When it comes to the sequels in a juggernaut franchise, it’s only a matter of time before money becomes the main focus of the talent involved, and complications develop.
And so it begins.
As you all know, Summit Entertainment wants to split the final movie in their series, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, into two parts so that they can cover more of the story and of course, so that they can add a few hundred-million dollars more to their bank account. But why has this two-part movie always been “hoped” for and not an official decision? Money, naturally.
When Twilight was first being made it had a big following behind the books, but the movie didn’t have a massive budget and its stars, who were signed on for a possible three films if the first did well, did not get paid a lot of money. The movie went on to pull in insane box office numbers, instantly creating a worldwide phenomenon and solidifying the birth of a franchise instead of just one film. This also lead Summit to smartly re-enter into negotiations with their stars to lock them up for a last movie based on the fourth book from author Stephenie Meyer.
Their only mistake was that they didn’t include the possibility of the final movie being split into two parts, and so here they stand, once again trying to lock up their cast for one more picture. The three most important cast members — Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner — are close to reaching deals for the extra movie…all of which are sure to be massive paydays.
Just as an comparison, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint are all said to have made $20 million a movie to do the two-part Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Along with the other movies, this put all three of the Harry Potter stars on the U.K.’s richest under-30 list along with…*drumroll*…Robert Pattinson, who was behind the trio on the list. Who knows where he’ll land after his Breaking Dawn contract is revealed.
Which brings us to the headline of this story: secondary stars. Peter Facinelli (Carlisle Cullen) and Billy Burke (Charlie Swan) are already distinguished actors and will never likely see the payday these kids are looking for, but they’re signed on and ready to go. On the other hand, some of the Cullen children including Ashley Greene (Alice Cullen) and Kellan Lutz (Emmett Cullen) are looking to get their hands on big checks as well — checks that Summit is not willing to cut.
According to sources, the payments offered to actors for the final movies are somewhere near TEN times what they were paid for the first movie, but that the number is still somewhat “offensive” considering the record-breaking coin that has rained down on the franchise. This is where the ice becomes thin.
Summit obviously wants all of its cast back for the Breaking Dawn home stretch, but the source claims that someone may just have to be sacrificed to show that they’re not screwing around, and that if they need to, they will re-cast the secondary roles. In the first movie, actress Rachel Lefevre was on-screen for about 2 1/2 minutes as Victoria, but her people demanded a major payday for future films. As fans of the series know, she was replaced by the far more-established Bryce Dallas Howard.
I personally have to imagine that this is all blown out of proportion and eventually some even ground will be reached. I don’t see Summit recasting popular roles and I don’t see these actors passing up a big-money opportunity to try and get more money. One or both sides will give a little here and there until there is an accord.
That, or fans will have to get used to some new faces very late in the game.
Twi-Hards — here’s your chance to shout out. What do you think of all of this? Do you agree with Summit or are you with the smaller actors playing hardball?
[Source: THR, Esq.]
Personally, I think Summit owes these actors tons of money not only because they made tons of money off these young actors, but also because look at how f’n horrible they did their hair and make-up in these movies?!!!!!
Comment by Empress Eve — May 11, 2010 @ 6:00 pm
I soooooooo don’t care.
Comment by me — May 11, 2010 @ 6:33 pm
I don’t think summit should give those two more money. I bet what they were offered was great but bc of egos they think they deserve more.
Comment by Lola — May 11, 2010 @ 6:37 pm
I think that would be devasting for the tru twi-hard fans. Can Alice and Emmett are loved by all and it would really suck if they decided they needed more money just because of one more movies. People would still watch the movie but it would be better if the whole cullen cast went all the way….
Comment by Candy B — May 11, 2010 @ 7:28 pm
@EE
it’s called style..and i like it. About the pay, yeah, well… they’ll be in like.. 5 movies.. not enough? Too bad..
Comment by ???? — May 11, 2010 @ 8:21 pm
I think when a movie hits big, a lot of times they forget those supporting actors/actresses that help make it that way! The chemistry of the Twilight Saga has been made with everyone as a group. It isn’t on the actors to downplay their role in the film… These actors were cast & have played a tremendous role. I love Robert & Kristen & Taylor, but they couldn’t do it all without the rest of the Cullens or the WolfPack! I hope Summit doesn’t disappoint their fans this late in the series. Pay the actors/actesses what they deserve, but you don’t have to let them be overpaid. Compromise & balance out. Kellan & Ashley mean A LOT to the series. And watching Kellan is always a plus onscreen. Something the series needs & should end with!
Comment by ToshyB — May 11, 2010 @ 8:46 pm
I think Summit should pay Kellen and Ashley what they want. They are going to make more if they stay and Kellen does great PR work for them. I think summit will miss out Much more than giving more money, if they choose to let them go.
Comment by Erika — May 12, 2010 @ 12:52 pm
Please keep Ashley Greene and Kevin the chemistry between ALL the cast members is what made the first two movies such a crazy hit!
Comment by Jocelynn — May 12, 2010 @ 2:05 pm
I think the series would not be justified if Kellan and Ashley were not a part of the movies. They have been identified with the character’s they play and do a great job. The reason they could replace Victoria is because she is not an intrical part of the movie. She is not one of the “Cullens”. I am sure they will work something out. I hope they do anyway because I want the cast to stay the way they are. Kellan is smokin hot and I am sure they could not replace him with just anyone. Ashley fits the part so well to that she coud not be easily replaced. They have the “chemistry” as a family and if they want the box office to go down, try replacing the main characters.
This is why Harry Potter does so well. The core actors are the same, I am sure R. Patz would still be in Harry Potter if he was one of the main characters. But he was killed off as Cedric in the book and the movie.
To sum it up, pay the actors and Summit will get a great box office return. Replace the actors and several of us will not go to the movies, just wait until it comes out on video. A $1.00 retal VS a $12.00 ticket.
Comment by Billie — May 12, 2010 @ 6:06 pm
I think the movie will be a big disapointment if the replace Kellan and ashley are replaced! They both play a big roll in the movie. I’m a big fan but I don’t think I’ll be able to enjoy the movie. I think they should be paid what they deserve. I love ashley and kellan. I want them to stay
Comment by Esme — May 12, 2010 @ 8:31 pm
I think that the actors should stay in the movie but deal with the pay they get. Honestly, though they are the Cullen children, how many lines do they get per film? Ashley Green is the only Cullen child that got maybe 10 minutes max in screen time in New Moon. Kellan has 2 second one liners, even though they are funny so he shouldnt be asking for a lot. So maybe Ashely should get a bit more if she’s a character in the film for more than 10 minutes this time. However, in Breaking Dawn, Alice leaves for a lot of the book so I don’t know what she expects because when she does come back, I still don’t think she’s a key player in the scenes
Comment by L.R. — May 12, 2010 @ 9:19 pm
Personally I think they should take what they are offered & be happy for the money & work. I mean look at all the people in the world that don’t have jobs & need money to feed their families & they’re whining cause they may get only “x” million of dollars instead of maybe “xxx” million of dollars…I mean come on, most of us would love to have even a fraction of what they’ll get paid & hell most of us won’t make that much in a lifetime. Not to mention the mega boost in their careers they’ll probably get which will lead to them being offered more roles. They’re greedy & that will get them no where. As far as Summit, replace them or don’t replace them it doesn’t matter. Yeah some fans will be upset if they replace them & even myself would like to see the same people playing the same characters again but in all reality it’s not going to stop someone who really likes the movies from seeing it.
Comment by Jeana — May 14, 2010 @ 11:39 am
I think that there needs to be a compromise here. It may seem like the actors are being greedy, but lets face it..they gave life to some belioved characters and they should be paid what they are worth. Also, you only have to open your eyes in nearly any shop in town to see the merch- the Twilight cast is Everywhere!! How much of that profit do you think the actors see?
It would be a serious dissapointment to hear they’ve recast Alice and Emmitt..especially so late in the game, and as their roles in the story are so much bigger.
Comment by Cherie — May 14, 2010 @ 2:51 pm
I would be sad if ashely and kellan were not to be in the movie we all know ashely as alice and she play’s an awesome alice and kellan play’s an awesome emmet but thinking of time wise here they need to hurry up and settle this dispute. if they plan on starting to shoot the film this Nov. that is only 6 month’s awaY they need to think about audition’s for a bunch of vampire’s on the way I am not someone who know’s alot about all that goes on in making a film but I would think they would want this resolved so they can go to tnhe next step. that is my opinion
Comment by pennyjo — May 17, 2010 @ 2:08 pm
Summit will mess up big time if they replace these two. The crap is already hitting the fan on the web.
As for Victoria. really? She said maybe 20 words in Twilight and New Moon all you seen was her running and then in the ocean. You could put a red wig on a donkey and no one would care.
If the Cullen’s get replaced, there will be back lash. Alice is a following favorite.
Give them the money for crying out loud.
Comment by Tina — May 18, 2010 @ 1:54 am
I think they should do whatever it takes, within reason, to keep all of the original cast members. Being a TRUE Twilight fan, it wouldnt be the same if they changed the characters in the last film. Thats not the best note to leave the movie on. I hope they get it all worked out, because I am truly excited for the last few Twilight films to come out!!
Comment by Jerra — May 19, 2010 @ 1:23 am
It does not matter how many lines that they speak. All of the Cullens are important to the story. If you have read the books you would know this. Summit had better not fuck things up and recast any one else even if its to prove a point. If they do…well i hope the movie does crappy in theaters and sells no DVDs any where in the world…
Comment by Mike — May 20, 2010 @ 5:24 pm
I think everyone should get paid equal amounts.
Comment by Dell — June 1, 2010 @ 6:17 pm
I’m not going to be happy if they recast anyone. I like who they have. I agree with Mike. I mean, I’m still gonna see it, I’m not gonna boycott it cuz they have different people. But it’s not going to be the same.
Comment by Lizzie — June 16, 2010 @ 5:14 pm
You are right, They replaced Victoria but on of the of cast members would be a terrible. I would have to think twice about seeing the movie if anyone else is changed.
Comment by jeannie — July 25, 2010 @ 8:35 pm
I think they need to let them have more money. It’s important to keep the key characters the same. I mean, I got a little upset even when they did the recast for(almost Jacob) and Victoria! It’s goofy I know, but if she’s in the first two, why not the third installment, it was one more movie, and she was done? lol. But I guess what I’m trying to say is… KEEP THE MAIN CHARACTERS THE SAME! I don’t think it would blow over so well if you changed a main character this late in the game. Especially two of the Cullens!
Comment by K.S.C — October 13, 2010 @ 11:58 pm
Me personally i would be offended if they do cast new people to play those roles. i actually like ashley green and Kellan lutz playing their characters and i do think that they should be paid what they are worth. besides they are a major role in this movie too.
Comment by Nik — December 9, 2010 @ 1:40 am
why change amazing actors? they dont need to change.they deserve the money,if hey change Ashley Green and Kellen Lutz I’ll probably think twice abou seeing the movie too.
Comment by Autumn — May 31, 2011 @ 2:00 pm