Taylor Lautner is on pace to be Hollywood's next big action star. But when and if he'll reach that status will depend on whether or not fans and critics can deal with his young age and attachment to a popular vampire film series.
At 19, Lautner has achieved heartthrob status, thanks to Twilight and the legions of screaming fans all over the world.
With the arrival of his first non-Twilight film, Abduction, critics are not so sure Lautner, who plays a young man on the run from special agents, can fill the title of action hero.
Even with a star studded cast that includes Alfred Molina, Maria Bello and Sigourney Weaver, Abduction has received mostly negative reviews.
One critic called the film a haggardly slapdash Bourne Identity knockoff, while another wrote, To give Mr. Lautner his due, he is a martial-arts dervish with perfectly sculptured abs. His acting, however, is another matter.
I was so focused on playing Jacob, I really didn't know what I wanted to do next, Lautner recently told the New York Daily News.
I was excited that I finally got to use my marital arts in a movie, he said.
Abduction, directed by John Singleton, opens in theaters on Friday.
Move over Jacob Black, here comes Taylor Lautner, aspiring action star.
Actress Lea Michele (R) escorts actor Taylor Lautner to the stage at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association's (HFPA) Annual Installation Luncheon in Beverly Hills, California August 4, 2011. The association also presented financial grants to film schools and non-profit organizations at the event. REUTERSActor Taylor Lautner arrives for the Hollywood Foreign Press Association annual installation luncheon in Beverly Hills, California August 4, 2011. The association also presented financial grants to film schools and non-profit organizations at the event.REUTERSActor Taylor Lautner arrives for the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) Annual Installation Luncheon in Beverly Hills, California August 4, 2011. The association also presented financial grants to film schools and non-profit organizations at the event.REUTERS/Fred ProuserCast member Taylor Lautner poses with a fan during the world premiere of "Abduction" at the Grauman's Chinese theatre in Hollywood, California, September 15, 2011.ReutersCast member Taylor Lautner poses during the world premiere of "Abduction" at the Grauman's Chinese theatre in Hollywood, California, September 15, 2011. The movie opens in the U.S. on September 23. ReutersCast member Taylor Lautner poses during the world premiere of "Abduction" at the Grauman's Chinese theatre in Hollywood, California, September 15, 2011. The movie opens in the U.S. on September 23.ReutersCast member Taylor Lautner poses during the world premiere of "Abduction" at the Grauman's Chinese theatre in Hollywood, California, September 15, 2011. The movie opens in the U.S. on September 23.REUTERS
