Summit's reply to Rachelle Lefevre's 'Eclipse' statement: Them's fighting words!
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The Dish Rag just received this latest missive from Summit Entertainment about Rachelle
Lefevre's recent comments about being replaced by Bryce Dallas Howard as Victoria in "Eclipse."
"Disappointed" is the word Summit uses, adding that Rachelle's decision to discuss her version of the scheduling challenges publicly has forced the Studio to set the record straight and correct the facts.
Ready? Here's their official statement:
- Ms. Lefevre's representatives were advised as early as April that THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE was expected to start shooting in early August.
- If Ms. Lefevre was, as she describes "passionate," about being part of THE TWILIGHT SAGA, we feel that she and her representatives would have included us in her decision to work on another film that would conflict with the shooting schedule of THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE.
- It was not until July 20th that Summit was first informed of Ms. Lefevre's commitment to BARNEY'S VERSION, a commitment we have since been advised she accepted in early June. Summit had acted in good faith that she would be available to fulfill her obligations both in terms of rehearsals and shooting availability for THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE. We feel that her choice to withhold her scheduling conflict information from us can be viewed as a lack of cooperative spirit which affected the entire production.
- Furthermore Ms. Lefevre took a role in the other film that places her in Europe during the required rehearsal time, and at least ten days of THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE's principal photography. This period is essential for both rehearsal time with the cast, and for filming at key locations that are only available during the initial part of production.
- Contrary to Ms. Lefevre's statement, it is simply untrue that the Studio dismissed her over a ten day overlap. It is not about a ten day overlap, but instead about the fact that THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE is an ensemble production that has to accommodate the schedules of numerous actors while respecting the established creative vision of the filmmaker and most importantly the story.
The fact remains that Ms. Lefevre's commitment to the other project - which she chose to withhold from Summit until the last possible moment - makes her unfortunately unavailable to perform the role of Victoria in THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE.
What do you think?
Who's right, who's wrong and who cares?
Full Comic-Con 2009 coverage all weekend from Zap2it & Syfy and Hero Complex.
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Bryce Dallas Howard to be the new Victoria in "Eclipse"
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So, I have gone back and forth in regards to who is to blame for this situation. I came to the conclusion that the truth probably lies somewhere in between both Rachelle's and Summit's version. I fully understand the uproar among many of the fans(I love Rachelle's version of Victoria) and I also respect the fact the Summit is a business and must conduct that business as they see best. However, I also believe that Summit is more than capable of working around an actor's schedule when it suits their purpose. Exactly how did they get another actress(talented and lovely as she may be) hired an negotiated so quickly? I have no intention of boycotting the series or sending in 50,000 postacards and letters. I don't have time for that. I will say..or ask.....PLEASE, find a way to bridge the gap and really listen to what the fans are begging for, PLEASE allow Rachelle to once again step into the role we all love to see her in and watch her cause wonderful havock in Eclipse.
I think Summit did the right thing. Bryce is a much better actress than Rachelle anyway. She shouldn't have withheld the info until the last minute. Instead, she should have asked Summit first to see if it would be all right to take the role in another film. Rehearsals and preparation for the role takes a long time. How can she be mentally two completely different characters at the same time?? I think she disrespected the twilight fans and Summit and all the actors that are doing the film. They were respectful enough to not take any other roles during the scheduled shoot. At the end of the day, Rachelle did a poor portrayal of the character Victoria. She's not what I imagined Victoria to be. I think Bryce will do a great job. She can be intimidating. She kicked *** in the terminator film. She is also very pretty. :) Additionally, Rachelle's comment was very inappropriate and forced Summit to give a honest reply. It sort of puts a bad taste in everyone's mouth. Rachelle should have known better than that and just kept things to herself, or at the very least expressed her opinions in a much more respectful way.
I still think Ms. Lefevre is justified in her feelings about being replaced. With the way Summit has acted in the past in bringing the Twilight Saga to life, it is another mark against them. I don't see Ms. Lefevre purposely jeopardizing her role, and not just because it is a guaranteed money maker for her.
Summit just blew it big time. It's excuses. If this were Robert, Kristen, or Taylor they would gladly accommodate. Actually, they did this for the actor that portrayed James in the first Twilight film.. somehow I think they just wanted to replace Rachelle.
Summit Entertainment = Epic Fail
I CALL BULLSH*T! CAN SUMMIT DENY THAT IT HAS SPOKEN IN ANY WAY, SHAPE OR FORM, PERSONALLY OR THRU AN INTERMEDIARY TO RON HOWARD? CAN SUMMIT PLEDGE TO THE FANDOM, THAT IN NO WAY WILL RON HOWARD BE INVOLVED IN ANY FUTURE PRODUCTION OF TWILIGHT OR ITS SPIN OFFS AND FORTH COMING BOOKS?
we believe that bryce houston howard has unduly lobbied for this job, with the help of her rich and and powerful parent...
Summit sucks. They are the devil. I hate what they did to Rachelle. They are trying to pin this back on her and it's not her fault.
Victoria is Bella's enemy in New Moon and Eclipse - is changing actors a good idea? I don't think so. When you establish a cast, make sure you do your best to keep it.
Rachelle Lefevre's is the ONLY Victoria!!!
Bryce Dallas Howard will never be accepted as Victoria.
Big thumbs down to Summit. They need to make it work.
I think it's the agency that's messed up...or have been trying to play hardball w Summit - who can't afford to allow anyone to mess up their shooting schedule at this point. They have to churn out the movies as fast as humanly possible - the cast cannot grow too old in the meantime. So I guess the Rachelle/Victoria- situation is being used to set an example to the rest of the cast. "Remember who's in charge"-kind of thing....Ms Lefevre's agent should have seen this coming. I stronglly suggest that she looks for new, more savvy, representation.
I just hope this doesn't make the atmosphere on the set go sour...We so want the loving to go on.....
I Hate Rachelle Lefevre And She Wants Me To Follow Her On Twitter And That Ain't Happening. She Is A ***** For Saying That She Wants A Petition. She Just Wants The Fame And The Money I Found Out That She Dosen't Even Like Twilight. I Repeat That She Is A Big Huge ***** For What She's Saying, I Could Make A HUGE Chapter Book With All The Bad Stuff That She Is. But The Biggest Ones Are *****,Retarded,Fat,And Ugly. She Would Make Twilight Crappier Than It Already ******* Is. She Is A Pretty Face And She Has To Make A TOTAL Makeover Of Herself Beacause She's Ugly. Okay?I Think I Made My Point 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