Taylor Lautner
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Taylor Lautner can breathe a sigh of relief.

Following weeks of rumors that he may be replaced in New Moon, the highly-anticipated sequel to Twilight, director Chris Weitz has confirmed that Lautner will be back in the role of Jacob.

“I’m very happy to announce that Taylor Lautner will be playing Jacob Black in New Moon and that he’s doing so with the enthusiastic support of Summit Entertainment, the producers, and Stephenie Meyer,” Weitz posted on author Stephenie Meyer’s official website, stepheniemeyer.com.

The author herself is very much behind the decision, adding:

“My first priority was always what was best for New Moon - what was going to give us the best possible movie. I’m truly thrilled that Taylor was the one who proved to the director, to Summit, and to me that he is the best possible Jacob we could have. And I’m very much looking forward to seeing what he’s going to bring to Jacob’s character this year.”

In the next few days, Summit Entertainment is expected to announce its cast for New Moon, the next film based on Stephenie Meyer's successful follow-up to Twilight.

Kristen Stewart will return as Bella Swan; while Robert Pattinson has a lock on his role of Edward Cullen.

But rumors have been swirling about Taylor Lautner's status in the sequel. His character of Jacob is greatly expanded in New Moon... literally!

''Jacob is a totally different character in New Moon,'' said Melissa Rosenberg, screenwriter of both Twilight films. ''He's a foot taller and huge — and he's supposed to look 25. It's really a question of whether or not the same actor can play the role.''

Lautner says he's already packed 19 pounds onto his frame, however, and Entertainment Weekly reports that he's now likely to reprise the role of Jacob.

"Everyone would love to keep him. We all think he's the loveliest person ever," Rosenberg said.

Taylor Lautner is unsure if he'll reprise the role of Jacob Black in New Moon, as reports indicate that producers want a different actor for the Twight sequel.

"I have been working out. I've been working out since the day we finished filming 'Twilight.' I just weighed myself today; I've put on 19 pounds," Lautner told MTV, promising fans he'll be big enough to fit Stephenie Meyer's physical description of Jacob in the second volume of this series. "I'm guaranteeing Weitz 10 more [pounds] by filming. I get to meet Chris on Friday, in two days, so I'm excited. I'm going to have lunch with him."

As for rumors that Michael Copon is being considered for the role?

"I've heard a few things," said Lautner. "I don't really know too much to comment on it. As far as I know, I haven't been told 'no' yet, so it's still all up in the air."

As previously reported, Taylor Lautner is not a lock to portray Jacob in the upcoming sequel to Twilight, New Moon.

Instead, 26-year old Scorpion King 2 actor Michael Copon is being considered for the role.

We'll report on the final casting decision once it comes in, but you tell us:

Who do you wanna see in the role of Jacob, Taylor Lautner or Michael Copon?

It's one of the most anticipated movies of the fall.

So much so, in fact, that talk of a Twilight sequel is heating up months before the vampire flick hits theaters.

At least it is for Taylor Lautner. The young actor, who plays Jacob Black in Twilight, is aware that his character is featured far more in the following two books of this Stephanie Meyer series.

That's why MTV News asked Lautner if he thinks about the possibilities of sequels in the franchise.

“As much as you try not to, you always do, because you’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, that would be so much fun and so cool,’” Taylor said. “But nothing’s confirmed yet, so I try not to get my hopes up too high.”

Lautner's character fights as a wolf most of the time, but that doesn't mean this rising star isn't doing everything in his power to prepare himself for future entanglements. He's bulking up for his hopeful role in more Twilight movies. 

“I’ve been lifting weights five days a week, eating tons of protein,” he said. “I’ve actually put on about eight pounds in just two-and-a-half months.”