Team Jacob fans can breathe a little easier today…

The debate of who should play Jacob in Stephenie Meyer’s next installment is finally over. Taylor Lautner fans can now rejoice as the author just confirmed that he is here to stay. She quoted director Chris Weitz as saying:

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.

Speculation about Lautner’s future with the franchise has run rampant since Weitz took the reins from original director Catherine Hardwicke. Many felt the 16-year-old actor would have a tough time filling Jacob Black’s shoes, given that the shape-shifting character ages 10 years and has a growth spurt in the second novel.

But have no fear, in rebuttal to that Taylor has been hitting the gym, hard. Guess we’ll see if he makes a good fit in November. [MTV News]

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Yesterday we reported on the many upcoming films you can see Robert Pattinson in prior to New Moon...

But “Parts Per Billion” is no longer one of them! Word on la calle is that he pulled out of the eagerly anticipated indie film set to begin shooting in Los Angeles this month. Although co-star/producer, Rosario Dawson had expressed enthusiasm about working with the Twilight heartthrob as recently as December 16, a representative for R. Patz confirmed that he has dumped the flick.

His agent, Nicholas Frenkel, had this to say:

Unfortunately, the prep time and production schedule on ‘New Moon’ haven’t left enough time for Robert to work on ‘Parts per Billion’ in the first quarter of this year.

Hmm, ditching Rosario when New Moon doesn’t start shooting until March sounds a lil loco, no? Maybe they weren’t showing him the money. What do you think? [MTV News]

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Latinos are ready to celebrate CHANGE…

Our voces were heard in unprecedented numbers in this Presidential election, and now algunos are getting a front-row seat to the Latino Inaugural Gala on Sunday, January 18th. Rosario Dawson’s own Voto Latino is pleased to co-host the event, which promises to be a star studded event with appearances by Marc Anthony, Alejandro Sanz, Paulina Rubio, Wilmer Valderrama, Yerba Buena’s Cucu Diamantes and many more. Pero, you don’t have to be an A-lister for a chance to jump the velvet rope.

If you can’t afford the tickets with pricetags up to $8,000 (nope we didn’t stutter), simply log on to www.votolatino.org and donate $25 for a chance to win a seat. You will definitely make Obama proud!

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Thirsty for a Three Kings Day sorpresa?! Bueno, now you don’t have to wait until the release of New Moon to see your Twilight darlings again…

2009 is a big year for the cast, featuring a mix of films they shot before Twilight. You can see just about all the cast members this year, from horror flicks to artsy pro-hipster films, these stars are continuing to dominate the script. MTV News got the scoop on the top 10 upcoming movies featuring your estrellas favoritas. Find out where and when to spot Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and company on the big-screen!

One hint: If you want to catch hottie Cam Gigandet in his undies then don’t miss The Unborn when it hit theaters this weekend. [MTV News]

Besides singing, dancing and topping the tabloid headlines in ‘08, your favorite stars also shined on the pro-social front. On the heels of the New Year we put together a quick recap of the brightest political moments of 2008. Check it right below the hood!

Read more…

2008 was a big year for Latin artists crossing over, just ask Mexican pop trio Belanova.

Their third studio album, “Fantasia Pop” proved to be the charm garnering the group their first Latin Grammy win this year. MTV News chatted with pop sensación Belanova to talk about their electrio vibes and the possibility of un nuevo album in 2009. Hear what they have to say right below! [MTV News]

One of the most pleasant surprises of the Twilight blockbuster had to be…

Alice Cullen. She’s quirky, cute and can break your neck in a bat of an eye. Recently, MTV News caught-up with actress Ashley Greene to discuss her role in the next installment New Moon and how she feels about Catherine Hardwicke’s departure. She had this to say about the prospect of working with the replacement Chris Weitz:

I’m excited to work with him, because obviously he’s worked with CGI before, and he’s very familiar with it. It’ll be good.

Check out her much more successful red carpet interview and hear what else New Moon has in store for us: [MTV News]

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So you thought that our Twilight coverage was going to stop when the movie came out huh??

WRONG! There is still so much left to devour about the series! Just ask Andrew Sims, Laura Thompson, Matt Britton, and Elysa Montfort - creators of the popular podcast ‘Imprint.’ These two couples have been discussing the latest developments in the Twilight fandom, along with exceptional literary analysis since July. Who knew Twilight was so profound (i.e. the genesis quote at the beginning of chapter one)??

What we love about this podcast: You get to hear a male perspective on the phenomena. Apparently, Andrew and Matt were turned on to the series from their girlfriend’s swooning, and were forced to learn more. They were intrigued enough to dissect the hype every month, or whenever they darn well feel like it via iTunes.

Are you sad Catherine Hardwicke isn’t directing the next installment? What do you think having a male director this go round will mean? Find out more on the New Moon chisme on Imprint, Episode 10. [Twilight Source]

With Mi TRL saying goodbye a few weeks ago, we know the first thing on your mind was…

Ay, what will happen to Carlos?!

Don’t you worry! Carlos has a special message for you explaining what the heck will happen to Mi TRL in the New Year. Hint: It’s not disappearing, it’s just changing a little bit. Like a metamorphosis of sorts, as he might call it. In the meantime, keep busy this holiday by voting for your Mi TRL classic 25 videos on www.mitrl.mtvtr3s.com.

Check out what he has in store for us next year aquí:

Nope, we are not playing around…

If Enrique Iglesias makes you melt on-stage, just imagine watching him munch on your homemade comida! During Rock Dinner, the biggest fans will get a once in a lifetime chance to cook dinner for their favorite artists in the intimacy of their own home. But before they get to meet them, preparation needs to be had! With only five hours (and a tight budget), these lucky fans will have to keep cool while trying to impress their superstar dinner guest.

If you missed the fun this season MTV TR3s is giving you a second AND third chance to get your fill. Relive your favorite RD moments with Enrique Iglesias, Baby Bash, Kat DeLuna, Pitbull y más when the Rock Dinner Marathon is served by around-the-way-girl La La Saturday @ 2pm and Sunday @ 5pm only on MTV Tr3s!

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