In an alternate universe, “Drake & Josh” star Josh Peck landed the role of Edward Cullen in “Twilight” over Robert Pattinson. At least that’s what the actor revealed on a recent episode of his “Good Guys” podcast, which featured “Twilight” actor Taylor Lautner as a guest. Lautner played the werewolf Jacob Black in the blockbuster series.
“I remember it’s like 2006? [2007]?” Peck told Lautner. “They’re like, ‘Audition for this movie, “Twilight,” it’s based on a book and it’s going to be great.’ So I send in my tape, for Edward. A month later, I’m with my manager and he goes, ‘It’s down to you and three guys, you’re close.'”
Peck said he was in complete shock when his manager informed him that he was somehow a finalist to play Edward in the “Twilight” franchise.
“I’m like, ‘Really?’ I hadn’t even had a tummy tuck yet,” Peck said. “I’m like, ‘There’s no way. He’s got to be so shirtless, it’s not going to happen.’ Spoiler alert — didn’t get it… But I remember then seeing R-Patz playing this part I’m like, ‘In what fucking world were they like, okay here’s what we’re thinking: Chris Hemsworth or Stanley Tucci?’ Like what the fuck? Impossible! Impossible! So we almost worked together.”
Pattinson was cast in the role of Edward opposite Lautner as Jacob and Kristen Stewart as Bella Swan. The franchise became a cultural juggernaut across five movies that grossed a combined $3.3 billion at the worldwide box office.
PvNew confirmed in April that a “Twilight” television series adaptation is in very early development at Lionsgate TV. Wyck Godfrey and Erik Feig are attached as executive producers, but no writer or network were on board at the time.
Peck most recently had a supporting role in Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer.” Watch his latest podcast with Lautner in the video below.
