It would be nice to clear it with the original actor first. Summit Entertainment, however, did not follow this advice. They decided to hire Bryce Dallas Howard to replace Rachelle Lefevre as the Bella-hating vampire Victoria in the third Twilight installment, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse. Summit says it was because of scheduling conflicts with Lefevre; she had apparently taken a role in the indie Barney’s Version. But today Lefevre’s made her own statement, via E! Online:
“I was stunned by Summit’s decision to recast the role of Victoria for Eclipse. 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 10 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 10 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.”
Yikes. The E! Online story goes on to explain that according to sources, Summit was looking for ways to cut costs and when this opportunity with Lefevre arose, they went for the path of least resistance. Hmmm, methinks something’s afoot.