Celebrity4 min(s) read
Published 14:46 13 Dec 2023 GMT
Taylor Lautner recently revealed that he was close to being recast in the Twilight franchise.
In a new interview with Alexandra Cooper on the upcoming episode of her podcast 'Call Her Daddy', the 31-year-old opened up about potentially being excluded from the rest of the Twilight films after the debut movie hit our screens.
Lautner appeared alongside his wife Taylor Dome, when she told the host: "And do you know that he wasn't actually supposed to be Jacob through the rest of the franchise?"
"Wait, they were going to take you out?", responded Cooper, who couldn't believe the revelation.
The actor then went on to explain the thought process behind the entire idea of the re-casting, stating that the creators had called him and let him know the news.
"They called me and said 'Thank you for your participation, but we're recasting you for the rest of the franchise,'" he said.
"What? Because they thought you were so bad? But you were great!", Cooper stated.
"My character in the first book is supposed to be this 16-year-old, little, scrawny boy and then in the middle of New Moon [the second Twilight movie in the franchise] he transforms into this 25-year-old-looking, like built and muscular man," he explained. "So their plan all along was to cast a sixteen-year-old - which they did, I was sixteen at the time - and then they were going to cast a mid-twenties guy to carry on and be Jacob for the rest of the franchise."
Lautner then stated that he was forced to "fight for his role back" and "hit the gym."
The actor added that he was thankful that he started the muscle-building process straight after he finished the first movie as that helped his case massively.
But he also had his team to thank as they prompted the creators of the movie to "take a meeting with him" so they could see all of his progress in person.
That didn't mean it was easy though as he also went on to reveal that he had to re-audition, but he did have support from his co-star Kristen Stewart, who played Bella Swan in the franchise, so there was that too.
"It all worked out," Lautner added.
Have a look at the clip below:Of course, fans were glad the 31-year-old still managed to keep the role.
"They practically had him recast too. i believe it was gonna be stephen strait. i remember the fans online being livid they wanted to recast," wrote one user, while another added: "I don't understand how they think its a good idea to EVER recast a character. I won't even watch some things when they recast..."
A third also added: "I low key love that Kristen was like nah, he’s with us. He’s gonna read with me."
Prior to his stint in Twilight, Lautner had not really gained much fame in the industry. However, after portraying the ever-so-handsome wolf-human hybrid Jacob Black, he secured a loyal fanbase as well as multiple other opportunities.
In the end, though, he chose to take a step back from the industry and focus on his mental and physical health before finding the love of his life and starting a new chapter altogether.
While the star might have been out of the public eye for a while, his fans remain loyal to him and these days, he's focussed on starting a podcast with his wife, as well as some other small but notable roles, which included making an appearance in his ex-girlfriend Taylor Swift's music video for 'I Can See You.'
4 min(s) read
6 min(s) read
2 min(s) read
celebrity4 min(s) read
Published 09:53 15 Dec 2023 GMT
Taylor Lautner has opened up about his strained relationship with his Twilight co-star Robert Pattinson.
There might have been a long-standing rivalry between Team Edward and Team Jacob fans, but there was seemingly a reflection of that on set between Lautner, 31, and his vampire rival played by Robert Pattinson, 37.
Speaking during an interview on the notorious 'Call Her Daddy' podcast, the actor gave us a glimpse of what it was like being pitted against the British star.
"I don’t know for him, but for me at least it definitely, like, especially at the age I was at, like, you get your feelings hurt sometimes when you shouldn’t," he explained to the host Alex Cooper.
"But it’s hard not to sometimes. But, yeah, it was a little difficult," he added.
Lautner then went on to discuss how the reaction of fans unconsciously went on to affect them as young men.
"I think it was awkward at times for the two of us to be standing together on a balcony and having 10,000 girls booing Rob but then cheering for me but then this half, you know, booing me and cheering [for Rob], but then us having to have some sort of friendship. It was difficult," he explained.
Lautner also revealed he never formed a close relationship with Pattinson, because the pair are "very, very different people."
"We never really connected on a deep level just because we’re different humans," he explained, noting that his co-star "was always fantastic and the sweetest person ever."
Even with the rocky on-set relationships, Lautner emphasized how thankful he was for the opportunity.
Elsewhere in the episode, the former Twilight alum opened up about how he was almost recast in the franchise.
His wife Taylor Dome started the conversation by telling the host: "And do you know that he wasn't actually supposed to be Jacob through the rest of the franchise?"
"Wait, they were going to take you out?", responded Cooper.
The actor then went on to explain the thought process behind the entire idea of the re-casting, stating that the creators had called him and let him know the news.
"They called me and said 'Thank you for your participation, but we're recasting you for the rest of the franchise,'" he said.
"What? Because they thought you were so bad? But you were great!", Cooper stated.
"My character in the first book is supposed to be this 16-year-old, little, scrawny boy and then in the middle of New Moon [the second Twilight movie in the franchise] he transforms into this 25-year-old-looking, like built and muscular man," he explained.
"So their plan all along was to cast a sixteen-year-old - which they did, I was sixteen at the time - and then they were going to cast a mid-twenties guy to carry on and be Jacob for the rest of the franchise."
Lautner then stated that he was forced to "fight for his role back" and "hit the gym."
And with the help of his team, as well as Kristen Stewart, who was determined to have Lautner back on set with them, he managed to keep the role of Jacob Black.
Thank God, because Twilight wouldn't have been the same without him.
Lautner's 'Call Her Daddy' podcast episode is now available to watch and stream on YouTube and Spotify.
celebrity6 min(s) read
Published 16:44 24 May 2023 GMT
Taylor Lautner has hit back at a bunch of trolls after they made fun of his appearance on social media.
The 31-year-old star, who initially rose to fame as Jacob Black in Twilight, took to Instagram to address some pretty nasty remarks about his physical appearance.
"I just got back from a run. I was feeling really good about myself, you know, trying to stay healthy, both physically and mentally," Lautner began in a video posted to Instagram. "And I felt compelled to share something with you because when I got back from that run, I hopped on Instagram."
He then referenced a post that he saw online discussing his most recent appearance on the talk show Today alongside his wife - who is also named Taylor - where the pair discussed their mental health podcast, The Squeeze.
However, rather than the focus being on the great work he was doing with the love of his life, it seems as though some people were instead focused on something else entirely.
"I read a post from last week when Tay and I were in New York to do press about The Squeeze," he said. "And we went on this show, and they recently posted about it, and I was going through the comments and it brought up old feelings and memories why I don't look through comments, but I'm in a different place now, and I just felt compelled to share this with you.
"So I'm gonna, I'm gonna play a little, I'm gonna show you the comments and then I'll be right back."
The actor then inserted a few screenshots from the comment section of the video, censoring the usernames of those who critiqued his features.
"Damn what happened to him," wrote one troll while another added: "Dude did not age well."
Others also commented on his hairline and one user compared the Abduction alum to the animated rat, Ratatouille.
"Those comments are all from one single post, which is crazy, but that's the world we live in, and there's only so much we can do to change it," he continued in the clip.
He then opened up about how these comments may have affected him just a few years ago when he was in a "really unhealthy position," but thankfully Lautner seems to be in a better place now.
"I think what I really wanted to say is if this was, if this was 10 years ago, five years ago, maybe even two, three years ago, that really would've got under my skin, and it would've caused me to want to just go in a hole and not go outside," Lautner admitted. "Definitely don't do press and interviews and put myself in the position where, you know, I have to see that kind of stuff. But at a certain point, it was not even go out, not go to a grocery store, not go where if I was seen, you know, I could take a picture, and it could end up on the internet, and I would have to see that stuff.
"And that was a really unhealthy position to be in," he continued. "And the reason I was in that position, and the reason it affected me as much as it did, is because my value was in the wrong things."
Lautner then went on to speak about the importance of putting value in yourself.
"You find value where you put it, and if you put your value in what other people think of you, that's how you're gonna feel," he explained. "But if you put your value in you, knowing who you are, what's important to you, what you love, that kind of stuff won't get to you. And I'm just so thankful that I am in the place I am today where I can see that.
"And I'm not gonna lie, I'm not gonna say it doesn't bug me. I wouldn't be on here posting this video if it didn't bother me at all, but it doesn't make me question who I am, and it doesn't take anything away from me."
Concluding the video, he added: "So I think my biggest point is just think about and remember where you put your value in life. And also just be nice. It's not that difficult. Let's be nice to each other. Let's spread love and positivity. It's that simple. I love you guys, and I hope you have a great rest of your day."
Thousands took to the comment section to commend the star for his wise words including his wife who re-emphasized her love for him.
But one particular comment stood out amongst the rest and it came from one of the trolls who was called out.
In the comments section of Monday's video, the critic replied: "Hey @taylorlautner, I think it’s good that you called me out. I should have expressed myself differently and I never meant to hurt you in any way. The reason I wrote this was really because it made me realize that I aged as well. Because I grew up with you seeing you in my TV.
"When I see actors I used to watch grow old it reminds me of my own age," they continued. "I deeply apologize, and will watch my words in the future. I know they can harm a lot. I wish you nothing but happiness."
The internet could definitely be a better place if everyone was more like this.
celebrity2 min(s) read
Published 09:06 30 Mar 2026 GMT
Taylor Lautner has announced he’s expecting his first child with his wife, who also just so happens to be called Taylor Lautner.
The former Twilight star, who made his name on the hit franchise, shared the news on Instagram with a series of sweet photos alongside his partner and namesake.
The couple, who are separated by a five-year age gap, were seen smiling and walking through a scenic field, proudly holding up a sonogram of their baby.
In one image, Lautner is also pictured proudly kissing his wife’s stomach.
While the photos were enough to delight fans, it was the caption that really captured attention, and subsequently sparked speculation.
“What's better than two Taylor Lautners?” they wrote, leaving some wondering whether it could be a playful hint at their baby’s name.
Whether it’s a joke or not, fans couldn’t help but point out the possibility of a third Taylor Lautner joining the family.
The post also included a black-and-white photo of the couple laughing together, adding to the heartfelt announcement.
Messages of congratulations quickly poured in, including from Lautner’s former Twilight co-stars.
Kellan Lutz commented: “Congrats brother! It's the best!”
Nikki Reed added: “Oh my goodness, heart bursting. I love you guys. I can't wait to watch your journey as parents unfold…”
Mackenzie Foy simply wrote: “Congratulations,” followed by a star emoji.
Meanwhile, podcast host Alex Cooper shared her excitement, commenting: “SO HAPPY FOR YOU BOTH!!!!!”
In a past interview, Lautner’s wife, 29, revealed she wasn’t always on Team Jacob during the height of Twilight mania.
“I was too young for Jacob’s abs,” she admitted.
Lautner himself joked about the timing, saying: “Yeah, when I was walking around in my little booty jean shorts and ripping my shirt off and my abs were on big screens, she’s 11 years old, throwing a ‘Twilight’ birthday party.”
With a trio of Taylor Lautner’s excitedly being mooted by adoring fans, they will have to wait until the backend of 2026 to discover if the couple opt to bestow their shared name on their newborn baby, or whether they decide to go with something a little more original.
celebrity3 min(s) read
Published 15:18 21 May 2023 GMT
Taylor Lautner and his wife - who shares the same first and last name as her husband - have explained what people call them in order to identify them as separate individuals.
The Twilight star, 31, and his bride Taylor Lautner, née Dome, 26, tied the knot on November 11, 2022, at Epoch Estate Wines, outside of Paso Robles, California.
Mr. Lautner first met his wife while he was on a break from acting. "I wanted to take a step back and enjoy life and spend some time with my family and friends," he told People in January. "My sister Makena actually introduced us. She called me and said, 'Dude, I found your future wife. You need to meet this girl.' And the rest is history."
The pair went public with their romance in 2018, and Mr. Lautner popped the question on November 11, 2021, in front of a stunning fireplace adorned with rose petals and candles.
"And just like that, all of my wishes came true," he captioned a post on Instagram featuring two snaps of the moment he got down on one knee.
Mrs. Lautner shared one of the images on her own Instagram account, writing in the caption: "My absolute best friend … I CANNOT WAIT TO SPEND FOREVER WITH YOU."
Mr Lautner's new wife, who is a registered nurse, completed her studies in 2019 and publicly shared her gratitude to the actor for supporting her throughout her education.
She captioned a sweet picture of the two of them hugging each other: "Where to even begin... Thank you for encouraging me when I felt like quitting. Thank you for all the meals you’d make me when I was too busy studying.
"Thank you for quizzing me and trying to pronounce medical terms and abbreviations. Thank you for your calming hugs when I would be getting an anxiety attack. Thank you for supporting me endlessly. You mean the world to me and I wouldn’t be where I am today without you."
In August last year, Mr. Lautner revealed his then-fiancée would take on his last name after they married - meaning she would also be called Taylor Lautner.
During an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, he joked about their shared name, saying: "[I was] like, are you into this last name? Because we already share one name. So it's gonna be extra complicated. We're literally going to be the same person. We either keep it super simple or super complicated."
However, the couple have since come up with an ingenious way of making the name situation far less complicated.
Speaking on TODAY while promoting their new mental health podcast The Squeeze, Mrs. Lautner said: "We've kind of got 'boy Tay', 'girl Tay' going on and that was how they'd differentiate it but now I'm always girl Tay and he's always boy Tay even when we're not together," Mrs. Lautner Girl Tay explained on the show.
celebrity3 min(s) read
Published 16:23 13 Nov 2022 GMT
Taylor Lautner has made it official with his new wife: Taylor Lautner.
Per the Daily Mail, the Twilight star, 30, and his bride Taylor Lautner, née Dome, 25, tied the knot on Friday at Epoch Estate Wines, outside of Paso Robles, California.
Lautner first met his wife while he was on a break from acting. "I wanted to take a step back and enjoy life and spend some time with my family and friends," he told People in January. "My sister Makena actually introduced us. She called me and said, 'Dude, I found your future wife. You need to meet this girl.' And the rest is history."
The pair went public with their romance in 2018, and Lautner popped the question on November 11, 2021, in front of a stunning fireplace adorned with rose petals and candles.
"And just like that, all of my wishes came true," he captioned a post on Instagram featuring two snaps of the moment he got down on one knee.
Dome shared one of the images on her own Instagram account, writing in the caption: "My absolute best friend … I CANNOT WAIT TO SPEND FOREVER WITH YOU."
Lautner's new wife, who is a registered nurse, completed her studies in 2019 and publicly shared her gratitude to the actor for supporting her throughout her education.
She captioned a sweet picture of the two of them hugging each other: "Where to even begin... Thank you for encouraging me when I felt like quitting. Thank you for all the meals you’d make me when I was too busy studying.
"Thank you for quizzing me and trying to pronounce medical terms and abbreviations. Thank you for your calming hugs when I would be getting an anxiety attack. Thank you for supporting me endlessly. You mean the world to me and I wouldn’t be where I am today without you."
In August, Lautner revealed his then-fiancée would take on his last name after they married - meaning she would also be called Taylor Lautner.
During an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, he joked about their shared name, saying: "[I was] like, are you into this last name? Because we already share one name. So it's gonna be extra complicated. We're literally going to be the same person. We either keep it super simple or super complicated."
