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Yep it’s official. Stephanie Meyer, the author of the mega successful ‘Twilight’ series has confirmed on her website that actor Taylor Lautner will be reprising his role as Jacob the Werewolf for the second installment in the series. ‘New Moon’ director, Chris Weitz and Meyer have this to say:

Good news about New Moon from director Chris Weitz:

I’m very happy to announce that Taylor Lautner will be playing Jacob Black in New Moon and that he’s doing so with the enthusiastic support of Summit Entertainment, the producers, and Stephenie Meyer.

The characters in Stephenie’s books go through extraordinary changes of circumstance and also appearance; so it is not surprising that there has been speculation about whether the same actor would portray a character who changes in so many surprising ways throughout the series. But it was my first instinct that Taylor was, is, and should be Jacob, and that the books would be best served by the actor who is emotionally right for the part. I think that fans of Twilight the book and the movie will be surprised by the Jacob Black that Taylor will bring to the screen in New Moon; and I’m looking forward to working with him and the rest of the cast in realizing the film.

very best

Chris Weitz

I’d just like to add that I was very much a part of this decision. My first priority was always what was best for New Moon—what was going to give us the best possible movie. I’m truly thrilled that Taylor was the one who proved to the director, to Summit, and to me that he is the best possible Jacob we could have. And I’m very much looking forward to seeing what he’s going to bring to Jacob’s character this year.

- Steph

So finally, we have an answer. Team Lautner wins! He must be pleased that all his hard work has paid off. Congratulations Taylor! Michael Copon will just have to find other film roles.

It seems its getting closer to being bad news for fans of Taylor Lautner (pictured right) as Jacob in the next ‘Twilight’ movie installment: ‘New Moon.’ Reports are surfacing again of Michael Copon (left photo) replacing the fan popular Lautner because the character of Jacob the werewolf matures and changes so fast in the sequel. New director Chris Weitz and the movie studio feel it would be too much time and money to use Lautner in the role when Copon already has the body and an ‘older’ look.

I would hate to see Lautner lose the role, but at the same time, the character physically changes so dramatically in ‘New Moon’  (not just when he’s the werewolf,) I think it might make more sense for Copon to be chosen. Lautner has said he is working on his body – working out and adding muscle – to show Weitz and the movie studio he can still be Jacob. I still like Lautner better, but I guess we will all know for sure in March, when filming begins.

Nothing in Hollywood is guaranteed and it seems being a part of the super successful film ‘Twilight’ doesn’t mean you will be granted that same role in the next film, as hottie Taylor Lautner is finding out. For the sequel, ‘New Moon’ Lautner has to beef up his body to play the part of Jacob Black the werewolf and the actor is currently meeting with new director, Chris Weitz, to prove his abilities.

“I have been working out. I’ve been working out since the day we finished filming Twilight. I just weighed myself today; I’ve put on 19 lbs.,” Lautner told MTV on Wednesday night at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s Salute to Young Hollywood.

Lautner is currently in competition for the part with actor Michael Copon of ‘Scorpion King 2′.