Rachelle Lefevre says she's "stunned" that Bryce Dallas Howard has been recast in her role in the third Twilight movie, Eclipse.
Summit Entertainment, which produces the popular saga, announced Tuesday that Lefevre, who plays evil vampire Victoria, would drop out due to scheduling conflicts.
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A surprised Lefevre released a statement Wednesday that read: "I was stunned. I was fully committed to the Twilight saga, and to the portrayal of Victoria. I turned down several other film opportunities and, in accordance with my contractual rights, accepted only roles that would involve very short shooting schedules.
"My commitment to [indie flick] Barney's Version is only 10 days. Summit picked up my option for Eclipse. Although the production schedule for Eclipse is over three months long, Summit said they had a conflict during those ten days and would not accommodate me. Given the length of filming for Eclipse, never did I fathom I would lose the role over a 10-day overlap.
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"I was happy with my contract with Summit and was fully prepared to continue to honor it. Summit chose simply to recast the part," she continued. "I am greatly saddened that I will not get to complete my portrayal of Victoria for the Twilight audience. This is a story, a theatrical journey and a character that I truly love and about which I am very passionate.
"I will be forever grateful to the fan support and loyalty I've received since being cast for this role, and I am hurt deeply by Summit's surprising decision to move on without me. I wish the cast and crew of Eclipse only the very best."
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Summit did not immediately comment to the Associated Press.
