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REELZ CHANNEL DAILIES: CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING NEW MOON

Posted December 29th, 2008 By: 36 Comments »

Reelz Channel has a new video about the controversy surrounding New Moon.

(thanks Anitamichichi)

The video wraps up recent events in the Twilight world, including how much the movie made which prompted Summit to announce that New Moon would be made. They also cover Chris Weitz replacing Catherine and Taylor possibly being replaced by Micheal Copon.

Reelz Channel mostly focuses on fan reactions to the above happenings.

No new information is included but I enjoy hearing fans’ opinions.

New Moon has been rather controversial so far. I’m hoping it all settles down so they can get to work producing the movie we’re all anxiously awaiting.

Do you feel like fans are overreacting to Catherine, Chris and Taylor? Do you think Summit should listen more to the fans?

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Christy

I absolutely think Summit should listen to the fans as much as possible. We’re what makes this successful, we’re the reason for this. If we’re not happy, they’ll be wasting time and money. I understand that they can’t make everyone happy but when the general consensus says something, it’d be in their best interests to listen.

And I don’t think most fans are overreacting (aside from a few extreme cases.) These movies are something really important and special to us and it’s normal to feel strongly.
athena-lexy

um… yes i think the fan are WAYYYYY overreacting! CH was the worst thing that could have ever happened to twilight- i thank the heavens above she’s gone. i kid you not, i actually “YAYed” out loud when i found out she was gone. i could go into all my reasons why i fee like this, but it would be a book long post if i did, lol.

as for should summit listen to the fans- honestly… no. look at the casting of Rob for example… he wouldn’t have ended up as edward if they listened to the fan that time. they obvs know what there doing far better than 98% of us do!

as for taylor, sorry to make everyone hate me- but who cares! the kid was in the movie- like maybe- a total of 7 min… maybe. i personally didn’t get that attached to him. if they keep him- great! if not, i’m gonna be okay and still enjoy NM for all it’s worth.
twilightmama

I think Summit needs to greenlight a MUCH higher budget. $50m? I’d say more like $125m to make New Moon a really decent flick.

I am not thrilled about Chris Weitz. I hope he steps away from his prior deeds and recognizes what is truly important to us as fans. I also hope he realizes what is movie vs. what is ‘reality’ for many.

I never liked Taylor as Jacob. He bugs…
kerri

The fans are what made Twilight as big as it is. I dont think were over reacting about Cathrine or Taylor, but I also agree with Summit that we deffinatly need to move forward for the sake of the Saga’s progress. Change is an uncomfortable thing, especially when you had such a powerful combination that works. But New Moon is a new flavor, and a few new ingrediants need to be added, if that means a new director, personally Im happy about that, that Im all for progress for the better of the movie. I want it to feel sad and desperatly ainxious through out New Moon, not tweeny with alt-rock in the back ground! I agree with Twilightmama, Im shocked it didnt get a bigger budget, $50mil, what were they thinking for such a heavy CGI movie?
neetabug

$50m is an insult. This is the movie that introduces those honking great werewolves – for $50mil we’ll be lucky to get german shepherd pups.

As for Taylor – he’s a cute kid, but honestly, I just can’t take him seriously as an alternative love interest for Bella. Either get an older much taller actor or drop the character. Taylor would make a good Seth …I love Seth.

….and Chris Weitz? The more I read about him the less I like the idea of New Moon being in his hands.
Ashley

I thought for such a small budget, Twilight was amazing. Catherine Hardwick did a superb job. And I completely agree with the guy in the video who commented that Twilight was more about teen angst than fantasy; I don’t want the books I cry over to be made into a corny Narnia flick. I don’t think the fans are overreacting, because there are really only two big demands they are making: 1) Stick to the book and 2) Keep Taylor Lautner.
Claire

I think up to a point the studios should listen to the fans. Otherwise fans could financially impact their futures. I am also glad Catherine is gone. They totally changed Jacob and Bella’s storyline. In the book there was much more of a connection – in the movie I did not see any connection between the two characters. Also, seriously what was with the makeup job on Carlisle. It looked like they just through flour at him. They need a bigger budget and better makeup techniques.
Carly

Yeah, I think fans are way overreacting. Seriously, the studio knows what it’s doing. They know how to make good movies. That’s what they’re in the business of doing. I think they need to listen to fans about certain issues (like swaying too far from the story line, etc.), but as far as casting and budget, that’s not the fans’ decision to make. How can you know if someone will be good in a role just by looking at pictures? I think we all found that out with Rob Pattinson. Seriously. If they had listened to the fans, he wouldn’t be cast. And how can you decide if someone will be a good director just by focusing on one past movie? I mean, seriously people, did Catherine direct any Oscar nominated films before this one? Did any of her prior films have any special effects in them? For some reason, it seems Twilight fans are really quick to overreact and profess doom and gloom and in the end things always seem to work out. It’s really annoying.
Dorothy Hoskin

They’re totally picking our reactions based on what they want their article to say. For the fans who were sad to see Catherine go, there were just as many who were THRILLED. Yeah she can shoot teen angst, but I think it’s much more important for a director to be able to SHOOT a FRAME.
Vickee

I think that Taylor is too young to play Jacob for the most part of the second movie. I just re-read New Moon over the holidays and the way Jacob ages, he looks 25! There is NO WAY Taylor could pull off 25, I am sorry to all the Taylor fans out there, he is a cute kid, and pulled off Jacob at 15 great! As for Catherine. I do respect her as a director and think that she did the best she could with the budget she was given. I don’t really care who directs New Moon as long as the movie comes out great. As Athena-Lexy said above about Rob, she is completely right! I love Robert as Edward, but I came into the books once the movie was already cast, so it wasn’t a big deal to me, I liked him since Harry Potter as Cedric. Anyways, I think people are making too big of a deal out of everything!
Kristin

I think they should listen to the fans because if they don’t New Moon isn’t going to make as much money as it could. If it flops, then they won’t continue making the rest of the movies. If you think fans are getting this upset over a new director and Taylor, then imagine if we don’t get the other two movies!
Michelle

The main things that Summit needs to stick to:

1. Keeping Taylor as Jacob – Hello! Special effects!

2. Not adding additional Edward scenes.

3. Reign in the out of control stars before they ruin the magic of Twilight.

Other than that, I feel like Summit did a wonderful job on Twilight and if they stick to the integrity of the story line, New Moon should be a success as well.
anonymous

KEEP TAYLOR!!!!!!
LeeLee

A lot of overreaction from some fans. People saying they will protest the film and refuse to see it if Taylor’s not in it. Ok so you’re a Taylor fan not a Twilight series fan to me.
As for him being in New Moon, I hope the director will screen test him with Kristen to see how their chemistry is and whether he has the acting chops to carry the movie. They have to carry most of the movie together. That’s what they did with Rob and Kristen, so I think it’s important to do the same with Taylor. I don’t understand why people are so confident that he can carry the lead, what evidence do they have? He had a lot of one liners in the movie, and a scene where he describes the Cullen and Quilete past (in which you don’t see much of his face) and then a few lines in the end (to be honest the way he said “we’ll be watching you” was sorta cheesy trying to be tough). Leave it to the professionals who know how to cast a movie and can recognize acting ability to decide whose best for the movie.
I’m pretty sure most fans are just sitting at their computers making comments (like me!) and have never been involved in the movie business so when people act like they know better than directors and producers it’s really laughable.
HELLO!

You can’t keep Taylor as Jacob … there is no way the kid can look 25. It’s just not going to happen. I don’t think Summitt realized what a hit they had on their hands or that there was potential for a second movie. If they had, they would’ve found an actor who could look 15 and 25. Taylor just doesn’t cut it. Michael would be a great Jacob.
Sara Lynn

Look they can keep Taylor, it’s a movie for crying out loud which is suppose to be creative. And plus it’s not his movie to carry, Kristen Stewart is suppose to be the lead, this is Bella’s story not Edward’s or Jacob’s. I think ashley greene said it best when she said that he should stay as Jacob and that his physicallity was meaningless and so did larry carroll who said sure what’s his face may have the look, but you can’t knock Taylor for giving Jacob a face and living the role. I guess it’s easy for a minority to throw someone under the bus when they carry the water for your product. Plus I’m sure the cliff notes makes someone so much more qualified to “carry a movie” . This is a fan driven franchise and Chris Weitz technically does not have the much clout anyway after her burned the fans of His Dark Materials. Sure some people may be going to the extreme but that’s their right, even WB is still filling the burn from pist off fans and influential podcast that actually have fandom clout, they at least tried to asuage the fears of the HP fandom, but these people are out for a buck and could care less apparently, but they have drawn this out on their own accord and it will be their hell to put out so let it be. So while peoople chastise at least Taylor can find comfort in the fact that a common consensus of a solid majority wants him to develop Jacob’s character, that is something that his detractors and ousters do not have, loyalty goes a long way
stephaniann

i personally am very glad that they decided to replace CH. i think she did a decent job with the movie…considering the budget that she had to work with…BUT i definitely think it could have been SO much better! i hope that Chris does his best to stick to the book…that is my only concern. i dont think that summit should listen to the fans: two things: 1.they know way more about movies and what works than the rest of us do. 2. i really doubt that there will be this huge boycotting of the movie if taylor is not in it! fans will still come out…i dont care what they say now! but, what do i know; i didnt really care for kristen’s protrayal of bella! but thats another story for a different time!
holly

Fans are WAY overreacting. I think Chris will do a much better job on New Moon. I think he will be able to add just what it needs. As far as Taylor…love you kid, but you’re too young and small to play that party. Jacob is supposed to be like a foot taller at the end of Twilight which was not the case in the movie and if he changes so drastically what’s the big deal if they change actors? He was only in the movie for a little bit. Not a big deal!
admommy

Sara Lynn I could,t have said it better myself. I know that Taylor can’t grow any faster but he has the heart and he is putting his all in this role. He had 4 maybe 5 scenes and he researched more fore that time alone. Michael has read the ” cliff notes “. I think that some fans overreacted but Summit should listen because there is more the one way to see a movie

hint hint
Jane

There is major overreacting regarding Taylor. Look, with a 50 million budget they can not bear to spare a cent on CGI for Taylor and – sorry – it is VERY important what his looks and size is! It is repeated a lot in the book how freaked out Bella is getting by his drastic change! She barely recognizes him! It is PERFECT to put another actor in at this point! It will be something not done before and will be a very cool effect – no CGI needed!!!

Please re-read the book if you don’t see this! You cannot ignore it because you think Taylor is cute! He was barely in the movie and did not develop anything. And I laugh at those who have said he can stand on a soapbox. What?!? And… not ever move?

Besides, no way is he competition for Edward. Just not believable… He is not mature enough. He creeps me out.

And Give Chris a chance. He will do no worse than Catherine and he may do a lot better.
hey

HELLO .. taylor was trying his hardest.. an i think thats what the movie needs.. if it makes the fans happy do it.. because with out them they would not be a twilight movie.. they did their best an i loved it.. it would be awful if they changed ANY of the cast because people are lookin forward to seein the same faces.. i personal would go watch it.but i would be very disappointed with it.. i love taylor an all the rest of the cast.. an i think they should keep things the same.. no matter what people say.. or How much “money” they have .. it ain’t about the money!..
Tara

Sure maybe some of the demonstrations have been overboard, but the majority of he fans, and its well over 90 percent are outraged. Chris Wietz will get his chance to redeem himself for burning up His Dark Materials which was deemed the next Harry Potter.People can say that Taylor’s size matters, but it still want kill the plot no way no how and it want change the outcome of the story. Ashley Greene said it herself about her character and the others, so make of that what you will when his fellow cast mates are pulling for him as well. I’m glad that he didn’t have to say a word on a myspace page or facebook or demean anybody for a role he had won when he actually auditioned compared to braggers and detractors who want him forced out of something he earned and with someone who claims he just that good, he doesn’t have to audition. And if this is how Copon calls himself running a campaign for the role, well Taylor apparently has the superior pr campaign with a great majority of the fandom behind him. This is a fan driven franchise and the fans need to be respected and overall the majority has spoken, they want Taylor to reprise his role as Jacob Black. He probably inspired alot of people when he told Larry Carrol he wasn’t just going to concede the role and roll over because he isn’t what a small some interpret Jacob to be. He wants it and the majority is glad he’s fighting for it and they are praying for him all the way. And if this wasn’t a big deal the majority of the fandom wouldn’t be against. Let’s see whether they slap the fans in the face.
jennifer

If the producers had listened to fans we never would have had Pattinson as Edward! And he WAS edward! I really hope Jacob is recast. He was perfect as young Jacob, but not even kind of close as New Moon Jacob.
Let the grown ups handle the big decisions.
not the tweens.
Jane

Please try to understand. It IS about the money if you use Taylor! He will need CGI or whatever and that costs a lot of $$$. The budget is not big enough and the reason to keep him is not good enough. He simply is NOT right for the part. If New Moon were the first book, he would never have been picked.

And I really doubt 90% are pulling for Taylor either… You only hear the squeaky wheels.

As for his castmates pulling for him… what do you expect them to say???

Let the movie makers make the movie how they see fit! If you refuse to see it, it is not fair to Stephenie or the other castmembers!
Adrienne

I somewhat agree with Jennifer. Taylor was great as a YOUNG Jacob, but he wasn’t close to the mature, husky voiced Jacob that we encounter during New Moon. The character not only physically grows, but emotionally changes. I don’t really know if Taylor is the best for that…to me he’s a bit to feminine and a bit too…well, young (I think a recast would be in the best interest of the film).
I do, however, understand the devotion that Team Jacob fans feel.
The new director is a disappointment. Did Summit not actually see The Golden Compass? While the CGI was decent, the script was horribly done (something that it has in common with Twilight), and it lacked substance. I do understand that the next few movies (due to werewolf involvement) will be CGI heavy, but I hate that they focus more on the action/fantasy portions of the film than the ROMANCE (which is why we ALL fell in love with the series)
HONESTLY, I’d settle for Catherine (who’s a mediocre director) and Taylor as long as we’d get a new SCREENWRITER!!!!! Twi-core fan girls could film it on a Handy cam as long as we had a decent script (and could actually stop touching R-Pattz long enough to film).

Let’s just try and give it a chance…I mean, after Twilight…we need better!
leslie

I REALLY hope they don’t replace Taylor but if they’re going to I wish they would just let us know already!!!
Andi

I’m all for replacing Kristen Stewert =D
Maybe we can trade her in for someone with a more feminine voice and more emotional range (in pain doesn’t constitute a range does it?). Bella was supposed to be happy through out the movie, with a twist of angst, not angsty with no smiles and no i love you.
Let’s keep Taylor and trade in Kristen!

and did anyone else think the video was a bit ridiculous?
Rebecca

Change is a rather unpleasant thing in any forum. I was happy with what Twilight was, but it could have been more. Now, I don`t know if it was the script or the direction, but the series can go in a different direction.

I wasn`t pleased when Chris was appointed because The Golden Compass came to mind, but other Twifans have made me see the light. It was New Line Cinema`s fault, IMO, for not wanting to offend the Catholic Church. Besides the graphic`s in The Golden Compass were pretty awesome. The only thing bothering me now is the small budget.
Midfan

After reading through the comments I’m surprised that no one talked about how Summit maybe should have replace Melissa Rosenberg as screenwriter. I surprised more fans aren’t yelling for Mellissa to be replaced. CH did do a pretty good job with the low budget even though the movie was a bit sloppy (some of that may have been the rushed time table she had to work with too), but much of the complaints listed above really go back to the script. I liked Kristen as Bella but really Melissa did a much better job with Edward and Charlie’s characters than Bella’s. Maybe she just doesn’t write women as well, or maybe she just couldn’t get a feel for Bella because she is a vessel to tell the story, but whichever it was she is now in control of New Moon – basically ALL Bella – lets hope Kristen is up to playing a major role of depressed girl when all your personality is stripped away. Besides sticking to the basic storyline maybe fans should ask for a second screenwriter be brought on board.
Cali

They need to Keep Taylor Lautner. He embodies everything that Jacob is, fun, carefree, full of smile and sun. He has great chemistry with Kristen Stewart too. Jacob’s height had little to do with why Bella loved him, it was because of his PERSONALITY and that most important part is played perfectly by Taylor Lautner.
Jenna

Did they really go into the twilight online world to see what people were posting? Everyone’s glad that Catherine got the boot.
But everyone wants Taylor to stay. Okay, everyone as in 92% of everyone. But that’s more than majority, and Summit should just stick with Taylor because at least he’s not concieted like Michael Copon is.
courtney

i think Summit should listen to the fans more
most of want taylor back, and New Moon is basically all Jacob
so if they change the Jacob we love, to someone a lot of us don’t want, it’ll just ruin it
and I agree with Jenna, Michael Copon is conceited, and i really don’t like him
Taylor’s really nice, and so much like Jacob, Taylor just fits. Michael Copon doesnt.
Tammy

Michael Copon does seem conceited, but isn’t that kind of what Jacob is in New Moon? Taylor can stay or go as far as i’m concerned, he’s an adorable kid, but thats what he is a kid. Jacob is for the most part a man in New Moon. I’m starting to think some Twilight fans are in a bit of denial… they need someone who looks 25 years old. And thanks to Summit, they don’t have enough money for CGI on Taylor. Next point: Summit needs to up the budget, give us what we deserve, they have made 200 million dollars! And are only sparing 50 million on the movie… stingy much?
Shaan

Michael Copon, in my humble opinion, would make a great Jacob. Jacob after change needs to be snide, overconfident, concieted, a little scheming but still have that thing about about him that makes him Bella’s Jacob. Copon fits better than Taylor. Geat over Taylor guys, its not his book neither his movie. He made a good young Jacob but a werewolf Jacob he is not. Now what i am interested in is who they cast as the 3 Volturis, particularly Aro. I would also like to see a new Sam. The Sam in Twilight is young and thin as a stick, i imagined him older and much more bulky. I hope the fans stick by New Moon, it would be disappointing if Summit left the series incomplete due to poor response, i am aching to see Bella as a Vampire.
girl

I think Miachle make a great jobac, ub Tayler lautner is too ( al lhe actors are weil lstie,d I lvoe robet and kriestn steat and ashley green) I’m team Edward and like ja b ub yeah these might be rumors
Midori

I think most teen adore Taylor. I’m not a teen, and I don’t adore Taylor. I think Michael Cupon would of been better in the long run. Taylor has a mans body in a kids face. It’s his body wasn’t the best thing for him…but see what you do to get the part….