There’s a new controversy swirling around the Twilight Saga.
And it’s got nothing to do with Team Edward vs. Team Jacob.
Yesterday, Summit Entertainment announced that it had recast the role of Victoria in Eclipse. Bryce Dallas Howard will be taking over for Rachelle Lefevre.
The studio says that Lefevre’s shooting schedule for her next movie, Barney Version, coincides too much with the production of the third film in this iconic franchise. In a statement she just released, it’s clear the actress disagrees:
“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.
Does Rachelle Lefevre have a legitimate beef? Do you wanna see her in the role of Victoria?
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.“
In response, the movie studio wrote:
“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.”
Chime in now, fans: Whose side are you on in this feud?