Summit Entertainment Fires Back at Lefevre’s Claims

Summit Entertainment, the studio responsible for the Twilight movie franchise, has hit back at Rachelle Lefevre’s claims that she was unfairly treated when she was dumped from the series, saying that it was “disappointed” she had decided to discuss her recasting publicly.

Lefevre released a statement on Wednesday, and said she was “stunned” and “saddened” that the studio had replaced her with actress Bryce Dallas Howard in the third Twilight film, Eclipse, due to a conflicting work schedule.

The actress, who was set to reprise her role as the evil vampire Victoria in the saga’s third installment later this year, had signed on to shoot the Dustin Hoffman independent film, Barney’s Version, but had no idea she would be sacked by Summit “over a 10-day overlap.”

However, Summit Entertainment has a different take on exactly how the recasting went down, and said in a statement yesterday:

“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.

“Ms. Lefevre’s representatives were advised as early as April that The Twilight Saga: Eclipse was expected to start shooting in early August.

“If Ms. Lefevre was, as she describes, ‘passionate’ about being part of the Twilight saga, we feel that she and her representatives would have included us in her decision to work on another film that would conflict with the shooting schedule of The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.

“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.

“Furthermore, Ms. Lefevre took a role in the other film that places her in Europe during the required rehearsal time, and at least 10 days of [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 statement concluded: “Contrary to Ms. Lefevre’s statement, it is simply untrue that the studio dismissed her over a 10-day overlap. It is not about a 10-day overlap, but instead about the fact that The Twilight Saga: Eclipse is an ensemble production that has to accommodate the schedules of numerous actors while respecting the established creative vision of the filmmaker and most importantly the story.”

The second installment in the series, New Moon, is slated for release in November.

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Rachelle Lefevre “Stunned, Saddened” by Twilight Recasting

Rachelle Lefevre has told of how she was “stunned” and “saddened” when she learned that she was to be replaced by Bryce Dallas Howard in the third Twilight movie, Eclipse.

Summit Entertainment said yesterday that they were forced to recast Lefevre’s role as the evil vampire Victoria due to a conflict in work schedules – Lefevre had signed on to star in the Dustin Hoffman film, Barney’s Version, which was due to begin production on the same day as Eclipse.

However, Summit Entertainment’s reasoning behind the recasting has shocked Lefevre, who said in a statement released Wednesday that she had every intention of honouring her Eclipse contract, despite signing on for the Hoffman film.

Lefevre said: “I was stunned [at the recasting]. 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 [indie flick] 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,” she continued. “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.”

Summit Entertainment have since responded to Lefevre’s comments on her recasting. To read what they had to say on the matter, click here.

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Bryce Dallas Howard Signs on For ‘Twilight’ Sequel

Terminator: Salvation star Bryce Dallas Howard has just been confirmed as playing troublesome vampire Victoria in Eclipse, the third film in the Twilight series.

The former muse of movie maker M. Night Shyamalan will replace series favourite Rachelle Lefevre, 30, who has portrayed Victoria in the two previous Twilight films.

Summit Entertainment’s president, Erik Feig, said that he was thrilled to have an actress of Howard’s calibre on board for Eclipse, and is excited to see what the daughter of veteran director Ron Howard will add to the role of the series villian.

“Rachelle brought Victoria to great screen life,” Feig said, “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.”

But don’t get your teeth out just yet, Twilight fans – Bryce isn’t simply replacing Lefevre to add a big name Hollywood star to the cast list, but stepping in to replace Rachelle, who has had to pull out of the third film due to a clashing work schedule.

Instead of Eclipse, Lefevre will appear in the independent film Barney’s Version, alongside movie great Dustin Hoffman, which begins production on the same day as the third Twilight installment.

New Moon, the second film in the series, is slated for release later this year.

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Summit Announces Third Twilight Film

Summit Entertainment is preaching to the hearts of many a young Twilight fan, announcing that the third installment in the series – made famous by Stephenie Meyer’s addicting novels of vampire romance at high school – will be released June 30 2010.

The second film in the series, New Moon, is currently in production, and will be released on November 20 of this year, leaving very little time for the actors of the franchise to take a breather before jumping head-first into the third, Eclipse.

Summit has also revealed the series’ official name: “The Twilight Saga”.

All original stars of the first film are said to reprise their roles in all subsequent sequels, which leaves even more for fans of the series to rejoice about.

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