Will he or won't he be the next Jacob Black in the Twilight sequel, New Moon? J-14 snags an exclusive interview with Michael Copon to get the scoop on whether he'll be taking over for Taylor Lautner.
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J-14: Everyone's putting you up against Taylor Lautner - why do you think you should be Jacob?
Michael: I have nothing against Taylor personally. I think he's great and tremendous at what he does. But it's just adjusting to the fact that Jacob has to grow. It's a matter of going with the storyline. It goes with the territory. I see so much in Jacob Black that I feel like wasn't brought to the first film that if I had the opportunity, I would totally create an amazing character. He's more than just a guy who walks around and smiles and likes Bella. It's just too one-sided. It's two colors and I feel like Jacob is full of a hundred colors.
J-14: What else would you bring to this film?
Michael: Of course, I would be honored and ecstatic to play the role if Summit chose me because I think with the experience I got from Scorpion King 2, I Iearned how to carry a film from start to finish. Plus, it was a very similar role - Heroic warrior who had passion for someone. It's a similar story in a different realm with werewolves. I would be fun to play this dark yet romantic story. And people are starting to take into consideration that I look exactly like Taylor. If you look at some pictures of us, you will be confused. Not to mention the other day, I ran into someone who knows both of us and said, "Hi Taylor." I was like, "No, I'm Michael."
J-14: Taylor's been bulking up to try to get the role. Have you been preparing in any way?
Michael: If anything, I feel like I need to bulk down. Right now I'm close to 200 pounds of muscle. Taylor's probably what, 140, if he's lucky? I'm already 200 pounds, so there's no need for me to get any bigger. Plus he's 5'6" and I'm 6'2". In the book, he grows eight inches and I'm exactly eight inches taller than Taylor. Huge difference.
J-14: Jacob is an American Indian character and Taylor has some American Indian blood in him, what is your background?
Michael: Growing up on the East Coast, I have some American Indian on my mom's side. Virginia is where Last of the Mohicans took place. All the people out there have Indian blood mixed in from years and years ago. If you look at my mom, she's super tan with blonde hair.
J-14: Is what we're reading in the blogs an accurate account of what is going on behind the scenes of you getting this role?
Michael: There's no auditioning going on, it's a lot of talking. My representation has been talking to Summit and they're hearing that I'm one of the first picks. I got offered CSI: Miami recently without auditioning, so a lot of great things are coming without auditions. But I wouldn't mind going in and showing them what I've got. At the same time, it would be really great if they saw my work and trusted me. It would make me feel like they look at me more as a team player.
J-14: How familiar are you with Stephenie Meyer's Twilight books?
Michael: I've read the first one and I've dabbled through the Cliffs Notes of the second and third ones. I haven't had time to actually sit down and read the whole book, but I kind of know what happens.
J-14: If you get this role, people will no doubt compare you to Rob Pattinson. Are you ready for Team Mike verses Team Rob?
Michael: (Laughs) I've seen Rob out here and there and we've hung out and had great conversations. Funny enough, before I knew who he was, I said, "I'd be excited to play a part in Twilight 2" and he said, "Oh yeah, I'm in the first one." I was like, "Who do you play?" He's like, "Edward." I felt so bad! But if there is Team Mike verses Team Rob, I think it's only for the better of the film. Friendly competition!
