Industry scuttlebutt has suggested that Lautner may be the next on the chopping block in the continuing Twilight cast and crew shake-ups. Many noted that his role was in jeopardy because his character, Jacob Black, will be a much larger incarnation in New Moon. There are doubts that Lautner, 16, can pull off the physical transition to a fully muscled werewolf.

As it turns out, rumors of Lautner's demise might be greatly exaggerated, Entertainment Weekly reports.

Summit Entertainment is due to announce its casting decisions for New Moon this week. Insiders insist that Taylor's not out of the running. Lautner has met with New Moon director Chris Weitz, and also screen-tested with potential co-star Kristen Stewart to see if the two would have chemistry in the updated roles.

"I'm very hopeful," says one New Moon insider. "We're not looking at anybody else."

Rumors that Scorpion King 2 actor Michael Capon or 10,000 BC's Steven Strait are poised to replace Lautner are also apparently false; reps for both actors insist that neither one has been approached for the part.

Lautner himself has been doing everything he can to keep hope alive, including packing on 19 pounds and promising to add 10 more before shooting starts in March. "My job for New Moon is completely different," Lautner said in a recent interview. "I've been looking forward to that. I've been getting ready for it, and I can assure them I will follow through with that."

Sounds like Lautner is completely eager to sink his teeth into the project.