During the early casting stages of Twilight, a surprising mix of actors were considered for Edward Cullen, raising questions about how different Robert Pattinson Twilight casting could have been. At the Motor City Comic Con, Jackson Rathbone discussed his near involvement and how other notable stars, especially from the Harry Potter films, factored into the selection process.
The Final Edward Cullen Candidates and Pattinson’s Path from Harry Potter
Long before Twilight became a global phenomenon, speculation circulated about who would step into the role of Edward Cullen. The list of contenders extended beyond Robert Pattinson, who was already recognized for portraying Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Rathbone himself made it to the final four being considered for the part, alongside Evil Dead’s Shiloh Fernandez and Shadow & Bone’s Ben Barnes. While Rathbone did not secure the coveted role, he later became a fixture in the franchise, embodying Jasper Hale, a unique member of the Cullen clan.
Reflecting on this period, Rathbone recounted how casting directors were seeking someone who could bring both intensity and vulnerability to the screen. The process involved multiple auditions, including a memorable trip to Philadelphia where he read opposite Kristen Stewart, with director Catherine Hardwicke overseeing the session.
Jackson Rathbone: First ever first class flight, that was freaking cool. Legitimately, I’m sitting in first class with Catherine Hardwicke, whose work I admire. I’m just like, “Don’t be lame. Be cool.” And then we get to Philadelphia and meet Kristen. She’s, like, only 16 or 17, a kid, man. So we read with her out in the park, and Catherine had me do the spider monkey scene. So she jumps on my back in the middle of —
— Jackson Rathbone, actor
This audition became even more significant as the infamous “spider monkey” line, which fans still recall, originated from Rathbone’s creative background with his band at the time, 100 Monkeys.
Harry Potter Stars Considered: Confusion and Surprises in Casting Choices
After missing out on Edward, Rathbone was informed that the casting team preferred “the Harry Potter guy.” For a brief and humorous moment, his mind turned not to Pattinson, but first to Daniel Radcliffe, and then to Rupert Grint, imagining a redheaded version of Cullen as “Redward.” However, the decision ultimately landed on Pattinson, who proved to be an enduring match for the role.
Jackson Rathbone: Catherine and I really hit it off. We’re both from Texas, and she was like, “You need to be Jasper.” I said, “Yes.” After they showed me who Alice would be. I was like, “No, I don’t want to do it, that’s crazy,” and then they were like, “Look at who Alice is going to be.” I was like, “That’s a really pretty lady.” [Laughs]
— Jackson Rathbone, actor
These casting insights demonstrate how close Twilight came to featuring other well-known British actors. At the time of Twilight’s pre-production and casting, both Radcliffe and Grint were still occupied with their central roles in the ongoing Harry Potter series, with filming of The Half-Blood Prince overlapping Twilight’s early development stages. Neither had yet explored significant projects outside the wizarding world, focusing instead on their beloved franchise.
The Audition Process and Rathbone’s Experience With Director Catherine Hardwicke
Rathbone shared that his audition journey offered not only a chance at the leading role but also fostered a lasting professional relationship with Hardwicke. Their bond, as well as the director’s vision for the supporting cast, played a crucial part in Rathbone remaining with the saga, even after Edward was no longer an option. When offered the role of Jasper, skepticism turned to enthusiasm as he learned more about the dynamic between his character and Alice Cullen, portrayed by Ashley Greene. Through this process, his unique talents and rapport with Hardwicke kept him engaged in the Twilight universe despite the initial disappointment.
How Twilight’s Casting Choices Shaped the Film and Its Cultural Impact
Pattinson’s eventual selection as Edward Cullen faced early skepticism among ardent fans of the Twilight novels, who demanded a faithful adaptation of Stephanie Meyer’s work. Had Radcliffe or Grint taken the part, the reaction might have been even more intense, considering their deep association with the Harry Potter brand. Integrating another firmly established fantasy star would have posed new challenges for director Catherine Hardwicke and author Meyer’s vision for the franchise. Ultimately, Pattinson’s portrayal became iconic, earning him and Kristen Stewart international acclaim.
Both Radcliffe and Grint later pursued diverse roles, branching out after the Harry Potter finale into genres far from their wizarding roots. It was not until later projects like Horns and Apple’s Servant that Radcliffe, for example, explored characters that departed from fantasy conventions. At the time of Twilight’s launch, however, neither was actively seeking a new franchise commitment.
Twilight’s Legacy and the Upcoming Remake
With an upcoming television remake, Midnight Sun, in development, Twilight’s narrative and casting choices are set to be re-examined. New actors will take on the saga’s iconic roles, offering a fresh interpretation of Edward Cullen that could once again stir conversation about casting and authenticity. As the story continues to evolve, the saga’s foundation—marked by the pivotal Robert Pattinson Twilight casting—remains central in discussions about young adult adaptation and franchise longevity.
Jackson Rathbone and other original cast members like Ashley Greene and Kellan Lutz are frequently asked about the casting process at conventions, underlining the lasting fascination fans have with the road not taken. The decisions made during those formative auditions ultimately shaped Twilight’s identity and global impact, demonstrating how a single casting choice can steer the fate of a modern fantasy classic.
