Summit Studio can’t seem to save the “Twilight” drama for the screen. Chris Weitz replacing Catharine Hardwicke as director isn’t the only shake up for the “Twilight” sequel, “New Moon.” As we reported last week, the studio still isn’t sure baby-faced Taylor Lautner should continue to play Jacob Black, who is much bigger and beefier in the remaining books. Weitz and author Stephenie Meyer recently released statements explaining the casting drama. But neither statements confirmed Lautner’s return. In fact, a rep from Summit said, “The casting decision in regards to the character Jacob Black has yet to be made.” We now hear that Weitz is considering 26-year-old Michael Copon, the actor from the “Scorpion King 2,” for the new role of Jacob. Can you hear me screaming in agony? As I’m reading, New Moon, I picture Lautner and only Lautner as Jacob. However, Copon seems determined to land this role. And has even began self-advertising by changing his Facebook status to: “Michael Copon in a Twilight Zone!” But don’t count Lautner out yet because his agent has a plan to show Summit how a digitally beefed-up Lautner could work as the new Jacob. As if the Jacob drama wasn’t enough, another actor, Ben Barnes from “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian,” is jockeying for the role of Aro. And guess what? Barnes has the same manager as Copon and Cam Gigandet, who played James in “Twilight.” Shady![Perez Hilton] Keep reading »
