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'Twilight' star Jackson Rathbone, exclusive: 'New Moon' movie, 100 Monkeys, his career, Part 2

... Continued from Part 1

... Jackson said, “we all just love playing music . . . the fame and notoriety helps us afford this endorphin addiction. We all are just plain excited people actually love our music . . . ‘cause we love playing it.” Despite his busy New Moon filming schedule, the band plays on, it seems.

About the film, I asked Jackson Rathbone, “In New Moon, your character is supposed to take a bigger bite (pun intended) into the series, with Jasper showing his more thirsty side. How are you preparing yourself for these scenes?” Jackson replied, “for that pun, you should be ‘pun’ished . . . I haven’t had a drink in 35 days.” Clever fellow, he is.

With his wit in mind, I decided to ask Jackson about a concern that some fans, myself included, had about the potential for inconsistencies between his character in Twilight and New Moon. I asked, “In Twilight, Jasper was dancing around the fire while Bella bled out from her James-inflicted wounds, and in New Moon, a little papercut is supposed to send Jasper over the edge. Some fans worry that this inconsistency will de-legitimize some of the scenes in New Moon. How are you and the crew planning to handle this?” Jackson says,

It’s all in the old saying, ‘Location, location, location . . .’ Once you realize the immense animalistic impulses a vampire has, you realize . . . every little thing is more intense. The smell from a vampire-burning bonfire, the adrenaline from the kill, and the exhaustion from the chase . . . basically, in terms of scent, the difference is between a dance studio filled with smells [of] burning and violence, as opposed to the Cullen Family living room, which is filled with the smell of birthday cake. There is no inconsistency, don’t worry.

Guess that's one New Moon scene we avidly expected (see here) that we won't have to worry about anymore!

Despite his accelerating stardom and ever-growing fanbase, Jackson has remained a complete gentleman to his fans as well as the media, so I asked him “how do you keep such a warm smile on your face amidst all the Twilight chaos?” Put simply, Jackson replied that “in the monkey kingdom, baring one’s teeth has a different connotation. Beware.”

Jackson, whose smile may or may not have a double-meaning, will be featured in this summer's TwiCon festival in Dallas, Texas. I asked him if he was looking forward to it, and he said that he’s “only been waiting since last summer!”

After New Moon wraps up, Jackson Rathbone will be taking on a new and different role as Sokka in M. Night Shyamalan’s up-coming film The Last Airbender, a film based on the award-winning Nickelodeon Asian-inspired cartoon series that mixed martial arts with elemental manipulation. Sokka, Jackson’s part, was a 15-year-old warrior from the “Southern Water Tribe,” who goes on a mission to defeat the Fire Lord. Sokka, quite appropriately, was a character known for his sense of humor, and described himself to be “meat-loving.” Sokka is also known to wield a boomerang and a sword and was frequently the butt of his companion’s jokes.

I asked Jackson about his upcoming role in The Last Airbender, and how he was preparing himself both mentally and physically for the role. Continuing his knack for repartee, Jackson says, “I’ve been training in various styles of Kung Fu since December, and I love it! It connects the body and mind in a way a textbook could never achieve . . . I can kill from 10 feet away with a spear . . . Purty sweeeeeetttt . . .” Best to stay back, then, fans – not only does his smile deceive, but he also has been brushing up on his martial arts and spearing capacities (that goes for you, especially, paparazzi).

On a more serious note, I asked him if he had any advice for up-and-coming actors who might want to be as diversified and calm as he is. He said, “Appreciate that everything in the world has lined up perfectly in order for you to exist . . . Take five minutes to yourself, and count everything little thing you have to be thankful for . . . it’s good for the soul. And, anytime you feel despondent, fake a smile for exactly one minute, and then you’ll laugh at how ridiculous it all is.”

Jackson added to his fans, “I wanna thank each and every one of you for existing! Without you, I’d be acting in an empty theatre . . . again. Much love, and respect.”

Isn’t he something else? Comment below with your thoughts on Jackson’s words!

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Amanda’s Twilight Examiner column has become a premier resource for current and informative discussions related to all-things-Twilight. She has...

Comments

  • Marie 2 years ago
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    Jackson is such a doll! I love him.

  • Vânia 2 years ago
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    He is so cool. Much of the actors play nice, but aren't in fact. But I can feel his good vibe from miles away. He's incredible, human, normal, in a world of material world.
    Like Marie said:He's a doll!

  • Jussie 2 years ago
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    Oh I want one there should be more men out there like him XXX

  • Beth 2 years ago
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    Oh Jackson, you steal my heart once again. Such a good southern gentlemen, with a good wit. I LOVE IT!!! Can't wait to see him succeed even more.

  • Alison 2 years ago
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    Hahah, he's so sarcastic!
    I'm excited about The Last Airbender, that should be pretty rad.

  • Tracy 2 years ago
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    Such a sweetie and very genuine. I truly hope he goes far. Team Jasper!

  • Susie 2 years ago
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    Somewhere that boy's Mother is smiling ear to ear (and she should be!)..obviously she did a good job with her son.
    As always a very positve Jackson interview - he is just too adorable

  • Joann 2 years ago
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    i'm glad the inconsistency was explained and from the source himself! how cool is that!

  • Haley Alice 2 years ago
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    HE'S SUCH AN AWESOME SWEETHEART!!!
    DANG Ive GOTTA meet him
    Jackosn youre amazing I hearts you!!
    Thanks to YOU for existing^^

  • Katie 2 years ago
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    He is very down to earth, love him! Cant wait to see him in the M. Night movie. Go Jackson

  • Marcy 2 years ago
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    Love Jasper...so he's to play the 15 year old, bald headed Sokka...WOW, can't wait to see how that pans out!

  • Candace 2 years ago
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    I just have to say that I LOVE Jackson Rathbone point blank period. :D

  • Rebecca 2 years ago
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    Awww I think Jackson is amazing (: his simile is so sweet && I can't wait fir the birthday scene in new moon :) I love his southern accent!!! Jackson I love you!!!

  • kristin 2 years ago
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    Everything I read about the Twilight actors is amazing! They seem like such above normal and wonderful young people. There is hope after all!

  • amanda 2 years ago
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    uhh i love edward he is so sexxi i wish i could meet him.bella and edward make suh a great cuple. i cant wait to see the second movi i hope edward doesnt quit the movie!!!!!!!!!!!!! ily edward!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

  • Chris 2 years ago
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    LOL Dark Lord? Its FIRE LORD.

  • sheri 2 years ago
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    Jackson is now my favorite actor ever! So humble n true to him self! Good for you!May GOD bless him in every thing he sets out to do!I Wish him the best Handsom man!

  • SeaSparrow 2 years ago
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    About this scene where you see Jasper kind of dancing wildly around the fire where he and Emmette have just thrown James's dismembered body? I thought it was a pity we could not see more of it. It was only a fleeting glimpse but it gave a good idea of how wild and dark that character is. Jasper is a killer and it's all there beneath the smooth surface... same thing when he comes in the Cullen's house on Alice's heels, brooding and sinister-looking. He does not get a lot of screen time but I think he managed to convey a fair idea of Jasper. So I'm sure fans won't be disappointed! I also like the idea of such a dark character with his angel-like kind of face. It was really a godd idea to cast him. Can't wait to see him go really nuts in the New Moon paper-cut scene !!!

  • Melissa Jones 2 years ago
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    "Purty sweeeeeetttt" lol. Jackson is true through and through and he gives great advice...I tried the "faking a smile" advice and I cracked up. Jackson you are the type of person that makes a difference in someones day. You are extraordinary and it would be a pleasure to meet you some time in the future!

  • Lyn 2 years ago
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    I am beyond happy that he will be Sokka, I really like Avatar though Twilight has quickly become my life....Jackson was the cutest vampire other than Kellan....and maybe Robert.

  • Gabi 2 years ago
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    Jackson plays my favorite Cullen vampire! and Jackson is a awesome actor! my favorite too! God bless him in every single way and i hope to meet him in the near future! Same with you tracy Go Team Jasper!! And is his hair naturally black? personally i like him blonde.. but thats just me!!

  • twilighter2212 2 years ago
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    Oh Jackson has always been my fave cullen.
    He is so gorgeous & down to earth, I love how appreciative he is of his fans. He seem's like such a nice guy. Also the fact that he loves music is a HUGE! bonus cause i love music so so much! I hope they all come to Australia for the New moon premiere!

  • ScarlettOH! 2 years ago
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    I think I love him even more...

  • Olivia 2 years ago
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    As a super Twilight fan, I must say Jackson has the warm heart and personality. Even when he is in character he is my favorite. I absolutly think he will achieve alot in life!

  • Danielle 2 years ago
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    Jackson is such a sweetie!

    Even if I am Team Carlisle, I still love Jasper too! And his band plays awesome music! =]

  • 3elise 2 years ago
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    Jackson is such a gentleman and a great actor... for the people who just like him for twilight u really should listen to his band and check out other things he has done too... I can't wait for his next movies (twilight related and not twilight related)..

    Jackson Rathbone is the best.. keep on rockin!! im also Team Jasper of course..

  • Meara 2 years ago
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    i am team jasper all the way, unlike pretty much all the other girls in my town. in the end credits of the movie, when everyone was like "WHOOOO" when their favorite person came on, I was the only one to scream for jackson. my friends still love bringing that up.

  • Pam L. 2 years ago
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    Jackson, you're the sweetest of hearts and wish you much success in your career and personal life! Love ya :-)
    Pam L...South Florida

  • ashley.cullen! 2 years ago
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    ahh. damn you jackson! try to tempt me to join team jasper...e is one of my favorite characters and i like to think of myself as team jasper, but i'm acutally team switzerland. [: i love his music and his acting...can't wait fer Airbender!

  • deet 2 years ago
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    Training since december? GOOD! I was gettin worried about how much the avatar cast has been training. But this is very good. and @Marcy, Sokka isn't exactly bald. Sokka comes from a culture where men have wolf tails.

    Anyway, I hope Jackson does Sokka justice.

  • Jess 2 years ago
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    I absolutely love everything about Jackson! He is so talented! I love his acting, his music, and everything else that makes up the awesome that is him!

    I wish I could say I am Team Jasper but that would be a lie because I am a devoted Team Edward-er.

  • Alice 2 years ago
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    I love Jackson Rathbone and i must admit while my brother was watching avatar the last airbender 1 day i watched it with him and i actually like it haha of course i love twilight more than any type of entertainment : )

  • Erin 2 years ago
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    I love Jackson Rathbone, have since the O.C. He's absolutely amazing!! An interview I've found, this one especially just makes him more so. Keep being 100% completely incredible, we love you! ^_^

  • Tammy 2 years ago
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    Kristin, I agree with you 100%!! The more interviews they do that I read, the more I love each and every one of them! They are such great people!
    I live in Dallas and am going to Twicon. I can't wait!!

  • icenstar 2 years ago
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    Jackson sounds like a real down to earth kind of guy. I have listened to 100monkeys' music and I really like it. I can't wait to see him play sokka, he sounds like he would make a perfect sokka. His young boy features, his cunning jokes, and now that he can kill a paparazzi from 10 feet everyone better watch out for Jackson, because he is rising and rising fast. Can't wait to see him in New Moon and The Last Airbender!

  • Bex 2 years ago
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    Love him so much! He's gorgeous, sweet, talented and funny and even philosophical what's not to love! Jackson, you are incredible!

  • Cassandra 2 years ago
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    Jackson has such an addictive personality it's simply impossible for me not to continue to grow not only respect for him but a continuous admiration for his attitude and abilities as an actor. Keep it comin' Jay!

  • Tina 2 years ago
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    I am all for team EDWARD, but if I can't have Edward, than my second choice would be Jasper!!! In the end, I will end up with a male Cullen!!!

  • Agnes Marie 2 years ago
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    He seems so grounded. It's nice to see for once.

  • Rima 2 years ago
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    Edward WHO? lol.

    Jackson Rathbone is awesome. Loved him since I saw him on The OC.

  • Carmen 2 years ago
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    ok, jasper is great! but...why didn't she ask him when jasper's talent will show up in the movie? hello....they should have mentioned it in twilight, i'm trying to figure it out!

  • Liz 2 years ago
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    ooohhh I can't wait for Twicon either!!!!

  • Julia 2 years ago
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    I love Jackson! He is so down to earth and smart! Not to mention cute. And he is such a talented actor and musician. I saw him in Beautiful People, and he did a great job! Also In Twilight he was amazing. Keep it up Jackson!

  • Becky 2 years ago
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    I love this guy so much! He's totally gorgeous and soooo sweet! I think he'll go really far in his career. He's just so talented!

  • Tracy 2 years ago
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    I think Jasper is very talented, I wish him all the best in all he does

  • Carrie 2 years ago
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    He sounds so clever and intelligent.I actually like most his role in senior skip day - especially te scene when he sees the bong...His smile there is so cute, just watching it makes you smile too!
    We love you Jackson - keep the meter high though and PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DOI NOT CHANGE!!!!

  • gabrielledarko 2 years ago
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    he is MUCH to amazing
    for words <3

  • Liz 2 years ago
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    I really like his advice for up-and-coming actors. And that can apply to anyone, not just actors. Very good words of advice. He's an amazing actor and someone to look up to.

  • Hannah 2 years ago
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    Jackson is so HOT and so talented! I love the baseball scene in Twilight...he was soooo good in that (and his outfit was great!)

  • lovingJackson 2 years ago
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    OMG i love him so much! It's wonderful that someone who is so talented, and successful can be so down-to-earth, and not be sucked in by the fame. When I saw his haircut for Avatar (on him -- not just a cartoon of Sokka) i screamed! He will be perfect for Sokka with his sense of humour, and talent! Team Jackson/Jasper!

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