![Inside the ‘Twilight’ Casting Room: Taylor Lautner and the Battle for the Role of Jacob Black 2 jacob auditions](https://i0.wp.com/theubj.com/uae/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/jacob-auditions.jpg?w=1170)
The name Taylor Lautner is synonymous with the werewolf heartthrob Jacob Black from the beloved Twilight saga, yet few are aware of the intense competition he faced to secure—and later retain—this career-defining role.
In the original Twilight film, released in 2008, Lautner captured the imagination of audiences worldwide with his portrayal alongside lead stars Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson.
But it was the sequel, New Moon (2009), with its demanding physical transformation for Jacob, that nearly led to Lautner being replaced. With the character’s transition into a muscular werewolf, Lautner was required to undergo a considerable physical overhaul to convincingly depict Jacob’s evolution.
Lautner’s dedication to the transformation—and support from co-star Kristen Stewart—was decisive in his continuation with the franchise. His recent candid reflections on the recasting fears offer insight into the backstage drama.
Out of curiosity, who else was in the running for the part of Jacob Black? We delved into the casting history and identified the trio of actors who could have played Jacob, including Stephenie Meyer‘s initial pick, the candidate who was close to taking Lautner’s place for New Moon, and an actor from the popular series Teen Wolf.
To discover more about these other contenders for the role of Jacob in Twilight, continue below.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
- Who is Taylor Lautner?
Taylor Lautner is an American actor and model best known for his portrayal of Jacob Black in the Twilight movie franchise. - What character did Taylor Lautner play in Twilight?
Taylor Lautler played the role of Jacob Black, a young werewolf, across the Twilight film series. - Why was Taylor Lautner almost replaced for the second Twilight movie, ‘New Moon’?
There were concerns about whether Lautner could physically embody the drastic change seen in his character, Jacob Black, who transforms into a larger, more muscular werewolf in the second installment. - How did Taylor Lautner manage to retain his role in ‘New Moon’?
Lautner undertook a significant fitness regimen to build the muscle required for the part, and with Kristen Stewart’s support, he convinced the producers to keep him in the role. - Were there other actors considered for the role of Jacob Black?
Yes, our research reveals that there were at least three other actors who were up for the role of Jacob Black in the Twilight films.