Twilight sequel ‘New Moon’ eyeing Michael Copon and Ben Barnes for key roles

 

There is still apparently a lot of uncertainty surrounding the new Twilight sequel, New Moon. This weekend began with a press release from Summit Entertainment officially appointing “New Moon” director Chris Weitz to the job, following last week’s dismissal and replacement of Catherine Hardwicke. Hardwicke probably won’t be the last “Twilight” talent replaced before the sequel, as suspicious in its omission of the release seemed to all but confirm Twilighter whispers that Taylor Lautner, will be replaced.

Summit, reportedly doesn’t want to re-hire “baby-faced” Taylor Lautner as Jacob because they don’t think he has what it takes to play the werewolf love interest/lead in New Moon. Rumor is that 26-year-old “Scorpion King 2″ actor Michael Copon is one of several actors Weitz is considering to play the new, “grown up” Jacob Black. A representative for Copon told MTV News that they’re making a full effort to land the high-profile gig. In a bit of 21st-century self-promotion, the actor has even recently updated his Facebook status with messages like: “Michael Copon [is] in a Twilight Zone!” and “Michael Copon is the older Jacob Black!”

Copon’s representative confirmed to MTV News that the Facebook page is run by the actor himself and that those are indeed his words.

Weitz still has many other key casting decisions to make and an extremely brief amount of time in which to make them. With barely 12 weeks until cameras are due to begin rolling, the “Golden Compass” filmmaker needs to find faces to portray several key characters — including the peace-keeping, Italian vampires known as the Volturi.

Supposedly, 27-year-old Narnia – Prince Caspian star Ben Barnes is also campaigning for a role. He’s said to be actively trying to get the role of Aro, “a mind-reading vampire whose “New Moon” encounter with Edward and Bella helps shape their destiny together.” And, coincidentally enough, Barnes has the same manager as Copon and Twilight star Cam Gigandet. Could be a big paycheck coming for the manager!