The cast of Twilight: Robert Pattinson (Edward), Elizabeth Reaser (Esme), Kellan Lutz (Emmett), Peter Facinelli (Dr. Cullen), Nikki Reed (Rosalie), Kristen Stewart (Bella), Ashley Greene (Alice), Jackson Rathbone (Jasper), Cam Gigandet (James), Edi Gathegi (Laurent), Taylor Lautner (Jacob), Rachelle Lefevre (Victoria). Photograph by Peggy Sirota.
Jackson Rathbone, 23, plays Jasper Cullen, Alice's vampire love, who has a strong conscience. Rathbone had the lead role on the television series Beautiful People and a part on The O.C.
VF Daily: Had you read the "Twilight" books before getting the script?
*Jackson Rathbone:*No, but many friends of mine had and filled me in on the story. Then I read Twilight and I saw what all the fuss was about. Once I landed the role of Jasper, all my cousins wrote me—I have a huge family—and told me how excited they were that I was in the movie because they loved the books so much.What did you do to prepare for your role?
I ate my steaks blood rare.
What did you like best about playing Jasper?
He's a vampire barely able to control himself, but he does it for love. Basically, his nobility and sense of honor. Plus, he's from Texas.
What was your favorite scene to shoot?
All the action sequences, especially the fight scene. I love doing my own stuntwork.
Who were your closest friends on set?
All the Cullens. We were truly like a family on and off set. We would go out to dinner, hang out at the hotel, work out together in the hotel gym, and we even had family sing-a-longs.
What have you done to prepare yourself for the mania surrounding the film?
I've been keeping busy with my band, my acting, and my fledgling production company. I am always busy and I like it that way. I've always loved the arts and this mania hopefully will help to bring fruition to many of my artistic endeavors.
Have you had any crazy fan encounters yet?
All my fans are amazing and have helped me in my career so much. I couldn't be an actor without an audience, and I feel blessed to have my fans so much on my side.
Hometown?
Midland, Texas.
Siblings?
Three sisters.
Significant other?
She's beautiful, but shy. She's also a guitar.
Celebrity crush?
January Jones from Mad Men. Our band, 100 Monkeys, wrote a song for her.
Trademark look?
Colors that don't match. I'm colorblind and have embraced it. And always with a hat.
Who do you consider the most stylish man in Hollywood?
Eddie Izzard? I don't read fashion mags or tabloids … Sorry, I really wouldn't know.
Favorite movie?
Casablanca.
Who do you think are the greatest actor and actress of all time?
Jack Nicholson and Katharine Hepburn.
TV shows that you TiVo?
South Park and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
What book are you reading?
I'm on a short-story kick, going between Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Franz Kafka.
Favorite musician or band?
Tom Waits.
Favorite cause?
New York or L.A.?
The grass is always greener … Manhattan.
Do you have any upcoming projects?
I'm currently in London, filming a psychological thriller called Dread. Also, roles in Samantha D and The Daze. I have a few projects in development with my production company, as well as our band's yet-to-be-finished album.
Facebook or MySpace?
I still write letters on paper, but our band uses MySpace.
More Twilight, only on VF.com:
Interviews: "Twilight Mania," featuring interviews with 12 cast members.
Article: "The Twilight Zone," by James Wolcott.
Article: "A Spotlight on Twilight at the Apple Store," by Andi Teran, featuring a video interview with Robert Pattinson and director Catherine Hardwicke.
Video: "Twilight Idols," behind the scenes at the Vanity Fair photo shoot.
