen at least until the third movie, "Eclipse".
"I'm not sure about [final] casting but I had heard Vanessa Hudgens was going up for the part of Leah [Clearwater, a werewolf]," the scribe told People at the 61st Annual Directors Guild of America Awards in Los Angeles on Saturday night, January 31. "But at the moment, the part of Leah doesn't happen until the third movie."
For weeks, the 20-year-old actress has been linked to the werewolf character, and reports about it have further developed stating that she has even auditioned for the role. However, her representative has come quick to deny the latter speculation, stating "I don't know anything about the audition. As far as I know, it's just a rumor."
Hudgens rumor aside, Rosenberg also made time to talk about the sequel progress. "Well, you know Taylor Lautner will be back as Jacob Black. I can tell you the original cast will all be coming back," she claimed. "They're on set right now, in Vancouver! They're all up there prepping the movie to start shooting very soon."
On the joining of director Chris Weitz, the screenwriter offered her praise to the helmer, "Chris Weitz directed The Golden Compass, which was a beautiful-looking film." She added, "And I think it's wonderful we have someone who has worked with CGI animals...that will be a big part of New Moon. I'm delighted we have someone who's so expert at that."
"New Moon" is the sequel to hit vampire drama "Twilight". Adapted from Stephenie Meyer's second novel of her "Twilight" series, it will still follow the romantic story between Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) and Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), but this time it will center on the personal conflict Bella experiences following Edward's abrupt departure. The production of "New Moon" is scheduled to begin in mid-March for November 20, 2009 U.S. release.
