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May 12th, 2010
12:32 PM ET
Report: Salary disputes may get in the way of a fifth 'Twilight' movie
According to THR’s Esq. blog, Oscar winner Bill Condon is already on board to direct two parts of “Breaking Dawn,” and Summit is close to giving Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner lucrative contracts in order to keep them around for a fifth "Twilight." The first “Breaking Dawn” would come out as scheduled on November 18, 2011, and the second part would bow in theaters in November 2012. The problem with payment comes up with some of the supporting cast, THR said.
While Peter Facinelli, who plays head-vamp-in-charge Carlisle Cullen, and Billy Burke, who plays Bella’s dad Charlie Swan, are signed on to do a fifth installment, Ashley Greene (Alice Cullen) and Kellan Lutz (Emmett Cullen) are seeking a bigger piece of the "Twilight" profits. Summit, as we’ve seen in the past, is not afraid to recast roles. Rachelle Lefevre, who used to play the vampire Victoria, was given the boot after two films when her reps tried to negotiate her salary, THR said, and if those attempting to play hardball aren't careful, they may face the same fate.
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The biggest question surrounding the last film in the “Twilight” franchise - which would be based on "Breaking Dawn," the 700-plus page final novel - is whether or not the movie will be split in two. Summit Entertainment is hoping to squeeze a total of five films out of Stephenie Meyer's four-book young adult series, but reported salary disputes are putting a roadblock in the studio’s plans.
Of all the characters cast in this franchise, Ashley Greene as Alice was absolute perfection. Ashley is, quite literally, the embodiment of Alice for me. She portrays her PERFECTLY and looks EXACTLY like I pictured Alice and it would DEFINITELY effect the film if they re-cast this role. Especially since this is one of Alice's biggest roles! She's such a key part of Breaking Dawn and you have to really FEEL something about what happens concerning Alice and the Cullens. It's nothing like recasting Victoria, whose role was really pretty minor as far as face time.
Kellan as Emmett I could take or leave; I think I'm just used to him being Emmett at this point more than I feel passionately that he should remain as Emmett. That being said, Emmett gets a lot more face time in Breaking Dawn as well- and a LOT better scenes! Especially in Part 3. 😉 Re-casting now would change the feel of those scenes entirely, as the connection wouldn't seem as strong between characers to a viewing audience.
I agree with most others: stick to your guns, guys!!! Especially you, Ashley! The roles are bigger for this book, therefore your salaries should reflect that! Don't let them convince you otherwise! Pay up, Summit! These actors- and these ROLES- deserve the best!
Like they can't afford to give pay raises.....give me a break. Both of these characters have big roles and both were cast perfectly. I like Dallas Bryce Howard too – but she just isn't Victoria.
Summit is making big bucks off this series. Stick to your guns guys.
I agree with Twifi- recast the makeup artist. The Cullens as a whole looked way better in the first film. Edward looks crazy in New Moon, and from what I can see, he will likely look that way in Eclipse. And what have they done to Carlisle's hair? It's getting progressively worse as well. Can the makeup people- quick!
I think Summit should not screw this up. The sequels won't be the same if these two major characters' portrayers are replaced. What are they thinking. Why can't they just finish shooting the movies to complete the series. Summit sucks...
I completely agree about the whole "ego" thing.. I had no idea who any of the twilight crew were before this movie. They make more than most people and they are so fortunate for what they do have... lets not push it. Look around and be thankful for what you have and how fortunate you are to make what you make. Which is more than most.. As far as the whole recasting possibility.. If they do that I wont be as big of a fan as I am now.. I hate it when they do that. Ruins the whole movie. Nobody wants to have to wonder if the person in the sequels is "Victoria" or a new member. Its ridiculous and I think once they are in they are in. Otherwise it just gets stupid and I know im not as excited to go see any of the sequels.. Just my point of view.
As much as other Twilight fans might hate me for this, Kellan and Ashley need to be careful about playing hardball in this case. Emmett and Alice (as well as the rest of the Cullen family minus Edward) are much bigger characters in the books than they have been in the movies. In the interests of editing, their screen time is pretty minimal, which means that execs would be a lot less fearful of recasting them. Their parts probably have a lot more visibility in Breaking Dawn (considering 90% of the book takes place at the Cullen’s home!), but considering how close they were to recasting Taylor after the first movie, they shouldn’t be quite so sure of their positions. For heaven’s sake, he plays one of the three main characters! If he wasn’t safe from recasting, then no one is. These movies are built on an already established franchise. Some fans might not like it if they recast Emmett and Alice, but they would still go see the movie. I like both and thought they were well cast, but it they take it too far, all they will get is a pink slip.
I know this comment is going to be met with tons of opposition....however, I haven’t liked Kristen Stewart as Bella from the start but now she is Bella in the series and the fans (including myself) associate her and her mannerisms in general with the character. The same would be true with Alice and Emmett. It's similar to Harry Potter when Dumbledore was replaced (unavoidable of course – due to death) however, the man they case to replace the original was NOT as good because I (as a fan) was accustomed to the original.
I’m also going to take this opportunity to get on my soapbox to say READ THE BOOKS!!! Don’t rely on the movies! They are great but they pale in comparison to the books – no pun intended.
Actually, I heard that Rachelle asked Summit if they could wait. They never got back to her on an answer and just replaced her.
As for the discussion of whether Summit should agree to the actors offer or whether the actors should accept Summit's......it is a business people. When you are up for a salary raise in your company, I hope you take a look at how well the company is doing and your part in that. Screen time is only part of what the actors do to make the film successful. Also merchandise and other tie ins play a role in the profits for Summit. Did any of the actors get a percentage of that in their intial contracts?
Do I know if $4 milion is reasonable? Do I know if $1 million is reasonable? No, but I do know that these are negotiations and the first offer is not always the final one (think of selling/buying a house or buying a car, hopefully you don't accept the very first offer).
Summit has shown questionable judgement regarding the budgets for these films from the beginning, IMHO. They were completely unprepared for the amount of money that Twilight made, and as a result cheaped-out on the effects. AAfter the huge profits generated from Twilight and New Moon, are they actually concerned that Breaking Dawn won't make money? Give me a break!
One of the best things about the Twilight movies is Catherine Hardwick's fantastic casting of the Cullens. Why ruin a winning formula? If they are really that concerned about it they should offer Lutz and Greene a percentage of the profits - of course, if they do that Summit could actually end up paying more than is currently being asked for. - It would serve them right for being so greedy.
As I understand it (and from what I have read online from news agencies) all contracts were renegotiated and everyone was given a pay increase after the first film. Is was at THAT time that everyone was contracted for 4 films. LeFevre (Victoria) was recast because she had signed to star in another film WHILE she was already commited to Eclipse during pre-production (a no-no). Evidently the actress thought she was so important that they would wait. They didn't. It has also been reported that all cast members has been offered 10 times MORE then the last contract they signed. Nikki Reed (Rosalie) has already agreed to this. They will be getting a reported $750,000 to $1,000,000 for each Breaking Dawn film. These two are hold outs asking for twice that. I understand trying to get more money but they aren't the "big three" players and were virtually unknowns prior to the Twilight movies. I think they should just accept the pay increase and be thankful.
eh, whatever. alice and emmett don't really have as big a role in the movies as they did it in the books. if they were to be recast, i would only notice because of reading this blog entry.
For me, I believe that these actors should be just thankful that they have jobs. They don't have to compete with the main casts because that is pointless. Besides, there are many much talented actors out there who can also bring the character/s to life.
As a fan,(and I totally HEART Ashley as Alice) yeah it seems like it's screwed if there will be a recast but I kinda don't care because I'd still watch it anyway and YOU will TOO! So to Summit, do what's best business wise and we fans will still support the franchise.
I just want to say... that the 2 of them should just be happy for the fame and what ever fortune they get from these movies... dang I didn't even know who they were before Twilight... and I'm sure I'm not alone in that... oh and I'm from Jax, Fla like Ashley Greene and if what they're offering her aint enough maybe she should come home... and be the girl who played a good role in an awesome movie but let her ego go to her head...
nobody cares if they recast minor roles. those actors are being stupid. pride comes before the fall and they become nobodies in hollywood. All so they could get a few hundred thousand more?
Well since acting talent didn't get in the way of the 1st four....maybe this is a good thing....
oh for god's sake! who cares. they are all horrible actors including rpatz. jesus. the movies are horrendous. these kids are greedy little brats. they should be grateful for the acting gig. who knows when another will come along. ( hopefully never )
i'm for replacing them. other than edward and dr. cullen, the other actors cast as cullen family members are horrible. it is very obvious that they brought in second rate actors that weren't demanding big paychecks. summit wasn't sure that the franchise would fly so why take a chance on casting good actors?? stupid decision. anyone that would cast ashley green for a primary character like alice is crazy– twilight was her FIRST job and it shows. and i'm with you Twifi– the make up and wardrobes are terrible. weren't the cullens always wearing light colors in the books? in the movies they're in old styles in dark colors and look like freaks. there is so much more that summit could have done with this franchise. i've been disappointed from take one.
That's just like the actors to ask for a raise, this is how it was with "One Tree Hill" actors get greedy and thus, they are replaced by the dime a dozen wanna be actors waiting for an opportunity
PLEASE RECAST THE MAKE UP ARTISTS INSTEAD!!!! Am I the only one who thinks that after Twilight they made the Cullen's look like FREAKS?! They are yellow eyed emotionless wierdo's. I thought they looked fine in the first movie...I mean, they are supposed to be beautiful and blend in. I found scenes with Edward, Alice, Carlisle and Jasper very distracting they look so wierd. New Moon was bad and the trailer for Eclipse looks the same. PLEASE bring back the Cullens from Twilight...
THAT WOULD BE A BIG MISTAKE! IF THEY WERE TO RECAST I WOULD NOT WANT TO RUIN MY THOUGHTS OF THE BOOKS AND FIRST TWO MOVIES BY WATCHING BREAKING DAWN WITH DIFFERENT CASTS. I LOVE TWILIGHT PLEASE DON'T RUIN IT FOR ME.
Crud! I thought "Twilight Zone" at first!
Ashley Greene and Kellan Lutz are right to ask for more money. Both of them are perfectly cast. It will mean less money for the franchise if they replace them as the fans will be highly upset. Fans were already grief stricken with replacement of LeFevre and her role was minor. Both Greene and Lutz are KEY personalities that CANNOT be replicated – they shine in their roles. They absolutely deserve to get a bigger cut as they bring a defining pizzaz to the movie. Be careful, fans will rebel...they're teenagers afterall...or even worse, super loyal smart older women!!!
Summit realizes that the fans will come no matter who's recast outside the big 3. It's just a point-of-fact. If you're a true Twilight fan, you are willed to see these movies. Yes, there will be a lot of fan discussion and letter writing, but they'll still put themselves in the seats.
The Twilight franchise is making big bucks. I say give them the raises! Ashley Greene (Alice Cullen) and Kellan Lutz (Emmett Cullen) are important to the storyline. The Powers that be, don't screw this one up. Twilight won't be the same if you change the characters. How much profit do you need to make Summit Entertainment? Let's not get greedy. Finish the whole series of books into movies and make the public/fans happy and you will be rewarded in the future with your future movies. Don't mess this one up!
Who cares. Twilight is for little girls.
All of the coverage points out that LeFevre was replaced, and that therefore Lutz and Greene can be too. What everyone is forgetting is that Victoria wasn't a Cullen; Alice and Emmett are. Fans won't just roll over if these roles are recast. These are a couple of the most popular characters, and so are the actors who play them. It would be a very, very stupid move to replace either of them.
People didn't lose interest in LOTR waiting for the 3rd movie. In fact, I thought it would have sucked if I died before seeing the third; not knowing how it ended since I didn't read the books. I doubt they will lose interest if Breaking Dawn is a year apart.
They really need to keep the fans in mind when they start toying with these crazy ideas! After all, we are the ones who go out and pay to see the movies! And if Breaking Dawn is in 2 parts, why would they space them a year apart? People will go crazy and loose interest!
they can't get rid of ashley and kellan!alice and emmet wont be the same!