LA Times Interview With The Cullens

‘The Twilight Saga: Eclipse’ is a bloodbath for the Cullens

They must battle an army of new vampires controlled by Victoria and this time you’ll get to see their ‘true vampire-ness,’ according to actor Peter Facinelli.

By Yvonne Villarreal, The Los Angeles Times

May 2, 2010

The family that slays together, stays together.

At least that's the case for the Cullen brood.

In "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse," which hits theaters June 30, Seattle is ravaged by a series of killings caused by an army of newborn vampires controlled by revenge-seeking bloodsucker Victoria. To combat the threat against Bella ( Kristen Stewart) in this third installment of the franchise, the Cullens must band together and join forces with their sworn enemies, the wolf pack.

"The whole family is in a vulnerable position because of the love we have for Bella," said Elizabeth Reaser, who plays matriarch Esme Cullen. "If she's not OK, we're not OK."


In the past, we've seen the clan hit baseballs so hard that they can play only in a thunder storm, to block out the sound. And we've watched the buttoned-up human imposters welcome Bella into their home as the human girlfriend of one of their own — the handsome Edward.

"This time around, you get to see their true vampire-ness," said Peter Facinelli, who plays head vampire Dr. Carlisle Cullen in the series based on the bestselling books by Stephenie Meyer.

What can we expect from the pale-faced Cullen family (which includes the Hale siblings) this go around? Here's what the actors say audiences can expect from the story and their characters:

Facinelli: "For me, as Carlisle, it's an exciting portion of the series. Carlisle is very compassionate and he has a lot of killing to do in this movie. I joke, after he kills the bad guys, he says he's sorry in his head. And, you know, he's calm and level-headed. He's the rock of the family. He usually has a lot of information to draw from because Alice can see into the future and Edward can read minds. In this third movie, he's not getting that information. Neither one of his sources are working, so he's kind of flying blind."

Reaser: "Esme is still a vampire. She still wants to kill people all day long. It was interesting to get in touch with the vampire side of her in ways that haven't really been explored. Her family is in danger and that brings out the mama bear in her.

Ashley Greene (as Alice Cullen): "Yeah, she's delicate and prissy at times, but Alice gets a little edgier with each installment. And with these vampires messing with her family and the people she loves, you're going to see a bit of her toughness. It's a reminder to the audience that even though we restrain ourselves at times, we're still vampires and we're dangerous. You're going to see the dark, dangerous side of Alice."

Kellan Lutz (as Emmett Cullen): "You're going to see a smile on Emmett's face from start to finish. He just loves to fight. And there's a lot of fighting. He sort of plays bigger in this one than the others."

Jackson Rathbone (as Jasper Hale): "You'll get to see a little bit of the root of what makes Jasper so withdrawn and quiet in the Cullen family. Fans will get some of Jasper's back story in ‘Eclipse.' I got to wear the whole Civil War gear and everything. There's a bit of the softer and darker side of Jasper in this film."

Nikki Reed (as Rosalie Hale): "You see a reason for her attitude. I think fans will feel for her. There was a bit of that in ‘New Moon.' Fans got to see a bit of her sensitive side. Her sane side. Her logical side. And her desire to help her family. This time around, she is much more of a participant. She's a survivor. This is her family. So if protecting Bella means protecting her family, she's going to do it."

Robert Pattinson (as Edward Cullen): Snagging a phone interview with the brooding dreamboat — who was overseas shooting his latest film, "Bel Ami" — proved difficult. So what can we expect from the lovesick Edward? He promises to love Bella "every moment of forever," as the trailer reveals. He's still hesitant about her becoming a vampire. He's determined to protect her from Victoria. And he's vying with Jacob for her affections. Oh, the life of an antique teenage vampire.

LA Times via TwiCrack

Caught Caring: Peter Facinelli, Project Halo and 1736 Family Crisis Center

The importance of a healthy father-daughter relationship should never be underscored, and it’s something that Peter Facinelli is no doubt well aware of.

Dad to Luca Bella, 12, Lola Ray, 7, and Fiona Eve, 3½, the Twilight star is hoping to spread the word with his involvement in Project Halo, a new fund-raising effort from the 1736 Family Crisis Center.



“I am proud to take part,” Facinelli, 36, tells PEOPLE Moms & Babies. “I believe that every man, woman and child have the right to live with dignity in a healthy, safe environment free of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse.”

Studies indicate that girls who grow up with safe, strong male role models are less likely, as adults, to enter into abusive relationships. With an end to domestic violence at the heart of 1736 Family Crisis Center’s mission, Project Halo seeks to change the mindset of — and bring awareness to — women years before they go on to become battered.

By making a donation to Project Halo, you will receive a peace-inspired headband or necktie created by children housed in 1736 Family Crisis Center’s shelters as part of their therapeutic healing process.

“The children who created these ties and headbands will benefit from your purchase,” Facinelli points out. “Please help this cause.”

What began as a single shelter for street youth in the 1970s has turned into quite a success story for 1736 Family Crisis Center, which now operates five shelters and four community service centers throughout Los Angeles. There, victims receive expert services specifically designed to help them overcome the effects of violence. 1736 Family Crisis Center also offers four 24-hour crisis hotlines which service the community at large, offering immediate counseling and referrals.

To make a donation, click here; For other ways you can help, click here.

Luca, Lola and Fiona are Facinelli’s children with wife Jennie Garth.

Just another reason to love PFach!

Source via Twilightish

Kellan Lutz & Peter Facinelli @ Calvin Klein Art Event

Twilight hunks Kellan Lutz and Peter Facinelli attended the Calvin Klein Collection & Los Angeles Nomadic Division’s 1st Annual Celebration for LA Arts Monthly and Art Los Angeles Contemporary event last night. (that is a mouthful...that's what she said) ;)

See more pics @ Celebrity Gossip.

Peter Facinelli on the Cover of Prestige Magazine

Peter Facinelli was on the cover of the January edition of Prestige Magazine looking pretty darn good...case in point:

I haven't mentioned it lately, but I heart PFach!

via Eclipse Movie

Peter Facinelli Talks About His Family, 'Eclipse' & 'Breaking Dawn'!

iVillage interviewed my favorite "Doctor" Peter Facinelli recently & he chatted about his family, New Moon, Eclipse & more. Here is an excerpt from the interview:

"I told my wife [Beverly Hills 90210 alum Jennie Garth] the only gift I want is to be able to be with my family," Peter Facinelli recently told iVillage while filming Nurse Jackie (the Showtime drama starring Edie Falco) in New York. "I wrap up the second season today, and I head home tomorrow. I'm looking forward to a break and just spending some time with my family."

It's no surprise that the dad of three looks forward to a little downtime with his loved ones in their L.A. home. In addition to his role as Dr. Fitch Cooper on Nurse Jackie, Facinelli also plays vampire Carlisle Cullen in the blockbuster Twilight films. Anticipating his holiday break, the 36-year-old took a moment to chat about a beloved Christmas tradition, New Moon fan requests and why he's in favor of a fifth Twilight movie.

What vampire superpower do you wish you had in real life?
I'd love to be able to fly -- that would be cool. But I don't know if that's a vampire power. I mean, Carlisle's power is compassion, and I think I got the short end of the stick. I was like, "Can't I be compassionate and fly?" You can't really [be] like, "Stand back! I'm going to smite you with my compassion!"

You and your wife are both famous actors. Is it hard to stay grounded in family life when you're a part of the Hollywood scene?
No, because my wife comes from Illinois and I come from New York, and at the end of the day what we do is a job and not who we are as a people. I'm an actor, not a celebrity. I never walk around thinking I'm a celebrity. So, in that sense, we really do live a grounded lifestyle. And I wouldn't want it any other way for my kids.

Do you have any plans for the holidays?
I'm going to take the kids skiing.

How about any holiday traditions?
We have a little village set that we put underneath the Christmas tree, and this year the kids got to build it themselves because I was out of town. Usually I help, but this year they kind of surprised me and did the whole village under the tree. It was kind of fun to come home and see that they had done it by themselves.

There's been talk about the last Twilight book, Breaking Dawn, being split into two separate films. Can you confirm the rumors?
I don't know. I know there are rumors. I'm in support of it. It's a very thick book and there's a lot going on. To scale it down to one, we would miss a lot of stuff. So, if I had a say, I would love for it to be two. That said, I haven't heard anything about it, nor has Breaking Dawn been confirmed at all. So I think we're all just waiting to hear what someone decides to do.

So you're not itching for it to be over?
No, I'm a big fan of the books. So for me, it's fun to be able to revisit Carlisle and I'm quite saddened that there's only one more book to do. It would be great if it was broken into two.

What can fans expect from the next film, Eclipse?
Every one of these has had a different director [David Slade directs The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, opening in June] so the feel's been a little bit different. Each one of the books progressively has more action. New Moon has some really cool action with the werewolves and the Volturi and it builds from there into the third one where the Cullens get to do some really great action stuff. And that's fun for me, because as a Cullen we're very reserved and always trying to fit in and look humanlike. But in Eclipse, you get to see what we're capable of as vampires.

Who would win in a fight between Taylor Lautner and Robert Pattinson?
In real life? Well I'd have to go Taylor all the way on that one, just because he's been taking karate since he was in his mother's womb. And I've seen him do some back flips and some high kicks. I think that Taylor would win the fight between him and me, too.

Alright, give us the scoop. Are Rob and Kristen Stewart dating?
You know, I don't know who my costars are dating, and I don’t ask. I mean, I don't know who Edie Falco is dating either.

Do you get tired of people asking you that?
Yeah, I get tired of people asking me who Edie Falco is dating all the time!

Ahhh PFach...you are too funny! I heart him...I really do!

Read the rest here.

Video Interview: Peter Facinelli @ Z100 Jingle Ball

Here is a sneak preview of Peter Facinelli in Road to MSG: Z100’s Jingle Ball which airs Friday, December 18th @ 11pm on MSG!

Thanks Nina @ MSG!

Peter Facinelli Would Like 'Breaking Dawn' as 2 Films; Wants Chris Weitz

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

MTV chatted with my favorite Dr., Peter Facinelli at the Z100 Jingle Ball and he talks about Breaking Dawn and what he would like to see happen:

With "New Moon" being such an overwhelming success, there probably won't be an issue getting another flick green-lit — but Facinelli insisted the cast is just really excited that "New Moon" was such a hit. "I haven't heard or seen [a script yet]. I think everybody's just kind of still on the 'New Moon' high," he added. "And we're gearing up for 'Eclipse.' I'm excited for 'Eclipse.' That's my favorite book."

So, if or when "Breaking Dawn" goes into production, Facinelli does know which scene he's looking forward to shooting. "You know, there's this scene where Bella has the baby," he said, jokingly adding, "Like any other doctor, I'm not there at the time. I think I'm on the ninth playing a round of golf, but it's an interesting scene. I'd like to see how that's shot."

Will the film actually be split into two parts? Facinelli would be cool with that. "I would love to have them break it into two parts because it's such a thick book," he said. "I think that'd be fantastic to split into two, 'cause there's so much information. Whatever happens, I'm sure it will be good."

The star would also love to welcome back Weitz as director, if the studio decides that's what's best. "I'd love to see Chris Weitz back," he said. "I don't know. I mean, I know he actually has another film he's doing right now, so your guess is as good as mine. I'm sure they'll get somebody very capable. I mean, we've had some pretty fantastic directors so far."

Read it all here.

Peter Facinelli at Z100 Jingle Ball

Peter Facinelli at the Hammerstein Ballroom meet-and-greet and the Z100 Jingle Ball at Madison Square Garden Friday, December 11, 2009.

The official charity partner for Z100's Jingle Ball is Food Bank for New York City. The group works to end food poverty throughout the five boroughs through its citywide network of approximately 1,000 food assistance programs.

John Mayer was introduced by Peter Facinelli, who also elicited screams from the crowd as well. He requested the crowd quiet down so he could make his introduction

See more at Socialite Life.

I love Peter's collection of scarves! :)

Peter Facinelli on 'It's on with Alexa Chung'

It's On with Alexa Chung - MTV Shows

I HEART PFach! <3

Peter Facinelli Stops By SIRIUS Radio in NYC

Peter Facinelli stopped by SIRIUS Radio in NYC yesterday.

See more pictures of PFach @ PopSugar:

Peter Facinelli on Jimmy Kimmel Live

I will say it again....I heart Pfach!

Oh, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY PETER!!

'Twilight' Stars Talk About What They Want for 'Breaking Dawn'

MTV talked with the stars at the New York Screening of 'New Moon' about their thoughts on Breaking Dawn:

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

"If I had a wish list, Gus van Sant would be pretty cool," Peter Facinelli said, mirroring Robert Pattinson's director pick. "I just think he'd be an interesting choice for it. I mean, 'Milk' was phenomenal. I would just love to see 'Breaking Dawn' done, because I'd like to finish the whole chapter."

Ashley Greene said she wouldn't turn down the chance to split up "Breaking Dawn," if that's what the studio decides. "I think we all love being a part of this," she said. "And if making this into two films means we capture the essence of the fourth book better, then absolutely."

Nikki Reed agreed with Greene, noting that she just wants to see it get the green light before any other decisions are made. "It doesn't matter to me ... if they think that's what's best for the book, and if they don't think they can make it in one, then great," Reed said. "But I don't even know if they're making it."

So far, a new filmmaker has been at the helm of each "Twilight" movie, but that doesn't mean "New Moon" director Chris Weitz is against coming back if it works for him. "A lot depends on whether the fans and the studio and all of that, whether people would still like me to do it," he said. "And how my family feels about it."

Kellan Lutz wouldn't mind seeing Weitz back in the director's chair. "Out of the three, I'd love to see Chris Weitz come back," he said. "I just had so much fun shooting with him. I mean, obviously, I would just love to do ['Breaking Dawn']. There's no word. ... Hopefully we get that phone call, and if they want to make it into five movies, I just don't want it to end. I love my character so much."

Peter, Ashley, Kellan & Nikki Reveal what Eclipse Scenes They Want to See!

From MTV:

While Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner are most focused on the film's intensifying love triangle, their co-stars can't wait for fans to see them get down and dirty.

" 'Eclipse' is my favorite book, so I'm actually really excited for people to see that one," Peter Facinelli, who plays Carlisle Cullen, told MTV News. "The Cullens get to roll up their sleeves and really get into the mix of things. They're usually so restrained all the time, and I think people love the ['Twilight'] baseball scene because you got to see them actually do what they can do as vampires, and in 'Eclipse' it's that to the 10th power. You get to see them be what they can be as vampires."

Fellow Cullen Ashley Greene is also keen on displaying Alice Cullen's skills. "I'm really excited to see my fight sequence," she said. "There's some playful moments between Jasper and Alice that I'd like to see. They take parts of your character and put it into your fight sequence, so mine's kind of a Cirque du Soleil-ish sequence, so I want to see it."

Kellan Lutz looks forward to seeing the results of his hard work preparing to send Emmet into battle. "We went through the six weeks of fight training ... and they trained us so well that we just dominated our choreography moves," he shared. "And they're going to look really cool."

But while everyone seems excited to duke it out, Nikki Reed is most looking forward to sharing Rosalie's tragic backstory.

"Well Jackson and I, we both had the opportunity to shoot our backstory, so I shot an entire sequence in the 1930s," she explained. "And it's intercut between a really amazing scene and moment that I have with Bella. And Jackson sort of did the same. I think the fans will like that. I think they want to see the Cullens' history. It gives me the opportunity to explain myself."

Eclipse was my favorite book, so I totally can't wait to see this movie! Is it June yet?! :)

Pictures From The NYC 'New Moon' After Party

The after party was held at club Box in NYC last night.

Source

I Heart PFach Reason # 9856425721566

Thanks Rachel @ NBC

Peter Facinelli Talks New Moon & Family in his Time Out Interview

PFach took some time to chat with Time Out Kids about New Moon and his family recently:

Will Twilight fans be surprised by New Moon?
I don’t know if they’ll be surprised; I’m hoping they’ll walk out of the theater happy. I was a fan of the book and am very pleased with how the movie came out. The Cullen family isn’t featured as prominently [as in the first film]. New Moon is focused more on the werewolf side of this small town. Also, Chris Weitz directed New Moon and his vision is different from [Twilight director] Catherine Hardwicke’s. It’s not the same as Twilight, but it still has its edge.

Is the Facinelli household on Team Edward or Team Jacob?
When I asked my three-year-old what she liked about Twilight she said Edward.

Do you have a lot of moms as fans?
The fans span all ages. It’s not like more of the moms like me. They love the whole Cullen family.


What are your favorite things to do with your family in the city?
At Christmastime we like to see the tree at Rockefeller Center and go ice-skating in Central Park. The kids love to go shopping at FAO Schwarz, walk around the city and buy pretzels or hot nuts on the street corners.

How do you balance family and work?
Any minute I have off, I try to get home. Last year I flew into L.A. on a Friday morning, picked up my kids from school, put up the Halloween decorations, had dinner with them and got back on a plane that night to go back to film. But it was worth every minute that I got to spend with them. I try not to go more than two weeks without seeing them even if it’s only for a day. And we also have Skype. At least we get to see each other! Sometimes we’ll even eat dinner together. I’ll be eating ramen noodles and they’ll be having a wonderful home-cooked meal.

Read the rest here.

I heart PFach!

Little Peek inside Peter Facinelli's Home!

Instyle has a mini feature taking you inside the homes of celebrities & Pfach was one on the list:

To keep the family of five happy, 90210 star Jennie Garth and her actor husband Peter Facinelli strive for a balance of style and functionality in their 9,500-square-foot Los Angeles home. Some rooms are clean and classic, while others, like the game room, are definitely for play. "The furnishings reflect Jennie's personality," says decorator Trina Boyd. "Romantic, soft and pretty, with a little bit of edge."

WHY THEY LOVE IT It has history! The original house was once home to country-western star Tex Ritter (father of John Ritter). "One of our neighbors said he used to see John Wayne coming to the house for poker games," says Facinelli.

It looks fun there...I would love to go visit Pfach & Co! :)

Vanity Fair Catches up with Dr. Cullen, a.k.a. Peter Facinelli

Vanity Fair has a "Twilight Watch" going on and this time they caught up with PFach in NYC where he is filming Nurse Jackie.

I love the one answer questions they do, it is so interesting to see what the cast has to say about one another. Here is what Peter had to say about the Cullen's:

Speaking of family, will you please give me one word to describe each of the Cullen clan actors starting with Kellan Lutz?
Ok. [Laughs] Goofy!

Nikki Reed:
Complex.

Jackson Rathbone:
Artistic.

Kristen Stewart:
Sweet.

Elizabeth Reaser:
Awesome.

Ashley Greene:
Pixie-ish, she’s like a fairy—she’s so light on her feet. Bubbly, that’s the word.

Rob Pattinson:
Mmm, Rob. Rob’s a good one. It’s hard to narrow down to one. So many words come to mind! Brooding, tortured … but he’s a good kid. What’s the word for a solidly good guy?

Solid?
Solid. He is. He’s solid.

Finally, what your word of the day?
Cold!

Read the whole interview here.