Deadline Hollywood’s Nikki Finke has some news on Taylor Lautner’s latest projects (which at this rate you need a score card to keep up with!):
Last week Nikki broke the news about Abduction, she wrote:
“Lautner plays a teen who has long felt disconnected from his parents, and figures out why. That unleashes a chain of violent events and enters Bourne territory. Considering he just got on the Hollywood radar because of the Twilight Saga (imagine, he was almost recast before New Moon) and just days ago blew out the candles on his 18th birthday cake, Lautner with his 8-pack abs is the newest and youngest action star in a dizzying volume of movie deals made over recent weeks. He’s already the lead in two major studio superhero franchises — Universal’s Stretch Armstrong and Paramount’s Max Steel..”
Today Nikki has some more details on how it’s not quite a done deal yet:
“On the Lautner front, a deal for Shawn Christensen’s spec script should have been wrapped up by now, but it’s not. I’m told that’s because the Lautner camp has been steadfast on getting the $7.5 million quote established by Skydance for Northern Lights. Studios are understandably hesitant. It’s a lot of money for an 18-year old who hasn’t yet proven he can carry a film by himself, yet is on a salary trajectory rarely seen especially for someone so young. ..”
So what do you think? Despite his current age of just 18 does Taylor have what it takes to carry an action movie? In all likelihood he’ll be 19 or 20 by the time his multiple projects are filmed and then air.
I am a huge Taylor/Jacob fan, but honestly, he hasn’t had the opportunity to carry a film on his own yet. I think he did a good job in New Moon, but I would still question him in a starring role. He has yet to prove himself alone. I think he would do well, but I can certainly see why studios are e skeptical. I do believe he deserves a shot. He has been quite impressive so far and I wish the best for him.
Honestly, I am mostly a team Edward fan, but Eclipse is my favorite book because of the tent scene with Jacob, so I guess I switch back and forth. But when I saw New Moon-Taylor blew me away as Jacob! I think he made Jacob so much more. I love how haggard he looked when Bella confronted him about ditching her. I was a little disappointed in the beach scene with Bella and Jacob in the movie Twilight so I think Taylor has improved tremendously and I believe he could carry a movie on his own. GO TAYLOR!
I agree with you, TwilightRocks. I did NOT like Jacob’s character in the books, even though I understood where he was coming from. He was fighting a battle that he had NO chance of winning. BUT…Taylor Lautner’s portrayal of Jacob in New Moon temporarily won me over to his team. (Temporarily! LOL Not permanently.) I have a soft spot for Jacob now after seeing Taylor bring him to life on the big screen. I’m curious as to how I’ll feel about Jacob after Eclipse. Will Taylor do a good job of bringing Jacob’s horrible side out? If I get really angry with Jacob, then he will have succeeded. Jacob’s actions in Eclipse were HORRIBLE!
But…I’m not sure Taylor is ready for $7.5 million. I think he needs to mature as an actor a little more before he takes on that much acting responsibility in another film. He had a built-in fan base with the Twilight films. Not so much with something entirely new.
But I love the little guy and like all the Twilight cast, I would love to see him succeed and build a strong career.
This twi-mom thinks he has the acting chops to carry a movie on his own given the chance. He has proven diligence in what needs to be done for a character’s development. He has a very good work ethic and he has always handled public relations with an ease that equals the seasoned actors he has worked with.
I think Taylor could absolutely carry a movie by himself. People questioned his ability to pull the role of Jacob off in New Moon and he was incredible. Given the chance, he will totally rise to the occassion. He is such a great actor, and not just for someone his age. But considering he’s only 18 he is just going to get better and better
He has the chops to carry an action film. Why not? Shia did….
Lets face it. Taylor has yet to prove himself in holding BO without Twilight in the title. I can see why everyone is nervous. I think he is moving too fast and aiming too high way too fast. He is going to burn out like other actors who have done the same before him have done. Taylor slow down please dont ruin your career. He could have great career but not like this. I think he can hold BO but it still has to become a reality.
I agree greta, he needs to slow down. Take a few lessons on acting (don’t hate me for saying that) but some of his acting still looks a little over done to me. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a great Jake, he just needs a little work yet. Then again, who I am to say what he needs? Go for it dude!
I would probably tone down the 7.5 million. They are really pushing it for someone who hasn’t proven himself. I love Taylor to bits, but if that’s going to become a regular asking price, his career WILL burn out sooner rather than later. I think he has great potential as an actor, I just think he needs to hone his skills a little further. I can understand the companies reluctance.
He definitely has the determination to succeed, but that won’t always be enough. We need raw talent- and I think with a bit of work he could definitely show us that. But perhaps he is signing up for too much too soon. I’ve been saying that since three contracts ago, lol. It won’t do him any favors in the end- people will get sick of seeing him everywhere, no matter how talented he is in front of the camera’s. It’s inevitable.
I have to say that if this is true, 7,5 million is a bit too much. Taylor hasn’t carried a movie on his own yet, so I’m surprised he has been given this many big projects already. I really don’t know if Taylor can bring people to see a movie, especially as the films he has chosen are not targeted on the Twilight audience. He’s so young, I wish he had taken a couple of smaller parts first…
I am of two minds here. First, the studios came after him. And they came after him because of his tremendous popularity in the Twilight franchise, in other words, THEY are trying to cash in on HIM. That may be worth 7.5 million, because in effect they are using his “star power” to make/create ‘bank’ for their films.
Second, Taylor is good. He proved that with his character development from Twilight to New Moon. He saw what he wanted and did what was necessary to achieve it. Also, in watching interviews and comic cons, he seems to handle himself very well. None of that, however, negates the fact that he is quite young. There is still a lot for him to learn. I’d like to see him over the long haul. He is signing up for a lot. Youthful energy is one thing. Respecting your body and spirit is something else all together.
Bottom line for me: No one knows what Taylor Lautner is capable of better than Taylor Lautner, so Taylor, if you feel you are up for all this and truly can hold your 7.5 million end, then go for it. Just respect your needs and your acting chops while you go for it.
That was my twenty-five cents worth.
I agree.
The summary for Abduction sounds great actually and perfect for Taylor’s aspiring action movie career, imho. I cannot imagine another teen star doing a better job with that type of role. Besides, it sounds a bazillion times better than Stretch Armstrong (ew!), which could potentially ruin his action career before it starts. I think he ought to concentrate on landing really good action roles like Abduction and prove his chops in those roles first, in order to gain the reputation he needs to demand $7.5 million+ per movie thereafter.
I’d really like to say yes, he’s up for anything!!! But in reality, I don’t know. After he did SNL a few months back & then partied with the crew all night long, at 17. I don’t know if he’s mature enough to say “NO” to the temptations that accompany fame. I’d like to say he he would, but I don’t “know” him. I think his acting is literally off the charts & his dedication proves that he’s up for anything they throw at him, as far as acting goes. But whether he’s up for it emotionally, thats up to him.
I think he’s got a good head on his shoulders, knows what he wants and goes after it. I mean when they were trying ro recast him he proved himself and I donno he just seems like he can do whatever he tries! but I agree on the emotion thing…hopefully he can resist temptations
You should be thankful that taylor wants to be in these movies instead of worrying so much about his age, he 18. You probably got to worry about the rest of the actors and actress in these movies like “Abduction”, who will play Taylor’s leading lady. If anything have some auditions for that role, I’m sure there’re a lot of undiscovered girls who would want to play that role, I might include myself………..