Jacob Black is back for a new audience.
In this week’s issue of PEOPLE,Taylor Lautneropens up about the new generation of fans who are being exposed toTwilightfor the first time, as a result of the vampire fantasy film series now streaming onNetflix.
“Before that, to be honest, it was mainly the ‘Twi-moms’ that would still stop me in the streets,” Lautner, 29, says with a laugh.
And now? “It’s like teenagers again,” the actor shares.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.
Lautner portrayed werewolf Jacob Black in all fiveTwilightSaga movies, completing the series' primary love triangle oppositeKristen Stewartas Bella Swan andRobert Pattinsonas Edward Cullen.
C Flanigan/FilmMagic
After the finalTwilightfilm premiered in 2012, Lautner went on to star in a few films and two television shows —CuckooandScream Queens— but took a break from acting in 2016.
“I don’t think it was a conscious decision, but it made sense for me at that time in my life,” says Lautner, whose breakout role was in 2005’sThe Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl. “I started acting from when I was a child, and it was kind of nonstop until I was in my early to mid twenties.”
“I’m super thankful for what I did experience, but I did miss out on a lot of just normal-life things, like going to college,” he adds. “I wanted to take a step back and enjoy life and spend some time with my family and friends. AndI met my fiancée out of it, so it all worked out.”
RELATED VIDEO: Taylor Lautner MeetsTwilight’s Ultimate Fan
Lautner is making his film return in theAdam Sandler-produced Netflix sports comedyHome Team. The actor will star alongsideKevin James, who plays New Orleans Saints head coachSean Paytonin a story that touches on the team’s Bountygate scandal following their2010 Super Bowl win.
Lautner tells PEOPLE that coaching tweensin the movie feels “full circle,“explaining, “I did my first feature,Sharkboy and Lavagirl, when I was 12, and all the kids in this movie were about 12.”
“I remember everyone taking me in and supporting me on my first movie sets, and I wanted to do my best to provide that to these kids and just be their big brother,” he says.
Home Teamhits Netflix on Friday.
For more from Taylor Lautner, pick up this week’s issue ofPEOPLE, on newsstands Friday.
source: people.com
