Eclipse movie bosses have hit back at Rachelle Lefevre after the actress said she was “stunned” and “saddened” to learn she will be replaced by Bryce Dallas Howard in the Twilight sequel.

Summit Entertainment – the production company responsible for bringing the vampire saga to the big screen – announced this week that Bryce would play flame-haired vampire villain Victoria in part three of the franchise, after Lefevre dropped out due to a “scheduling conflict.”

But, although Rachelle admits production on upcoming flick Barney's Version slightly overlapped with shooting on Eclipse, she fully expected to keep the role that had been hers for the first two instalments.

Her comments have infuriated executives at Summit, who have released their own lengthy statement defending their decision to recast:

The statement reads:

"We at Summit Entertainment are disappointed by Rachelle Lefevre’s recent comments which attempt to make her career choices the fault of the studio. Her decision to discuss her version of the scheduling challenges publicly has forced the Studio to set the record straight and correct the facts.

"It was not until July 20th 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 cooperative 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 The Twilight Saga: 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.”

Eclipse is scheduled to begin shooting in Vancover, Canada, this Autumn.

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