By Jomay Steen
Kyla Bearheels, 22, a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, traveled to Salt Lake City in late June to audition for the role of Leah Clearwater in "Eclipse," the film based on the third book in Stephanie Meyers' wildly successful "Twilight" series.
Having worked in several independent films, Bearheels knows that the new actors are often called back to re-audition for these coveted parts. As time passes, the odds of the Native American actress getting the role of Leah have started to diminish.
"Unfortunately, I haven't been asked to come back to audition. But it was such an honor to get a call from Rene and to go up for the role," Bearheels said.
A theater major at Central Wyoming College in Riverton, Wyo., Bearheels' odyssey began earlier this summer when Rene Haynes Casting Company from Burbank, Calif., contacted her requesting an e-mail address.
"Rene remembered the hype, the photos and her tape and she began to look for Kyla," Hawk said.
For more on the subject, see Quileute Werewolves in Twilight.
I think it is a pretty important role in the movies. The way it is written, the role could easily be bigger than in the books, and be a breakout role for an actress. I think second-only to Jacob, as far as the Quileute characters go.
ReplyDeleteAt least they did not rush it and give it to Vanessa Hudgens.
Leah's not part of the triangle, even if she does think Bella's sexy for a second. (Makes note of yet another fetish in Twilight. Then again, I had enough with the toddlercon.)
ReplyDeleteI also find it really curious that no one has heard anything yet, although Julia Jones is claiming on her Twitter page that she booked the role. I was requested to audition for the role of Leah Clearwater by Stuart Aikins Casting in Vancouver. It will be interesting who they go with seeing as they are looking at quite an age span of actresses. I am a Plains Cree/Métis actress from Alberta currently studying in NYC for my MFA in acting. I was asked to put myself on tape for Stuart and send it in. I've auditioned for Stuart many times in Vancouver and often requested to audition frequently for Native American roles in films such as Pathfinder and also for Emily in Twilight-New Moon. I have not heard anything yet either, but will definitely let you know if I do!
ReplyDeleteThe part of Leah went to 28 year OLD, questionable native, Julia Jones. I think Summit Entertainment went with experience versus fresh face newcomer. Did a search on Kyla Bearheels, not much out there at this point but at least we know she is Sioux with tribal affiliations. She's a gorgeous lady and I think we'll be seeing a lot more of her!
ReplyDeleteThe part of Seth went to Booboo *ahem* Stewart, more asian than anything...but that's hollywood for ya.
AT LEAST the wolfpack is mostly native, LOVE Chaske Spencer, another Sioux indian.
I thought Kyla Bearheels and Kaylen Reyna were a good match for brother/sister, both obviously looked native and are native but oh well, will just have to wait and see how it all turns out.
Wow, wish she would have landed the role, agree that Summitt is out for money and so experience versus fresh talent was on their radar.
ReplyDeleteBig debates out there now on why Summitt 'requires' the Wolfpack guys to prove their native ancestry via paperwork or CIB card and yet, did not ask Booboo or Julia OR the guy who plays Jake to do the same! Why give them a 'free pass' and not others? While actresses like Kyla Bearheels who can prove they are native and have experience are passed over? The extras hired had to PROVE they were true natives before being hired. This is SO not right! Summitt, you folks need to look at your ethical standards, or is there such a thing in Hollywood?
For more on the subject, see Lautner: Hiring Me Wasn't Necessary and Boo Boo Stewart as Seth Clearwater?!
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