Stating that she 'was fully committed', the actress who carries out Victoria in 'Twilight' and 'New Moon' reveals that she is unaware of Summit's recasting decision for 'The Twilight Saga's Eclipse'.
- Jul 30, 2009
AceShowbiz - Hours following the announcement made by Summit Entertainment that Bryce Dallas Howard will take over her Victoria role in "The Twilight Saga's Eclipse", Rachelle Lefevre came up with a response to the shocking recasting news. Insisting that she "was fully committed to the 'Twilight' saga, and to the portrayal of Victoria", the 30-year-old admitted that she was unaware of the studio's decision for the switch.
"I was stunned by Summit's decision to recast the role of Victoria for 'Eclipse,' " Lefevre shared her thoughts to Access Hollywood. She continued to explain, "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," she furthermore detailed. "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."
In the end, the Canadian actress concluded, "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."
On Tuesday, July 28, Summit came up with a press release revealing that Bryce Dallas Howard will replace Rachelle Lefevre as Victoria due to Lefevre's scheduling conflicts. "We are incredibly happy that Bryce has agreed to come into the franchise," so the studio's President of Worldwide Production and Acquisitions Erik Feig stated. "Rachelle brought 'Victoria' to great screen life and Bryce will bring a new dimension to the character. The franchise is lucky to have such a talented actress as Bryce coming in to fill the role."
Lefevre will be seen reprising her Victoria role when "The Twilight Saga's New Moon" opens wide in U.S. on November 20. Meanwhile, "The Twilight Saga's Eclipse" is an adaptation of the third novel from Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" series. Penned by Melissa Rosenberg like the two movies before it, "Twilight" and "New Moon", this third film from the vampire drama series has David Slade as its director and a U.S. release date schedule of June 30, 2010.
