'Breaking Dawn' Casts Maggie Grace As Irina

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1648828/20100927/story.jhtml?xrs=eml_MTVMovies4

'Lost' and 'Taken' actress will play a 'vegetarian' vampire who turns on the Cullens.

By Kara Warner (@karawarner)                    

• With production set to begin very soon, "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 1" continues to add members to its already-crowded cast.

Last month we learned that "The Pacific" actor Rami Malek had joined the "Dawn" ranks in the role of Egyptian vampire Benjamin. On Monday (September 27), it was reported that "Lost" and "Taken" actress Maggie Grace has signed on to play "vegetarian" vampire Irina.
A rep from Summit Entertainment confirmed the casting to MTV News, and the original story appeared first on Deadline.com.
So who is Irina? Those familiar with Stephenie Meyer's source material will recall that she is a member of the Denali coven, one of the only other "vegetarian" vampire covens and allies with the Cullens — that is, until Irina blames the family for the death of her former lover, Laurent, and vengefully reveals a Cullen family secret to the Volturi.
The other "Dawn" newbie, Benjamin, is a member of the Egyptian coven who comes to help Bella and the Cullens battle the Volturi. Benjamin is a young vamp blessed with the special ability of controlling the elements (à la Storm from X-Men), though he has yet to fully master his powers.
"I think it's going to be great," Rami told "ET" of his joining the cast last month. "It's going to be super exciting, and I'm thrilled."
Summit announced in June that "Breaking Dawn" would be divided into two parts; the first of the two films is scheduled to hit theaters November 18, 2011, and the second on November 16, 2012.
Check out everything we've got on "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1."
For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

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'Breaking Dawn' Casts Rami Malek As Benjamin 'I'm thrilled,' the 'Pacific' actor says of joining high-profile series.

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Photos:Meet The Cast Of 'Breaking Dawn'

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Just when it seemed like things were all quiet on the "Twilight" front — save for a few updates from actress Nikki Reed and screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg — "Entertainment Tonight" reports that "Pacific" star Rami Malek will be joining the "Breaking Dawn" cast as Egyptian vampire Benjamin.
"I think it's going to be great," he told "ET." "It's going to be super exciting, and I'm thrilled."
In addition to "The Pacific," Malek has appeared in various films and TV shows, most recently in the "Night at the Museum" movies as Ahkmenrah. He is also in Tom Hanks' upcoming film "Larry Crowne."
So who is Benjamin? Fans of the books will remember him as a member of the Egyptian coven who, upon receiving word from Carlisle, comes to help Bella and the Cullens battle the Volturi. Benjamin is a young vamp blessed with the special ability of controlling the elements (à la Storm from X-Men), though he has yet to fully master his powers.
Benjamin is just one of many new characters in "Dawn." The extra roles have proven to be a challenge for Rosenberg, who told us recently she's currently struggling with the film's big battle scene, during which the two groups of vamps face off.
"The final battle sequence is a big challenge, because it lasts 25 pages," she said. "It's almost an entire three-act story in and of itself. You have to track hundreds of characters. It's an enormous challenge to choreograph on the page and for [director] Bill [Condon] to choreograph on the stage."
What do you think of Rami Malek's casting as Benjamin? Let us know in the comments!
Check out everything we've got on "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1."
For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

'Breaking Dawn' Casts Rami Malek As Benjamin

'Breaking Dawn' Casts Rami Malek As Benjamin