Summit and Vampire Victoria Casting

It was reported recently that actress Bryce Dallas Howard would be replacing Rachelle Lefevre as the evil vampire Victoria in the third Twilight movie Eclipse.  Reason is simple, Lefevre is locked into another film called Barney's Version and cannot be available to reprise her role.  Or are there more devious things going on?  Darker forces conspiring against Lefevre in some dark, conspriacy, cloak wearing cult thing? 

Probably not, but that's just me going a bit nutty.  The real stuff is that the Associated Press got word from Lefervre, who isn't at all happy with the new casting.  Lefevre has this to say:

"I turned down several other film opportunities and, in accoradance with my contractual rights, accepted only roles that would involve very short shooting schedules.  Although the production schedule for 'Eclipse' is over three months long, Summit said they had a conflict during those ten days and would not accommodate me."

Summit meanwhile stated that its 'untrue' she was let go just because of ten days of shooting.  It also said that her scheudle for Barney's Version would overlap not only days of principal photography, but also rehersal.  And that they let her know that if she chose to go ahead with Barney's, her vampire role could be in jepodary. 

So, it looks like studio won out this time.  Apparently there are petitions out there pleading for Lefevre's return in the third film.  Though unless Robert Pattinson threatens to walk out unless she gets the role back, I don't think anything will come of it.  The Twilight Saga: Eclipse is going before cameras late next month and will cause thousands of tween girls to scream like....well tween girls, come June 30 2010.