Taylor Lautner, the charismatic actor who brought Jacob Black to life in the Twilight saga, was thrust into the spotlight alongside co-star Robert Pattinson. Their on-screen rivalry, driven by the Team Jacob vs. Team Edward phenomenon, seized the public’s attention and enthralled fans globally.
Yet this intense fan fervor had consequences. The 31-year-old has recently disclosed that the persistent comparisons and competition strained his relationship with Pattinson.
Taylor Lautner Reveals Team Edward Vs. Team Jacob’s Rivalry Affected His Relationship With Robert Pattinson
In iconic Hollywood pairings, none have captured the public’s imagination quite like Taylor Lautner and the 37-year-old, duo behind Jacob Black and Edward Cullen in the Twilight series.
Their on-screen rivalry, which was stoked by the fervent conflict between Team Edward and Team Jacob, became a trend in popular culture.
Lautner, a star of the Twilight franchise, joined the Dear Media podcast The Toast to reflect on this divisive debate and its impact on his off-screen relationship with co-star Pattinson.
Lautner, who portrayed the lycanthropic Jacob Black in the five Twilight films between 2008 and 2012, found himself caught in the middle of the Team Edward vs. Team Jacob fervor that reached its zenith during the third installment, Eclipse.
Although he and Pattinson were friends, he acknowledged that the rivalry did affect him, given the sheer intensity of fan reactions. He shared,
“I was so young and yeah, I do feel like it was very strange traveling the world and being in different cities and having thousands of screaming fans either taking your side or the other guy’s side. Like, we’re a team. We’re both just trying to make the best movies.”
Further, the actor added,
“Yeah, it was a little bizarre, the competitiveness. There wasn’t a competitiveness between me and Rob, but having that constant reminder, definitely had an impact.”
Lautner’s candid remarks shed light on the complexities of fame and its potential impact on personal relationships in the ever-turbulent world of Hollywood. Notably, he has also recently opened up about his struggles with body image issues following the conclusion of the Twilight series.
Taylor Lautner Encountered Body Image Challenges After The Twilight Films Ended
Lautner’s journey after the Twilight saga was marked by more than just a shift from Hollywood heartthrob to diverse roles. It involved a profound personal struggle with body image.
The actor’s rigorous workout routine, which sculpted his muscular physique for the film series, ultimately gave rise to lasting body image concerns.
In a recent episode of his podcast, The Squeeze, co-hosted with his wife, Taylor Dome Lautner, the actor delved into the psychological toll of having a body constantly under scrutiny. He recalled his earlier years during the franchise, where he was known for frequently baring his torso, and how, at that time, he remained unaware of the long-term implications on his self-image. He explained,
“When I was in it, when I was 16 through 20 years old, starring in this franchise where my character is known for taking his shirt off every other second, no, I did not know that it was affecting me or going to affect me in the future with body image.”
Lautner’s transformation for the role of Jacob Black, the werewolf, included daily workouts and a strict, high-calorie diet. The regimen consumed his life, altering his physique significantly from movie to movie.
As the Twilight chapter came to a close, Lautner decided to break free from the daily gym sessions. This transition, however, led to a shift in his physique that he was unaccustomed to, and the online commentary didn’t make it any easier.
Yet, Lautner shared that he ultimately recognized the importance of prioritizing self-care and mental health over body image.
His candid acknowledgment serves as a poignant reminder that, even in the glamour of Hollywood, individuals face profound human battles and the need for self-acceptance and personal well-being.
