How Old Was Taylor Lautner In Every Twilight Movie?

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The “Twilight” film series holds a unique place in the hearts of many, with its vivid portrayal of vampires sporting striking red eyes and the notion that werewolves could bond with anyone irrespective of age. Bella Swan’s (played by Kristen Stewart) love affair resonated deeply among readers and viewers as she persistently urged Edward Cullen (portrayed by Robert Pattinson) to turn her into a vampire, which he consistently declined. It wasn’t until Bella pledged to marry him that he consented, but this decision led the couple down a new path filled with fresh complications.

In another twist of affection, Bella’s longtime friend, Jacob Black, portrayed by Taylor Lautner, left an indelible mark in the storyline. Fans found themselves divided over who Bella should end up with, particularly during the tumultuous times depicted in “New Moon”. While Edward is the alluring stranger she encounters at school, Jacob represents a familiar figure from her past before moving to Arizona. They share a history, and the dynamic of childhood friends transforming into lovers has always been captivating in literature.

Instead of most actors playing teen roles nowadays, Lautner was genuinely 16 when cast as Jacob. He shared the same age as his character, maturing alongside him as Jacob’s role expanded within his community. As filming took place rapidly between 2010 and 2011, he spent his adolescence bringing the wolf shifter to life on screen.

Taylor Lautner was almost replaced after Twilight

When the filming of the “Twilight” saga concluded in early 2011, Taylor Lautner was 19 years old. However, his role for all five films wasn’t secured easily. The actor has been candid about nearly being replaced after the first movie, not due to his acting skills. In the second book and film, “New Moon,” Jacob undergoes a major physical change as his wolf gene becomes active, granting him the ability to transform. This transformation speeds up puberty, resulting in a more muscular physique that appears almost overnight, contrasting with the lanky character audiences initially meet.

In a chat on “Call Her Daddy,” I shared that they contacted me saying, “Thanks for your contribution, but we’re re-imagining the character for the remainder of the series.” At 16 years old, it was quite a shock. They planned to replace me with an actor in his mid-20s to continue as Jacob throughout the franchise. I had to stand my ground and reclaim my role.

I was fortunate enough to learn about this early on, so I immediately started working out and bulking up for “New Moon” right after wrapping up filming for “Twilight.” In just nine months, I managed to add 20-25 pounds of muscle to my frame. But even with the new physique, I wasn’t guaranteed a comeback—I still had to audition again.

Taylor Lautner’s physical transformation came with new conversations

Taylor Lautner gained a more attractive image due to his new physique and the elimination of the often ridiculed Jacob wig. His character, as well as other Quileute wolf transformers, were frequently seen without shirts, only wearing denim shorts or gym shorts. This led many mature “Twilight” fans to start viewing the 17-year-old character in a sexual manner, following the portrayal of Jacob post-transformation and Taylor’s physical appearance.

During my involvement with the Twilight series, from age 16 to 20, I didn’t realize the impact of constantly showing my physique in the franchise would have on my body image later on. As “Jacob,” I was often seen without a shirt, and afterward, people compared my body in other films to my “Jackey” physique. This series had such a significant influence on my life that it became challenging for me to maintain a healthy relationship with fitness afterwards. The constant discussions about my body took a toll on my mental health, but luckily, my loved ones were there to support me during this time as I discussed on an episode of my podcast “The Squeeze.

Should you require assistance with eating disorders or mental health issues, feel free to reach out to the resources provided below:”

This version maintains the original meaning while using slightly different wording to make it more natural and easy to read. The emphasis is still on reaching out for help when needed, but it’s phrased in a more inviting and supportive manner.

  • The National Eating Disorders Association website or contact NEDA’s Live Helpline at 1-800-931-2237.
  • Visit the National Institute of Mental Health website or call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).

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2025-07-04 21:30