Taylor Lautner showed off his progress so far pumping up for New Moon, and spoke to reporters about his progress-
" Some actors will go to extremes to get a part, but to reprise his role of Jacob Black in New Moon, the sequel to Twilight, Taylor Lautner told Access Hollywood he has had to basically kill myself.
I get into the gym every single day, seven days a week, two hours a day, eat as much as I possibly can, he told Access at our 3rd Annual Stuff You Must Lounge at the Sofitel LA hotel on Saturday. [Im] going crazy.
The buff actor said hes put on 26 pounds since starting his training regimen the day after he finished filming Twilight and hes not done yet.
Its motivation for my passion [for] the character, he said. I knew it was a necessity for the character. Im stoked to be a part of this.
The web is abuzz that the coveted role of Leah Clearwater, the female werewolf in New Moon, may be going to either Vanessa Hudgens or Brenda Song. Both are 20 year old Disney alumni with singing/acting careers. Here are the positives for each actress as we see them:
Vanessa Hudgens:
* Native American Heritage
* As a singer, could contribute to New Moon soundtrack
* Given High School Musical role, there could be Werewolf Dancing !! (kidding )
Brenda Song:
* Black Belt Taekwondo ability, does some of her own stunts
* Strong reviews for Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior, in which she was the star
* Did we mention frakkin Taekwondo!?
Good news about New Moon from director Chris Weitz:
I'm very happy to announce that Taylor Lautner will be playing Jacob Black in New Moon and that he's doing so with the enthusiastic support of Summit Entertainment, the producers, and Stephenie Meyer.
The characters in Stephenie's books go through extraordinary changes of circumstance and also appearance; so it is not surprising that there has been speculation about whether the same actor would portray a character who changes in so many surprising ways throughout the series. But it was my first instinct that Taylor was, is, and should be Jacob, and that the books would be best served by the actor who is emotionally right for the part. I think that fans of Twilight the book and the movie will be surprised by the Jacob Black that Taylor will bring to the screen in New Moon; and I'm looking forward to working with him and the rest of the cast in realizing the film.
very best
Chris Weitz
I'd just like to add that I was very much a part of this decision. My first priority was always what was best for New Moonwhat was going to give us the best possible movie. I'm truly thrilled that Taylor was the one who proved to the director, to Summit, and to me that he is the best possible Jacob we could have. And I'm very much looking forward to seeing what he's going to bring to Jacob's character this year.