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Robert Pattinson On How James Dean Influenced Edward Cullen

Saturday, Oct 24, 2009 | Updated 1:00 AM CST

Robert Pattinson: James Dean Inspired "Twilight" Character

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Robert Pattinson has revealed that Hollywood legend James Dean served as one of his inspirations for his character in the "Twilight" franchise — Edward Cullen.

Robert Pattinson has revealed that Hollywood legend James Dean served as one of his inspirations for his character in the "Twilight" franchise — Edward Cullen.

"'Rebel Without A Cause' was a big influence on the first ['Twilight' film]," he told USA Today. "It influenced the hairdo and stuff."

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And although the love story between Bella Swan and Edward hits a snag in the upcoming film, "New Moon," due out on November 20, the overall story arc is similar to one of James' most famous roles.

"In lots of ways, it has a very similar character arc: An everyday girl brings this relatively strange individual out of his slump," he said.

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While everyone seems to know his name now, Robert revealed he used to get called by his character's moniker.

"Right at the beginning, everyone just called me Edward," he said. "I don't really mind either way. There's something about that character that, for some reason, has sparked an interest in massive degrees in so many different people."

With the campaign for "New Moon" continuing to build and Robert's star getting brighter, he continues to be a paparazzi target.

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"I'm not entirely sure what it is," he said of the fame that's come with playing Edward. "I'll probably realize afterward how I could have controlled it a little bit more. But I am still like a deer in headlights."

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