Summit was hasn’t had an easy road filled with butterflies and rainbows when it has come to making the Twilight saga. When word spread that the books were being turned into movies and Robert Pattinson was cast as Edward Cullen, fans were unhappy with the choice. Of course we all know Sparklepants now rules the Twihards and heals the blind simply by running a hand through his unicorn mane.
It appears that there might be more casting drama. Summit is having trouble reaching deals with select members of the cast. Kellan Lutz and Ashley Greene might be recast. Kellan, who plays Emmet Cullen, and Ashley, scored the role of Alice Cullen, are holding out for bigger paychecks.
“Deals for Peter Facinelli (who plays Carlisle Cullen) and Billy Burke (Bella’s father, Charlie Swan) are done, but we’re told the actors who play the Cullen kids (especially Kellan Lutz and Ashley Greene) are trying to sink their teeth into bigger paydays that, at least at this point, the studio behind the billion-dollar franchise is unwilling to provide. “We may have a situation where one of them is thrown out on the street to make a point,” says a source close to the deal-making.”
Could this be a more of a promise than a threat? Absolutely. Summit hasn’t been shy when it comes cast changes…
-The role of Jacob Black was up for grabs after concerns that Taylor Lautner would not be able to carry the transformation from normal 15 year old to a 6’7” tall, muscle bulging man within the time between ‘Twilight’ and ‘New Moon.’ After months of living at a gym, Lautner kept the role. (Click HERE to read who was nearly re-casted as Jacob Black).
-The role of Victoria also changed after ‘New Moon’ was filmed. Rachelle Lefevre was replaced by Bryce Dallas Howard. Summit cited scheduling conflicts whereas Rachelle felt differently. She admitted to being “stunned” that she was replaced over a ten day overlap. Eyebrows raised and rumors spread that Summit wanted a bigger name for the villain role and tapped Bryce for the job and Lefevre’s agents were demanding big money.
Lutz and Greene are continually growing in the popularity chart as both have become household names. Both feel that they can command a bigger slice of the Twilight profit.
“We’re told that the offers from Summit — which are said to be at least 10 times what the actors made on the first movie — were deemed “offensive” given the mega-money the franchise has generated.”
The price tag for making ‘Breaking Dawn‘ is a concern. While the author, Stephenie Meyer, has signed off on the book being broken into two films, it’s not an official and done deal. However, insiders say they would be “shocked” if it was put out as one film. Summit is also entertaining the idea of filming in Louisiana to save on costs. A deal is currently being worked out and the state is eager to have the bragging rights and lure for Twihards which would equal a huge profit.
At this point contracts have already been inked for the three main characters played by Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner so Summit has the upper hand.
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