Twilight Prequel: Jackson Rathbone Wants Dark Jasper Story
Jackson Rathbone, known for his role as Jasper Hale in Twilight, expresses his desire for a twilight prequel that delves into the darker aspects of his character's past and explores his journey toward redemption. Fifteen years after the initial film's release, Rathbone believes there's more to Jasper's story to tell.
Speaking at FanExpo in Denver, Rathbone shared his vision for a prequel that would examine Jasper's trauma and violent origins. He the character's redemptive arc, which he feels wasn't fully explored in the original films.
“Jasper — actually has... there was a darkness in his past. He’s seen literal horror of war at 17 years old, and there's a lot of darkness there. So what I'd love to explore is the idea of when he meets Alice, that she's there to not only send him forward about what happened in life, but to remind him that he's loved and that he actually is worth something,” Rathbone explained.
For Rathbone, who is involved in addiction recovery programs, Jasper's story resonates deeply. He sees parallels between Jasper's struggles and the challenges faced by individuals seeking rehabilitation.
The Importance of Second Chances in a Twilight Prequel
Rathbone emphasizes the transformative power of second chances. He believes that offering someone a chance at redemption can lead to profound personal growth. Conversely, denying that opportunity can perpetuate a cycle of negativity.
“In my personal life, I work on phones, and we get people through rehab and rehabilitate people. And when you allow someone to have a second chance, you can create a new human being. But if you don't allow that second chance, you're just putting it back to the ecosystem. You're locking it down to life, and that's banishment, and that's inhumane, in my opinion. So I believe in second chances. I believe in third chances. I believe in redemption.”
He contrasted Jasper's internal struggles with the more superficial self-loathing of Edward Cullen, describing Jasper's demons as genuine and deeply rooted in his experiences with war and violence.
“Each person who is really, really self-loathing — and not the pretty-boy self-loathing of Edward, but real self-loathing, born from war and violence — needs love, needs to be reminded that they are forgivable.”
Exploring Jasper Hale's Backstory: A Foundation for a Twilight Prequel
In Stephenie Meyer's original Twilight saga, Jasper's history is intertwined with the Confederate army and his subsequent life as a vampire general. He created and commanded newborn vampire armies in the South. While the film *Eclipse* touched on this history, Rathbone feels there is a much deeper story to explore in a twilight prequel.
Rathbone envisions a story of healing rather than revenge. He believes that forgiveness, while challenging, is ultimately a worthwhile pursuit.
“We see a lot of revenge films. I’d love to see something a little bit more heart... forgiveness is hard. Forgiveness takes work. But I think it’s worth it.”
The Potential Impact of a Jasper Hale Prequel
While a Jasper Hale prequel may not yet be in development, Rathbone's vision is clear. He hopes to create a story that transcends the typical vampire drama, focusing on the possibility of redemption for those who believe they are beyond saving.
If a twilight prequel focusing on Jasper Hale were to be made, it wouldn't just be another brooding vampire tale. It would be a story about transformation and the enduring power of forgiveness.