'Twilight' Countdown: Robert Pattinson invites fans to chat

21 days left...

Last month, my Times colleague Gina McIntyre got to interview several of the vampires from "Twilight" for a story on the upcoming film. Of course, much of her lengthy conversation with Robert Pattinson, Nikki Reed and Kellan Lutz didn't make the final version. (That story hits stands Sunday, but I'll be posting it early Friday just for you guys. Call it "Twilight" at 9 a.m. Don't forget!)

Gina has agreed to shower us with the uncensored bits you won't find in the paper from now until the premiere. First up, Pattinson reveals that talking to his fans is "always kind of nice." That looks like an invitation to me.

Here's an excerpt:

For someone who can’t go to a shopping mall without getting mobbed, Robert Pattinson seems awfully uncomfortable in the spotlight. The actor told The Times he hates to watch himself on screen, though he said he might make an exception for “Twilight.” 

“I am kind of curious. I guess now the character has become this semi-iconic thing to quite a lot of people.”

Um, you could say that.

Pattinson, or R. Patz, as he’s been dubbed by the adoring fandom, said he knew that big changes were in store as soon as he landed the role of Edward in the movie adaptation of Stephenie Meyer’s bestselling novel. What tipped him off? Teenage girls began following him around London.

“It’s happened since the day it got said that I was playing the part,” Pattinson said, running his hands through his hair. “It was like a day when it changed. [People went from saying] ‘Are you the guy from ‘Harry Potter’? to ‘It’s Edward!’ It’s really, really strange.”

When asked if he thinks he’ll ever become accustomed to that aspect of his newfound celebrity, he simply replied, “No. It’s just a certain amount of acceptance, I guess. The only kind of strange thing is when you get photographed,” he continued. “When people come up to you, it’s completely understandable, but if someone’s secretly photographing you that’s kind of weird. I don’t think you’d ever get used to that. You can’t really live normally when that’s happening. But people coming up to you is always kind of nice. I don’t do anything during my day, so it’s someone to talk to.”

-- Denise Martin

Related:

Complete 'Twilight' Countdown coverage
Complete 'Twilight' coverage on Hero Complex

Photo: Associated Press

Comments

[Jessica]

Seriously this man is a dream come true. Each new thing I read about him just confirms it again and again.

[Belle]

Ok so I'll always talk to you during the day then since you dont have anything to do =)

[team fursplode]

RPattz, not R. Patz.

He needs a stylist and several baths. Dude doesn't know what shampoo and soap are.

[Silver]

He's so adorable! I want to talk to him. How can anyone not fall head over heels for this man?! Most genuine celebrity ever.

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE the LATIMES??!!

Give us A LOT A LOT A LOT of Robert in the coming days.

[Emma]

He's absolute perfection. We see and embrace his flaws. He's all sorts of wonderful.

If anyone deserves the buzz and attention it's Robert. He's not just another pretty face, he has actual talent to back it up.

Keep an eye on him, he will do great things.

Thanks 4 Rob today!

[Jackie]

Aw, what a guy! It's crazy because the amount of fame he's going to get after Twilight, is going to be insane. I hope he stays the same humble and wonderful guy he is. I don't want Hollywood to change him. He's too good for them.

[Sandra]

LUCKY LATIMES people. I hope you have a lot more Rob for us in the next days.

What I would give to sit and have an interview with Robert.

He's talented, the looks are just a bonus.

[Britney]

He is going to be HUGE! I don't think he's aware. It's going to be intresting to watch. Love him! Give us more Rob.

[Helen]

I never fan girl over actors but Rob Pattinson is my one exception. He's so worth my adoration. I cant wait to see him play Salvador Dali

[Claire]

I love the last line "I don't do anything during the day, so it's someone to talk to." He is so humble and funny, I understand why everyone loves him so much.

[Gina]

Just when I think he can't get any better, he does. Always so modest and adorable. God he's gorgeous.

[A fan]

I adore this actor. Its as simple as that.

[Carolyn]

Such a talented actor. I'm so glad people are going to see that for themselves. He was an exceptional Dali

[Alison]

LA Times can you find out mor eon Rob's new project Parts Per Billion and what other projects he's doing besides the Twilight films. I'd love him to play Perseus in Clash of the Titans.

[Jess]

He seems like the sweetest guy! So down to earth and real. He's crazy good looking, he could have easily been a douche. But luckily it's not the case with Rob.

I heart him.

[Meg]

Most talented young actor out right now!

[Wendy]

I've never gone above and beyond for an actor or celeb before. But he deserves it. He's just diffrent. It's very refreshing. He will be around a very long time. He's a good guy.

[Jessie]

AWE! Rober​t!​ If I ever see you aroun​d I will DEFIN​ITELY​ talk to you! We can go for coffe​e (or tea if you like)​ and we can chit chat all after​noon!​ *​sigh*​

[Clara]

He's not only a brilliant actor but a soulful and incredible musician. Robert is very very special. I can't wait for the rest of the world to see what I see.

[Brenda]

He's above the rest. A great guy!

[Vivi]

He melts my heart! Absolutely wonderful. It's not just his beautiful face, but the things he says. Just wow.

[Nicole]

lmao at the last part, he and johnny depp wouldn't get along... THANK YOU DENISE! aside from MTV and Reelzchannel this seems to be the only site getting interviews from the celebs. Keep up the great articles!

[Anel]

I want to meet him and have a great convo with him. He seems like the most interesting person. The diversity in his roles are incredible. A real talent.

[Mayra]

Yay, we get Rob today! Thank you for this. I can't say enough good things about Rob. It's a never ending list. The boy is magic.

[Danielle]

How I love this man. Words can't even begin to describe it.

[Lauren]

Even on his non-shower grunge days I adore him! He has tons of talent and I can't wait to see his other projects. I love that his laid back personality and that he is super shy.

[Emilie]

PLS PLS PLS Gives us more Rpattz!!!!! he is so HOT!!! why can't there just a Twilight Robert pattinson count down insted??? lol

[Nelly]

Yes do a Robert Pattinson countdown instead!! Pleease

[Michelle]

It's RPATTZ!

RPATTZ!!

No space. Two Ts, Lady!

Freaking Perez did the same thing.

I love Robert. <3

[Sonia]

Will her convo with Kellan & Nikki ever be printed? Being a Kellan fan, THAT is something I'd be interested to read. Bless Rob, but I just don't get him.

[Robin]

The more I read, see and hear about him. the more I like him. He seems very nice and humble. I hope he stays that way! I will definitely be looking foward to watching what happens to him. I will be honest...I have a huge crush(even though I am a married woman) =)

[Ivy]

ok is it me or has everyone changed their views on Robert P.? No offence but when it was first said that he would play Edward just about everyone was screaming "NO!!!! Not Him!!!" Now all i see is how people think hes perfect. Though I will admit that at first I didnt like him that much but ive gotten use to him. I guess other people have to.

[Katie]

This is just an exciting time to watch him grow into the actor we all say he will be. Just support him and it all will be amazing! Yay for Twilight and all else he is doing. Good luck Rob.

[Ivy]

Ok ill admit at first i was against Rob. for Edward. I just couldnt see it. But then again who can really play the Edward we all know and love?(NOBODY!!!!!!) But I have sorta grown use to the idea. But lets face it hes still no Edward.

[Bell]

He's a gem amongst the trash in Hollywood. I adore him for being himself and not getting a big head like all the other actors around right now. He is not willing to change to fit it, I admire that about him. Stay True Robert!

[Marie]

He IS Edward Cullen, wether you like it or not. He may not be yours, but he was chosen for the role. It's funny how people are still upset about that. Amazing. And Robert does not have to be like Edward off screen, that's why it's called acting. Rob is Rob. Find a boyfriend and let him be your Edward, stop bitchin about Rob.

ha, Kids.

[Jazz]

Love him to death!

[Chelley Cullen-Sparrow]

ok, i absolutely *adore* RPattz.
i'll admit that i hated him at first, and was convinced they ruined the Movies by casting him as Edward, but he is absolutely incredible, and now i'm so happy they picked him, i mean he's such an incredible person, and looks to kill! haha, so perfect of someone who's playing Edward. oh em Ee, i cant even begin to describe how much i admyre and love Rob... and i have faith now that he'll be able to play my favourite Vampyre. <4

[Lydia]

He's perfection! Love him, exactly how he is. And not because he's drop dead gorgeous or because he portrays Edward Cullen, but because of the person he is. Don't ever change Rob!

[Cindy]

^^^ IVY: I beg to differ on your opinion. Rob portrays Edward perfectly...have you seen ALL the various Twilight trailers, including the TV ones? Rob can play not only Edward, but ANY character role he's given...he's WAY more talented than I think you even realize. He's played a disabled war person (The Haunted Airman), a "geek" (Bad Mother's Handbook), someone going through a 1/4-century crisis (How To Be) and of course, Salvador Dali (Little Ashes)--which I'm sure will make EVERYONE stand up and take notice. Rob is a breath of fresh air in Hollywd...who says sexy has to be all groomed-up?? I like the scruff and "just got out of bed" look. Rob's letting his TALENT speak for himself...he does NOT and SHOULD NOT get typecast in the "pretty boy" roles. He's faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar better than that! Go Rob! I can't wait to see what other films you'll be making. You are a star--and one of the most genuine and humble stars out there. You totally ROCK!

[Enya]

His music is amazing! I can honestly say he has the most beautiful voice I've heard in a very long time. Very raw and real. You can hear his heart when he sings, that's powerful and rare.

[Steph]

Gorgeous!!

[Paige]

Like others, I have never followed a particular actor's career with such interest. Rob has me hook, line & sinker! This article shows the little Rob-nuances we love so much. :) Thanks SO much for giving us this countdown & further feeding our 'Rob-session.' Please keep it up! We're rabid for Rob... ;)

[laura]

When I clicked on this I forgot that I told myself I would never give this site traffic again- even if it was for a silly robert pattinson interview. oops, sorry- that will NEVER happen again.
RELEASE THE OBAMA TAPE LA TIMES!

[Ann]

Rpattz

[Tina]

That was very cute! Thanks. I adore him.

[eleanor]

ahhh can't wait for twilight to come out!!!! <3

[Dara]

I am a sensible adult and up until a few months ago I couldn't have cared less about any of the celebrities out there...that was of course until I stumbled upon a photo of Rob Pattinson...there is just something about him that just draws ppl in...and even ppl who don't care for him at first cannot help but admit that he has some kind of charm, whether its his dazzling smile, self-depricating humour, or his geniune personality, this guy is the whole package, and so refreshing to all the other plastic wannabes that are floating around Hollywood right now...I really hope that Twilight is a success!

[Cassie]

He's amazing. HUGS HIM.

You have a very large following. We're going to be with you every step of the way. No matter what you decide to do, we'll be there. You have a very loyal fan base. Lucky guy you are. lol Stay cool, Rob.

[Dee]

So as the days go by, I get drawn more and more into what some people have diagnosed as Rob-session. It's a wonderful thing, but I'm beginning to think it's a little sick how much I love this guy. I'm 25 and engaged, but Robert has become a part of my daily life. It's so bizarre cause I'm so not the typical fangirl. I've never been so intrigued by a stranger before.

He's everything all these other actors, celebs, singers aren't. He has all the qualities a stand up guy possesses. He will go very far in his career. I can't wait to take on this ride with him. He's very deserving of the praise and recognition.