XAVIER SAMUEL CONFIRMED AS RILEY IN 'ECLIPSE'

Just yesterday we told you that Xavier Samuel had reportedly grabbed the role of Riley in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, and now we have confirmation that the reports are, in fact, true! Xavier himself has commented on and confirmed the news, and according to the Twilight Lexicon, Summit has also verified these reports. Read below for more:

The 25-year-old Adelaide-born and Sydney-based actor’s career has so far focused on small and independent Australian films.

The vampire movies have already made hot properties of Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, the latter now comes with his own travelling pack of obsessive teen fans.

“I’m in a bit of a daze but it’s a wonderful bit of news,” Samuel exclusively told Confidential from Los Angeles last night.

Samuel has only recently hit Tinseltown after appearing in five small Australian films including Newcastle, where he played a Goth teenager among a group of surfers, September and the upcoming Road Train, where he stars as one of a group of teens terrorised by an out-of-control truck.

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In Eclipse he takes on the role of a newborn vampire named Riley, a good-looking university student involved in a plot to kill Stewart’s character Bella.

Samuel is still getting his head around the Twilight phenomenon.

“I managed to catch the film on the way over on the plane,” he said. He admitted he’s not read any of the best-selling books of the series - yet.

“I’m going to start reading the first one tonight.”

SOURCE

Edit: Summit has confirmed the news in an official press release, which you can read here.

And what does Rachelle Lefevre, who will work alongside Samuel as Victoria in New Moon, have to say about the new casting? She responded to the news on her Twitter earlier today:

So unbelievable happy about Xavier cast as Riley!!! He is so lovely & talented & perfect for the role. Ladies, hold on to your hearts…

It’s nice to have confirmed news! So those of you who were happy about the formerly unconfirmed casting, now you have a reason to celebrate! Xavier definitely has the look for Riley and it’s great to hear how happy Rachelle is since they will need to have a special bond for the film. I’m already (im)patiently waiting for November, and now I’m dying for the Eclipse release date! What can I say, I’m greedy.

How do you feel now that this news is confirmed? Are you looking forward to seeing what Xavier brings to the film?