Bryce Dallas Howard is stepping into the role of Victoria, which was originally played
by Rachelle Lefevre for the third installment of the
Twilight saga. Bryce, daughter of
Ron Howard, will portray the bloodsucking bad girl in
Eclipse. "Rachelle brought Victoria to great screen life, and Bryce will bring a new dimension to the character," says Erik Feig, president of worldwide production and acquisitions for Summit Entertainment. "The franchise is lucky to have such a talented actress as Bryce coming in to fill the role." Rachelle reportedly dropped out of the third film due to a scheduling conflict.
Twilight fans weren't the only ones surprised by the news that Bryce Dallas Howard was
replacing Rachelle Lefevre on the third film
Eclipse."I was stunned," says Lefevre in a statement. "I was fully committed to the
Twilight saga."
Lefevre, who played villain Victoria in the first Summit Entertainment-produced film and its upcoming sequel
New Moon, said she turned down "several other film opportunities" and accepted only roles with short shooting schedules to make time for
Eclipse. "I am hurt deeply by Summit's surprising decision to move on without me," she says.
Summit said the actress was leaving because of a scheduling conflict with her upcoming film
Barney's Version, which begins filming the same day as
Eclipse.
But Lefevre says her commitment to the indie film was only less than two weeks. "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," she adds. "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."
Lefevre, however, says she "will be forever grateful to the fan support and loyalty" and "I wish the cast and crew of
Eclipse only the very best."
(
source)