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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Barton Out of Hospital, Returning to Work

Mischa Barton has left hospital after spending two weeks under psychiatric hold at L.A.’s Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre and is ready to go back to work, her rep has confirmed.

Craig Schneider told Usmagazine.com earlier today: “I can confirm that [Mischa has] left the hospital with the intention to resume production [of her new show The Beautiful Life].”

The actress and former model was admitted to hospital on July 15 after making a distressing call to 911 which suggested she was on the verge of suicide.

Ashton Kutcher, the brains behind the new CW series The Beautiful Life, said on Friday that his leading actress was recovering well.

“I can tell you right now Mischa Barton is doing great,” he said.

Ironically, Barton’s character in The Beautiful Life is a pill-popping supermodel, something which is shockingly similar to her own life in recent times.

Production on her new show is set to begin on Friday.

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