Twilight star Taylor Lautner is reportedly battling to play Jacob Black in the hit film's sequel New Moon - after rival actors Michael Copon and Ben Barnes showed an interest in taking over the role.

Lautner played the Native American character in the box office smash, and was expected to continue his portrayal of the part in the movie's highly anticipated follow-up - in which Black becomes a pivotal character.

But moviemaker Chris Weitz, who has taken over the director's chair from Twilight's Catherine Hardwicke, is planning to offer the part to a more established actor, according to industry reports.

Prince Caspian star Barnes and Scorpion King 2 actor Copon are reportedly both in the running to take over from Lautner. And a representative for the franchise admits the film's castings are not yet set in stone.

A spokesperson tells MTV, "The casting decision in regards to the character Jacob Black has yet to be made." (MJ/WNWCDN/ZN)

Copyright 2008 WENN