Now that the matter of Taylor Lautner retaining the role of Jacob Black in the upcoming Twilight sequel has been settled, we can move on to more pressing Twilight matters … like the Edward Cullen doll! Hot Topic, who brings us the official Twilight perfume, is offering the new Edward Cullen doll/action figure (depending on your gender) for pre-order for those of you interested in having your very own Edward to play with:

This Edward action figure features the sensitive vampire in his blue button-down shirt, jeans and grey pea coat. Beautiful articulation with movable limbs. Includes a Cullen crest. Imported. To guarantee arrival on or around 1/20, order by 1/13.

The doll/action figure is selling for $16.99 so ORDER NOW! See, what I don’t understand is why Hot Topic and the Twilight merchandising people waited until after Xmas to offer both the perfume and the doll … it makes more sense to offer them in time for Xmas shopping but, then again, rabid Twilighters don’t really need a reason to spend their money on this stuff. You deffo don’t want to be the last kid on the block to get your hands on one of these coveted dolls. I wonder if it’ll fit in a Barbie dreamcar/house? Anyone?

[Source]

Yesterday I posted a newslink from Entertainment Weekly magazine that reported that all signs were pointing toward Taylor Lautner retaining the role of Jacob Black (which he originated in the Twilight movie that opened last November) for the upcoming Twilight movie sequel New Moon. As you may recall, there was some chatter that Lautner might be replaced for the role by Michael Copon in order to beef up the character in the next film (which is an integral component of the New Moon story). Some fans thought Lautner should be replaced and others lobbied for him to keep the role … Stephenie Meyer, author of the Twilight Saga books, announced on her official website that the decision has been made and Taylor Lautner WILL keep the role of Jacob Black:

January 7, 2009

- Steph

IMHO, this is great news. Altho I always felt that, if handled properly, bringing in a new actor to play the “much changed” Jacob could work in the next film, I really wanted Taylor to keep the part. First, I hate when major characters get replaced with new actors in between films. Second, I thought that Taylor did a great job of bringing Jacob to life in the first film. In the end, none of this is rocket science and I’m sure they would’ve made any scenario work but I’m happy that Lautner will be able to keep playing the role he originated and won’t be cast aside as the next film is being made. I’m sure he is very happy with this news … Michael Copon, notsomuch.

[Source]

Good news for fans of the movie version of Twilight … Summit Entertainment has revealed the official artwork for the upcoming DVD release of the megahit movie that was just released a couple of months ago … behold:

Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) doesn’t expect much when she moves to the small town of Forks, Washington, until she meets the mysterious and handsome Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson)—a boy who’s hiding a dark secret: he’s a vampire. As their worlds and hearts collide, Edward must battle the bloodlust raging inside him as well as a coterie of undead that would make Bella their prey. Based on the #1 New York Times best-selling sensation by Stephenie Meyer, Twilight adds a dangerous twist to the classic story of star-crossed lovers.

The DVD artwork looks pretty standard, no big surprises … interesting, tho, that the “bad guys” are featured on the DVD artwork even tho they weren’t in the film very much. I might’ve featured the Cullen family instead but, I suppose it doesn’t really matter. As yet, there has been no release date announced for the Twilight DVD but now that we know what the artwork will look like, I suspect a release date is imminent. So Twilighters … do we like?

[Source]

Just when you thought the exploitation of rabid Twilight fans couldn’t go any further comes the latest product tie-in that is designed to entice impressionable fans to part with their money. Hot Topic has just launched a new product for that Twilight fan in your life that already has every t-shirt, poster, bedding product, etc. available … now they can sink their teeth noses into Twilight Perfume:

Twilight Perfume
$48.00

The forbidden fruit tastes the sweetest! So take a bite of this apple-shaped bottle. It contains a delicious lavender and freesia scented perfume. 2.7 fluid ounces. Imported.

I can only imagine. After the jump, check out a bigger pic of the apple-shaped bottle … (more…)

In an effort to put fears at ease and allay any initial concern, Chris Weitz (the man who directed the big screen adaptation of The Golden Compass and who has just been named as the new director of the Twilight sequel New Moon) has posted a letter written directly to “fans of Twilight, New Moon, Bella, Edward and Jacob” on the official website of Stephanie Meyer, the author of the Twilight Saga books. Here is a message left to fans by Meyer herself that prefaces this letter from Chris Weitz and then the actual letter written and attributed to Weitz as was posted online this weekend as well as :

Hey guys,

There’s been a lot of worry and speculation on the boards lately, and I want to let you know what’s going on. First of all, like you, I’m sad that Catherine is not continuing on with us for New Moon. I’m going to miss her, not just as a brilliant director, but also as a friend. She has such a distinct, authentic voice that did amazing things for Twilight. I’m looking forward to every movie she does in the future. And she didn’t leave us empty handed. We still get the benefits of her amazing casting and the beautiful visual world she created. This foundation puts us in a good place for New Moon. Summit Films is moving forward with a new director for New Moon. They’ve asked Chris Weitz, director of American Pie, About a Boy, and The Golden Compass, to join us, and I am very pleased to announce that he’s agreed to be a part of our Twilight world. I’ve had the chance to talk to Chris, and I can tell you that he is excited by the story and eager to keep the movie as close to the book as possible. He is also very aware of you, the fans, and wants to keep you all extremely happy. (Torches and pitchforks are not going to be necessary.) I’m excited to work with Chris and I think he brings a lot to the table, not the least of which for me is that he wrote the screenplay for and directed one of my favorite movies of all time, About a Boy. I’m really looking forward to seeing his vision for New Moon. Below is a letter from Chris to you. I think you’ll get a glimpse in this note of how cool it’s going to be having Chris as part of our community.

HMMM. On the one hand, I am very happy to see that Chris either decided or was encouraged to write a letter directly to fans. I think this shows a bit of commitment to making sure he is going to at least try to make the best film he can because he genuinely cares for the fans (or at least sounds like he cares). I am concerned to read that the letter implies that Weitz has just now read the Twilight Saga books. The first line makes it pretty evident that he has no real experience with the stories … and is supposedly to start preproduction on New Moon this coming week. That’s not to say he can’t handle the job, in fact I suspect many directors aren’t fully versed in the stories they direct before they get down to the work of movie making but … still …

As much as Stephanie Meyer says that we can put our “torches and pitchforks” away, I think there is cause for concern. The Golden Compass movie was by pretty much all accounts a failure and it was based on one of the most amazingly inventive and beloved books. It is possible the same could happen with New Moon. I’m never one to prejudge scenarios like this … but I think it’s OK to be concerned. I guess we’ll have to wait and see … at least we won’t have to wait long, New Moon is slated for a November 2009 release in theaters. Alls I know is that Weitz better do right by Jacob … the next movie is Jacob’s time to shine … he best not let any of us down. What do y’all think … worried?

[Source, thanks Jessica]

Ready or not … the Tonner Doll Company has been named as the official licensee for a new line of action figure/dolls based on characters from Summit Entertainment’s Twilight Saga movie franchise. Naturally, the first two dolls to be produced are the ones based on Bella Swan (as played by Kristen Stewart) and Edward Cullen (as played by Robert Pattinson) … behold:

From the press release: Tonner Doll Company, an award-winning designer and manufacturer of high-end collectible dolls and figures, has been granted the license for character figures based on the much-anticipated movie from Summit Entertainment, TWILIGHT, which arrives in theatres nation-wide on November 21, 2008.
Sculpted in the likenesses of the film’s lead characters - Edward Cullen (as portrayed by Robert Pattinson) and Bella Swan (as portrayed by Kristen Stewart), - each fully-authorized, highly-collectible TONNER CHARACTER FIGURE (TCF) will give fans the opportunity to possess their very own Edward and Bella for all eternity. TWILIGHT TONNER CHARACTER FIGURES range from 15″-17″ tall with multiple articulated joints for expressive movement and mobility. In keeping with the fine detail and high-end quality of Tonner’s other popular product lines, they will feature hand-detailed face painting, rooted hair, and authentic costuming. Based on Stephenie Meyer’s best-selling book series, having sold more than 10 million copies domestically, Twilight has captured the attention of readers of all ages, via its action-packed, modern-day love story between a teenage girl and a “good” vampire, who must protect her from “bad” vampires while resisting his natural instincts. Tonner’s marketing division began to take shape with its HARRY POTTER film series and is now in full swing with the addition of TWILIGHT. Romances are abundant in both storylines and have become much more important elements to this burgeoning, sought after segment of buyers. “TWILIGHT was the perfect project to help launch us further into the teen and adult market,” Robert Tonner, CEO and head designer of the TONNER Company says. “I am a huge fan of Stephenie Meyer’s work and I intend to read everything she writes,” Tonner explains. “She is unbelievably talented and it’s an honor to be able to work on this project.” Tonner plans to release other characters from the film in addition to Edward and Bella. “I want to make them all,” Tonner admits. “I’m having such a blast reading the books and getting to know all of the characters. I’m also reviewing movie stills, sculpting and designing. I’m completely immersed in their world,” he says. TONNER CHARACTER FIGURES can be purchased direct via tonnercompanystore.com as well as at gift and toy specialty retailers nationwide, including FAO Schwarz. Sculpted in the likeness of the film’s character, EDWARD CULLEN (as portrayed by Robert Pattinson). This TONNER CHARACTER FIGURE™ is approximately 17” tall and includes 14 points of articulation (neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, chest, hips, knees, and ankles). He features hand painted features and rooted saran hair. EDWARD comes dressed straight from the movie in a t-shirt, jeans, socks, shoes with working laces, and tailored coat. Sculpted in the likeness of the film’s character, BELLA SWAN (as portrayed by Kristen Stewart). This TONNER CHARACTER FIGURE™ is approximately 15” tall and includes 15 points of articulation (neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, bust line, waist, hips, knees, and ankles). She features hand painted features and rooted saran hair. BELLA comes dressed straight from the movie in a tank top under an embroidered peasant top, boot-cut corduroys, socks, shoes with working laces, and detailed jacket. Pricing information to be announced at a later date.

No word if the dolls are anatomically correct but even if they are not, fans can still have hours of fun using these dolls to come up with various vampire-on-human interactions to their heart’s content. Imagine all the ways one can use the Edward doll to silently stalk the Bella doll as she sleeps. OR, fans can opt out of getting the Bella doll altogether and live out their playtime scenarios with just the Edward doll … er, which kinda sounds all sorts of creepy the more I think about it so … mebbe it’s best we don’t go down that route. The dolls are scheduled to be available for sale by the Spring. Any of y’all putting these things on your Xmas wish list for next year?

[Photo credit: Splash News; Source]