The latest news about Lautner is that he ightis still pushing to keep his role as Jacob Black in the upcoming Twilight sequel, New Moon. He also claims that the idea of his being replaced has been exaggerated. He has been working every day and as gained 19 pounds(of muscle presumably). He has promised to gain at least 10 more. It is working already. Lautner was cute for sure but can we handle and older beefier Lautner?

Also if Aro is played by Ben Barnes the hottness factor goes through the roof. I agree with a  Twilighters.org fan who said “If they keep casting really hot guys in these movies I will be hyperventilating all through the movie!” Ditto!!

Ben Barnes has cast his hat in the ring for the Twilight movie sequel New Moon. Apparently he felt to old to play any of the “teen” characters but since New Moon will require MANY new cast members including the Italian vampires called the Volturi and of course Jacob Black’s werewolf pack, there is room for more mature talent. Ben is 27.

MTV News has confirmed that 27-year-old “Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” heartthrob Ben Barnes is throwing his hat into the ring. The actor is already quite popular with the “Twilight” fanbaseand shares the same manager as both Copon and “Twilight” star Cam Gigandet. Barnes is believed to be campaigning for the role of Aro, a mind-reading vampire whose “New Moon” encounter with Edward and Bella helps shape their destiny together.

I for one am THRILLED about this potential development. I am insanely in love with Ben Barnes and I might have to switch to Team Aro! If he is cast as Aro then we will also see him in the third movie, Eclipse and the 4th movie (if they make it, Breaking Dawn.

Sources: Ben Barnes Fan & MTV