New Moon News: Taylor Lautner’s Future with the Series

So, with New Moon‘s release now only 11 months away, fans have been waiting earnestly to find out what will happen with the role of Jacob Black. Rumors had circled that Taylor Lautner, despite having signed on for the sequel, would NOT return as the hairier of Bella Swan’s young suitors. The studio feared that Lautner would not be physically believable in the role, as Jacob does go through puberty some changes in the next installment.

However, director Chris Weitz, who is replacing Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke, has assured fans that Lautner WILL be returning as Jacob Black for the second film. In a letter posted on Stephenie Meyers’ official site, Weitz says “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.”

Stephenie herself wants fans to know that she was involved heavily in the decision. “My first priority was always what was best for New Moon—what was going to give us the best possible movie. I’m truly thrilled that Taylor was the one who proved to the director, to Summit, and to me that he is the best possible Jacob we could have. And I’m very much looking forward to seeing what he’s going to bring to Jacob’s character this year.”

Pssst: Stephers: if you wanted what was best for the movie, maybe you should have told them they’re probably gonna need more than a year to make it. I’m just sayin’.

So what do you say, Twifans? Excited that Taylor is coming back?