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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Katie Holmes Escapes Injury in Car Fire

Katie Holmes has narrowly escaped injury during a mishap on the set of her upcoming film, Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark, currently in production on Australia’s south coast.

The actress, who recently made her dancing debut on American reality show So You Think You Can Dance?, was shooting a scene inside a car at Victoria’s Docklands when the vehicle’s battery exploded over the weekend.

The battery allegedly sparked a couple times before emitting dangerous fumes and smoke, which eventually turned into a fire that engulfed the entire car.

Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark is a Miramax remake of the 1973 ABC made-for-television film of the same name, in which Holmes’ character is stalked by evil gnomes. Sounds thrilling.

Unfortunately, the exploding battery isn’t part of the film.

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A Happy Outcome For Sam The Koala

At least there was a happy ending for the famous koala rescued from the bushfires in Victoria.

Sam, the koala was reunited with her rescuer, David Tree at the wildlife center where she is being treated for her burns.

Sam has even found love at the centre, in the form of Bob the koala. You can read more of the story and see more pictures of Sam and Bob here.

The Beckhams Escape Injury in Car Accident

Hollywood couple Victoria and David Beckham were lucky to walk away without injury following a horrific car accident in France on Friday.

The pair were on their way to Nice airport to catch a flight to Beijing when the accident occurred. Becks reportedly smashed their black BMW “laterally” into a wall, shattering the windscreen and crumpling panels along the passenger side, where Victoria was sitting.

No other vehicles were invovled in the accident.

Becks was photographed by paparazzi consoling a “tearful” Victoria, who was quite shaken after the crash. However, because of the extensive damage to the vehicle, Becks and his wife’s father, Tony Adams, were forced to rush to the airport so that he could make his flight to Beijing, where he would be performing in the closing ceremony.

Victoria was left on her own to handle the wrecked car.

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