Bryce Dallas Howard Takes Over Victoria in 'Eclipse'

Rachelle Lefevre will no longer be seen as Victoria after "The Twilight Saga's New Moon" as report comes in that she will be replaced by Bryce Dallas Howard in "The Twilight Saga's Eclipse". Summit Entertainment made the casting change announcement through a press release dated Tuesday, July 28.

"We are incredibly happy that Bryce has agreed to come into the franchise," the studio's President of Worldwide Production and Acquisitions Erik Feig stated over the replacement. "Rachelle brought 'Victoria' to great screen life and Bryce will bring a new dimension to the character. The franchise is lucky to have such a talented actress as Bryce coming in to fill the role."

Providing more info on the reason behind Lefevre's exit, Summit pointed out that the 30-year-old could not continue her involvement in the vampire saga due to scheduling conflicts with another commitment she has made. In August, the month "Eclipse" is scheduled to start shooting, the Canadian actress is expected to join the production of her other feature project "Barney's Vision".

Bryce Dallas Howard is known as director Ron Howard's daughter. She has appeared in "Spider-Man 3" as Gwen Stacy as well as in two of M. Night Shyamalan's feature films, "The Village" and "Lady in the Water". She recently was seen in the big screen portraying John Connor's wife, Kate, in "Terminator Salvation".

"The Twilight Saga's Eclipse" is an adaptation of the third novel from Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" series. Penned by Melissa Rosenberg like the two movies before it, "Twilight" and "New Moon", this third "Twilight" film has David Slade as its director and a U.S. release date schedule of June 30, 2010. Earlier, it has been reported that Australian actor Xavier Samuel has been added to the cast ensemble as Riley.

The romantic drama follows Bella Swan as she once again finds herself surrounded by danger. Now, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob, with the knowledge that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart are expected to return as Edward and Bella.