Howard, Bryce

Summit Entertainment is moving fast with their Twilight cast. Eclipse is already set to start filming August 20th and the studio is already making changes. Fan favorite Rachelle Lefevre will not be returning for the third installment of the Twilight series as Victoria. Instead, she will be replaced by Bryce Dallas Howard.

Summit says: “Rachelle brought “Victoria” to great screen life 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 on PerezHilton.com Rachelle speaks about how the recast was a surprise even to her!

“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 ‘Barney’s Version’ is only ten 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. 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.”

Seems like a rash move on Summit’s part. Bryce Dallas Howard is Ron Howard’s daughter, could that have played a role? What do fans think about this recasting?