Summit EntertainmentWe're over the New Moon!
Taylor Lautner, whose normal-shaped incisors still left fanggirls panting for more in Twilight, will get the chance to morph into a werewolf, according to 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," Weitz announced Wednesday in a post to Meyer's website.
There had been some doubt as to whether the 16-year-old would be asked back for the Twilight sequel, which will force Jacob to grow in both character and sheer physical size.
Lautner told MTV News recently that, while he can't automatically grow hair, he's been bulking up in anticipation of continuing in the role.
"My job for Twilight was to bring Twilight Jacob to life—the friendly, happy-go-lucky little Jacob,'' he said. ''My job for New Moon is completely different. I've been looking forward to that. I've been getting ready for it, and I can assure them I will follow through with that.''
Lucky for him, the director and the suits writing the paychecks agreed.
"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," Weitz wrote. "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."
Let the Edward vs. Jacob-as-hot-hairy-guardian debate begin.
(Originally published Jan. 7, 2009 at 5:22 p.m. PT)