Sources say it was his “Stretch Armstrong” collaboration with rival toy company Hasbro that was the impetus for Taylor’s departure. According to Vulture, Taylor realized Hasbro was doing a better job with its movie properties than Mattel. To wit, the toy company has leveraged board games Candy Land, Battleship and Risk into high-profile projects and had earlier success with a couple small flicks called “G.I. Joe” and “Transformers.” Added one source, “When you sign up to make a movie with Hasbro, you know it will be in theaters a year later.”

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In their first Oscars appearance, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner, who star as Bella and Jacob in the film versions of the popular book series, will be presenting awards at the big show March 7, according to MTV News.

There is no word on what award they will be presenting. There is also no word on whether co-star Robert Pattinson will be joining them, despite making an appearance at last year’s show.

Stewart let it slip on E! News last week, saying “Yeah, I’m going. Me and Taylor are going to present. I’ve been looking at shoes. I’m trying to pick shoes that I know I won’t fall down in.”

Miley Cyrus and Zac Efron have also been announced as presenters at the 82nd Academy Awards being held at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles. Both have previously attended the show. In 2008, Cyrus’ flick Bolt was nominated for an Academy Award.

It was also recently revealed by producers that Sasha Baron Cohen was the first choice for host before they asked the duo of Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin. Producer Adam Shankman said in a recent interview that “The Academy swatted it down,” and “They thought it was too big of a wild card,” concerning why Cohen was not asked to host in the end.

source:  thecelebritycafe.com

Lautner wanted to do a full-blown action movie after the Twilight series, and between this, Max Steel, and Stretch Armstrong, his wish is more than granted. The action-route is a smart one for Lautner, who is apparently determined to carry a film on his shoulders and needs to build his male fanbase. But we haven’t heard of any costars cast for these films yet, and for Lautner to mature as an actor, he’s going to need to share the set with seasoned pros (Valentine’s Day doesn’t count). I’m guessing there will be talented stars who will a) see the box office draw of Lautner and b) be told how happy an introduction to Lautner would make their child, and they’ll step up. Let’s just get on with it already. I want to know Lautner is being taken seriously in Hollywood (being asked to present at the Oscars was a good sign), but I can’t be sure until he’s not the only name attached to a film.

7.5 million? That’s a nice chunk of change for the actor who’s mostly known for playing Jacob Black, it’s going to prove that Twilight may be what people remember him from, but it’s not what’s bringing the paychecks in.