WHAT?!?

*Spoiler Alert (for those who haven't read Eclipse)*

This just in-

-Actress Rachelle Lefevre Will Be Replaced By Howard In The Role Of Victoria

Los Angeles, CA July 28, 2009 —

Summit Entertainment announced today that Bryce Dallas Howard will take over the role of "Victoria" in the studio's upcoming production of THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE. Actress, Rachelle Lefevre, who portrayed the character in TWILIGHT as well as the upcoming release of THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON, will not continue in the role due to scheduling conflicts with another commitment the actor has made. THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE will start filming in Vancouver this coming August.THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE, the third film in the studio's TWILIGHT film franchise based on Stephenie Meyer's blockbuster book series, will be directed by David Slade from a screenplay written by Melissa Rosenberg. The film will be released theatrically in North America on Wednesday, June 30, 2010."We are incredibly happy that Bryce has agreed to come into the franchise," said Erik Feig, Summit's President of Worldwide Production and Acquisitions. "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."

In THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE, Bella once again finds herself surrounded by danger as Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob—knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation quickly approaching, Bella is confronted with the most important decision of her life.Howard is represented by ICM and Management 360."

You can see this official statement on the news section of Summit's site.I also just saw over at Twicrack, that Rachelle has signed on for another role, which is probably the reason why she has chosen not to continue on with Eclipse."Rosamund Pike, Minnie Driver and Rachelle Lefevre are playing Paul Giamatti's many wives in "Barney's Version," the adaptation of the Mordecai Richler novel being directed by Richard Lewis. Robert Lantos is producing via his Serendipity Point Films."Barney's" tells the story of the politically incorrect, fully lived life of the impulsive, irascible and fearlessly blunt Barney Panofsky (Giamatti).Lefevre will play Clara, Barney's first wife, a wild, troubled artist. Driver plays Barney's second wife, the annoyingly loquacious Mrs. "P." Miriam, Barney's third wife and true love, will be played by Pike.Principal photography starts Aug. 17 in Rome. Dustin Hoffman also is in the cast, playing Barney's father."

So if the Hollywood Reporter is accurate, and Rachelle is to begin filming her new project on 17th August, that is the scheduling conflict that is referred to in Summit's official press release. Say it ain't so! Rachelle, how could you do this us?!? It has always bothered me when a character in a series is replaced, especially a major one at that. Don't get me wrong, I think Howard will make an excellent Victoria, I just wish the actress wasn't being changed out in the middle of it all. I'm going to go cry now...

Thanks Twilight Treasury for this update.