Taylor Lautner Premieres ‘New Moon’ Body

Updated 4:00 PM CST, Sat, Jan 10, 2009

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Some actors will go to extremes to get a part, but to reprise his role of Jacob Black in “New Moon,” the sequel to “Twilight,” Taylor Lautner told Access Hollywood he has had to “basically kill myself.”

“I get into the gym every single day, seven days a week, two hours a day, eat as much as I possibly can,” he told Access at our 3rd Annual ‘Stuff You Must Lounge’ at the Sofitel LA hotel on Saturday. “[I’m] going crazy.”

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Access Hollywood’s Stuff You Must Lounge 2009: Day 1

The buff actor said he’s put on 26 pounds since starting his training regimen the day after he finished filming “Twilight” — and he’s not done yet.

“I put on 20 pounds and then I guaranteed 10 more pounds,” he said. “I"ve already put on about six, so four more pounds. I’m a man of my word.”

VIEW THE PHOTOS: ‘Twilight’ Scenes & Stars

Taylor was confirmed for the role by “Twilight” saga author Stephenie Meyer and “New Moon” director Chris Weitz on Wednesday, but he wasn’t always a lock for the part.

The character of Jacob becomes a towering werewolf in “New Moon,” raising questions over whether the young star would be bulky enough to play the part again — which left Taylor at the gym.

But he said the hard work is paying off.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: ‘Twilight’ Hollywood Premiere

“It’s motivation for my passion [for] the character,” he said. “I knew it was a necessity for the character. I’m stoked to be a part of this.”

Now that he’s back, Twilighters may wondering what will happen with the long hair he sported in “Twilight” — and he said it’s coming off.

”[Jacob] cuts it off when he transforms into a werewolf. He chops it all off, so we’ll see how it’ll look,” he said.

Filming for “New Moon” begins at the end of March, but for now, Taylor’s still riding high on the $200M success of “Twilight.”

“It’s mind-blowing,” he said. “I don’t think anyone saw it coming.”

Check AccessHollywood.com on Sunday exclusively to see Taylor debuting his guns, six-pack and all “New Moon” bod!

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