Xavier Samuel: Twilight’s Newest Star For ‘Eclipse’

Don't even ask me how I missed this news three days ago, but better late than never, right? So, the big news is: Xavier Samuel (that guy on the picture there) has been cast as Riley for Eclipse! It's always exciting with casting news. From The Daily Telegraph:

Little known young Australian actor Xavier Samuel has been plucked from nowhere to be positioned as the next Hollywood heart-throb after landing a major role in the third of the Twilight film series, Eclipse.

The 25-year-old Adelaide-born and Sydney-based actor's career has so far focused on small and independent Australian films.

"I'm in a bit of a daze but it's a wonderful bit of news," Samuel exclusively told Confidential from Los Angeles last night.

In Eclipse he takes on the role of a newborn vampire named Riley, a good-looking university student involved in a plot to kill Stewart's character Bella.

Samuel is still getting his head around the Twilight phenomenon.

"I managed to catch the film on the way over on the plane," he said. He admitted he's not read any of the best-selling books of the series - yet.

"I'm going to start reading the first one tonight."

More pictures at Just Jared. Source through Twilight Lexicon.

More Eclipse Casting: Maria, Bree and Royce

Lainey Gossip shares more details on Eclipse casting:

Have just received some exclusive new information about what they’re looking for.

Still Leah and Seth Clearwater. And my sources tell me that they’re favouring Canadian suggestions for the role of Riley. Originally the agents were looking for “name talent”. They’ve now modified their criteria. This suggests that Channing Tatum might be too established to take on this kind of supporting position. Perhaps they think GI Joe will blow up the box office. The trailer looked sh-tty though.

Anyway, postings for Maria, Bree, and Royce King are also now active. Quick Google check tells me that Royce King is the dude who raped Rosalie. So presumably Rosalie gets a flashback scene. Don’t lie Twi-hards. I know you care about this.

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Eclipse Casting: Leah, Seth and Riley

Eclipse, which will be directed by David Slade, will start shooting in August. E! Online reports:

Los Angeles (E! Online) – Casting for the third Twilight movie has begun.

We got our hands on a casting notice for at least three characters in Eclipse.

Find out just what director David Slade is looking for. However, we must warn you that there are a few spoilers…

Riley "is a handsome, blond, clean-cut college boy who falls victim to Victoria," the notice reads. He's in his early to mid 20s and "plays an integral role in Victoria's attempt to murder Bella Swan."

There are two more members of the Quileute tribe and La Push wolf pack in Eclipse. Like New Moon, they are looking for Native American or First Nations actors to fill the roles.

"Seth Clearwater is a "tall, gangly-limbed boy with a huge, happy grin," the notice reads. "Seth idolizes Jacob."

Seth's big sister is 19-year-old Leah Clearwater and the only female member of La Push: "She is tall and slender with beautiful skin and short cropped black hair. She would be considered gorgeous if not for the perpetual scowl she carries due to a broken heart and her anger issues."[...]

Update: If you think you have what it takes to play any of these roles, Acting24 has now shared details on how to audition for them, including additional La Push wolf pack roles!

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