It’s not the so called “big three” who are coming between Twi-Hards and the final installment/ments (they’re talking about splitting the final book into two films), it’s two actors who play mid sized roles as Cullen siblings.
Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stwewart and Taylor Lautner’s deals are all close to being final, and the unexpectedly awesome father figures of the series, Peter Facinelli (Carlisle Cullen) and Billy Burke (Charlie Swan), are all good to go. It’s Kellan Lutz (Emmett Cullen) and Ashley Greene (Alice Cullen) who are holding things up.
The two actors are seeking bigger paydays for the final installments, and Summit is, according to the Hollywood Reporter, not willing to budge. Apparently, this is the first chance the actors have had to renegotiate their contracts since the franchise became a success. Given how little was expected of the series, it seems likely that everyone involved is getting paid far below what might be expected for blockbusters of this magnitude.
A source close to the situation confirmed this to AccessHollywood.com – “They’re not asking for anything near what the leads are getting,” the source noted. “They just need to be compensated fairly.”
Summit has shown that it’s willing to recast, despite the rabidly attentive fans of the series. Bryce Dallas Howard has come in to the third installment, “Eclipse” to replace Rachelle Lefevre as the vampire Victoria. This change was reportedly made over scheduling conflicts. One imagines that salary conflicts may end the same way if Greene and Lutz aren’t careful.
The final installment of the “Twilight” series will hit theaters November 18, 2011, whether it’s two movies or one. Bill Condon will direct.
