Jacob Black

“Q: Did it ever feel like you were really in danger of not getting the role in this movie?

Taylor: Honestly, I knew where my character went in New Moon and that’s all I tried to stay focused on. I couldn’t control things outside. I couldn’t control the media. But, I could control what I was doing to portray Jacob Black correctly. That’s what I stayed focused on, the whole entire time.

Q: Did that start with going to the gym and gaining 30 lbs?

Taylor: Absolutely. Jacob transforms a lot in New Moon, not only physically. but mentally and emotionally as well. So, it was a matter of getting to the gym and eating the right food, and a lot of it. But, it was also about reading and studying the book and the character, over and over and over again, so I could have his character down as well because he changes in many, many different ways

Q: How does he change?

Taylor: Basically, my job was to continue what I started in Twilight, which was this extremely happy, friendly, outgoing guy, who is best friends with Bella. I had to continue that for the first half of the film, but as soon as he transforms, he snaps and becomes a completely different person. He’s dealing with his issues and it’s really hard for him.

Q: You have a lot of opportunities in the film to show off your new physique, like when Jacob takes off his t-shirt to wipe Bella’s blood.

Taylor: I start laughing so hard, every time I see that scene. “You’re bleeding? Okay, let me fix it.” It’s so embarrassing. Here’s the thing: there’s a reason that he’s not wearing clothes, all the time. One, when he transforms, all his clothes get shredded. He can’t help it. And, when he goes into the woods to get something to put on, so that he’s not naked, it’s just a ripped pair of jean shorts. He’s also hot. He’s 108 degrees. So, that’s another reason. The thing is, I love this character and story, and putting on the weight and not wearing much clothing was required by the role. A year from now, if I love a story and I love a character that requires me to lose 40 lbs, I’m ready to do it.”

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