TWILIGHT SCANDAL!
Already the fallout of success is striking Twilight! Beyond the are-they, aren't-they media ploy of Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart's supposed romance, now the vampire trilogy has a new scandal -- it's first fired actress!
We reported earlier that Rachelle Lefevre's Victoria character would be played by Bryce Dallas Howard in the third installment, Eclipse, and now Lefevre is coming out fighting! ... albeit with soft kidskin gloves in order to maintain a sense of decency in Hollywood. Here's what she had to stay about being dumped by the film's studio, Summit Entertainment:
- "I was stunned. 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 10 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. 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."
At least she's gracious, but dayyuumm!
But wait, it's not over yet! Summit finally released a statement to Access Hollywood, expressing their disappointment in Rachelle's decision to double-book herself for Eclipse and the indie film Barney's Version:
- "We at Summit Entertainment are disappointed by Rachelle Lefevre's recent comments which attempt to make her career choices the fault of the Studio. Her decision to discuss her version of the scheduling challenges publicly has forced the Studio to set the record straight and correct the facts."
It was not until July 20th that Summit was first informed of Ms. Lefevre's commitment to Barney's Version, a commitment we have since been advised she accepted in early June. Summit had acted in good faith that she would be available to fulfill her obligations both in terms of rehearsals and shooting availability for The Twilight Saga: Eclipse. We feel that her choice to withhold her scheduling conflict information from us can be viewed as a lack of cooperative spirit which affected the entire production.
Ms. Lefevre took a role in the other film that places her in Europe during the required rehearsal time, and at least ten days of The Twilight Saga: Eclipse's principal photography. This period is essential for both rehearsal time with the cast, and for filming at key locations that are only available during the initial part of production.
The fact remains that 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.
But it's STILL not over! Click thru to read yet another twist in this Twilight saga ...
Eonline's reporting that producers may have wanted to get rid of Lefevre so they could pay a new actress less rather than having to make good on Rachelle's promised pay raise -- when they learned of the scheduling conflict, they saw an out and took it!
One of their sources says Lefevre was a sort of den mother to the younger cast:
- "They'd all come and talk to her about everything. She knew all the drama on and off set. And she is one of the easiest people there to deal with. She never complains, does whatever anyone asks, and she has a good head on her shoulders."
Who to believe? Who to believe?
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