Oscar nominee joins the 'Twilight Saga: Eclipse' cast

Catalina Sandino Moreno will play Maria in the 'Twilight' sequel

By HitFix Staff Thursday, Aug 13, 2009 2:29 PM

Oscar nominee joins the 'Twilight Saga: Eclipse' cast

Catalina Sandino Moreno

Credit: Rick Maiman/AP

Colombian-born actress Catalina Sandino Moreno will be the latest fresh face in the cast of Summit's "Twilight" sequel "Eclipse."

Sandino Moreno will play Maria in "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse," a funny coincidence -- for The Hollywood Reporter, at least -- given that the actress is best known for her Oscar nominated turn in "Maria Full of Grace."

In Stephenie Meyer's book, Maria is Jasper's sire, turning him and using him to help create an army of vicious, unpredictable newborn vampires to allow her to conquer a number of other territories. Jasper's devotion to Maria is unquestioned until she makes a particularly ghoulish request.

Sandino Moreno is one of several fresh faces in "Eclipse," which begins production next week in Vancouver. The biggest changes are the presence of David Slade as director and the addition of Bryce Dallas Howard -- replacing Rachelle Lefevre -- as Victoria. Other new co-stars include Jack Huston and Xavier Samuel.

Stars Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner also return.

"Twilight Saga: New Moon" is slated to open on November 20.

"Eclipse" is expected to open on June 30, 2010.