Jackson Rathbone Discusses 'New Moon'

Jackson Rathbone Discusses 'New Moon'

Actor gives insights into the 'Twilight' sequel

By BRYANT GRIFFIN
6-18-2009
Source: Sci Fi Wire

"The Twilight Saga: New Moon" actor Jackson Rathbone, who plays vampire Jasper Hale, says some subtle changes are coming to the sequel.

"New Moon," based on the second of Stephenie Meyer's best-selling "Twilight" books, opens in theaters Nov. 20. It continues the story of Bella Swan's (Kristen Stewart) delicate relationship with vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) and the hazards that threaten to pull them apart.

"We have a bigger budget, and we have a little bit more pressure to keep that [indie] feeling going," Rathbone said in a press interview Tuesday. "But the nice thing is that we are delving more into the story now of 'New Moon.' But I will say that 'Twilight' is my favorite, because it takes you into this realm, from reality into this fantasy reality, and it makes that fantasy more real. As the films progress, you get deeper into the mythical world that we are establishing, with the werewolves and what the actual vampire society and legacy is with the Volturi."

Guiding the sequel's growing mythical exploration is director Chris Weitz ("The Golden Compass"). He replaces "Twilight" director Catherine Hardwicke.

"In regards to having a new director, nothing changed too much," Rathbone said. "There was a different, subtle vibe because the director creates the energy on the set, and he was great. We all wanted to come together and make another great piece of art for the fans. It's about what they want to see, because they are the ones buying the tickets. ..."

The success stemming from the 'Twilight' fans was an eye-opening experience, according to Rathbone.

"With the first film it was one of Summit Entertainment's first films," he said. "I think it was the second film they produced, the first being 'Never Back Down.' So it was like a bigger-budget indie film, and it felt like an indie film with the way we were making it together and the way that Catherine Hardwicke directs. It was a fun vibe that was onset. But it was a little bit stressful, because as we kept filming, the press kept getting more of it and the fans were more into it. All these Web sites started popping up, like Twilight Moms. It was amazing.

"We started making this movie, and people are already loving it and it's not even out yet. It had six months to come out, and they were already lining up at the movie theaters. It was an experience in and of itself that I've got to say I wasn't really prepared for, but I am thankful for, because they are so supportive of what we do.

"As an actor, you need an audience. I've done Shakespeare in Texas to an audience of three people. When everybody onstage outnumbers everybody in the audience a lot, ... so it's great to have a big audience to play to."

Actually, Rathbone is already receiving attention in the "New Moon" trailer, where he's seen being thrown into a piano.

"Yup, I was flying and got to do some stunts on that, and that's only the beginning of it," he said. "They didn't show the entire [scene].

"It's going to be a really action-packed movie. And then you have the other side of the love story. It has a lot of elements that I think the fans have been waiting to sink their teeth into. ... I'm sorry. I had to use that pun. It's terrible [laughs]."

About the Author: Bryant Griffin is the assistant news editor for Airlock Alpha and sister site Rabid Doll. He served as a journalist in the U.S. Army, as well as while a civilian. In 2002, he joined Quantum Global Media Inc., contributing to many early design concepts before shifting his focus back to writing. Bryant hails from Tampa, Fla.