New Moon Not Out, Eclipse Already Earning eclat

A relatively unknown Aussie actor has snagged one of the prized roles in the third film of the "Twilight" saga, "Eclipse."

Xavier Samuel will be playing Riley, the newborn vampire minion of Victoria (Rachelle Lefevre), Radar Online reports.

According to BuddyTV.com, the star-to-be has appeared in a few Australian films, including "Newcastle," "September" and the upcoming "Road Train," but "Eclipse" will be the 25-year-old actor's first American film.

The Daily Telegraph reports that Samuel told Confidential, "I'm in a bit of a daze but it's a wonderful bit of news."

The Daily Telegraph also reports that Samuel watched the first film on his flight to the States and, while he hasn't read the books yet, he plans to begin the first installment immediately.

"Eclipse" is set to begin filming in Vancouver next month and the movie will hit theaters June 30, 2010.