Summit "disappointed" by Lefevre comments

The studio behind the Twilight franchise has claimed that it was "disappointed" by Rachelle Lefevre's remarks about why she had been dropped from the third instalment of the saga.

Summit Entertainment previously announced that the actress, who played vengeful vampire Victoria, would be replaced by Bryce Dallas Howard in Eclipse because of scheduling conflicts with another project.

Lefevre later claimed that she was "stunned" by the decision because she had been "fully committed" to the movie. She added that Summit had chosen to axe her despite knowing that her other movie shoot would only last ten days.

In a statement, the studio said: "It was not until July 20 that Summit was first informed of Ms Lefevre's commitment to Barney’s Version, a commitment we have since been advised she accepted in early June.

"We feel that her choice to withhold her scheduling conflict information from us can be viewed as a lack of co-operative spirit which affected the entire production... Ms Lefevre took a role in the other film that places her in Europe during the required rehearsal time, and at least ten days of Eclipse's principal photography.

"This period is essential for both rehearsal time with the cast, and for filming at key locations that are only available during the initial part of production."

The studio concluded: "The fact remains that Ms Lefevre's commitment to the other project - which she chose to withhold from Summit until the last possible moment - makes her unfortunately unavailable to perform the role of Victoria."

Lefevre has yet to respond to Summit's claims.