AceShowBiz Reporting:

As soon as Summit Entertainmentcame out with the official release date of “New Moon”, casting reports for the first “Twilight” sequel rushes in. In the latest update of the sequel, MTV News has confirmed that both “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” star Ben Barnes and “The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior” actor Michael Copon are on the run to star in the movie. 

27-year-old Barnes reportedly is eyeing to join the vampire drama series as a mind-reading vampire named Aro whose encounter with Edward and Bella in the movie helps to shape their destiny together. Meanwhile, 26-year-old Copon is campaigning to play the new Jacob Black the studio are looking for in replacement of Taylor Lautner. 

On the omission of Lautner’s name from “New Moon” official synopsis, Summit revealed to MTV that it is intentional and was not a typographical error. Explaining on the matter, the studio’s representative shared, “The casting decision in regards to the character Jacob Black has yet to be made.” 

Following the romantic story between Bella Swan and Edward Cullen once again, “New Moon” will focus on personal conflict Bella experiences. Left devastated by the abrupt departure of Edward, she is drawn to Jacob Black, who happens to be one of the werewolves, the ancestral enemies of the vampires. 

The production is scheduled to begin in the coming months for November 20, 2009 release. Penned by “Twilight” screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg, this next Summit romance drama will be directed by “The Golden Compass” director Chris Weitz and sees the return of Robert Pattinsonand Kristen Stewart as the unlikely lovers.

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According to Ryan Seacrest on his syndicated radio talk show, actor Taylor Lautner, who played the character Jacob in November’s hit “Twilight” and was expected to reprise the role in the saga’s later installments, will not return in the second film, “New Moon.”

Summit Entertainment, the studio behind the “Twilight” franchise, allegedly paid leading man Robert Pattinson too much money to keep him for the next three films and could not afford the rest of the cast, Seacrest said.

“Twilight” director Catherine Hardwicke was confirmed to not be returning for “New Moon” last week because she could not commit to the release schedule Summit wanted for the film.

In “New Moon,” Jacob (who Lautner played in “Twilight) plays the leading man role in the absence of Edward (Pattinson) — the love interest of main character, Bella.