Kellan Lutz plays vampire Emmett Cullen in the Twilight films, and in the latest, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, he and his family team up to fight an army of newborn vampires. Kellan was recently in London, where he spoke about handcuffs, his love of the Dominican Republic, and the latest Twilight film.

Can you believe, looking back to the first film, that this franchise has become what it’s now become?
Kellan Lutz (KL): You tend to fall in love with your characters, which is very unique. For myself, I love Emmett and I love playing him, and it’s going to be sad when you close the chapter to each book because it’s been a huge part of our lives. We’re like a family and have built this semi unit on and off set. But it’s really a blessing to be part of a franchise that allows you to continue on to do the sequel and to make the third book into a movie. Eclipse was my favourite book to read out of the series. I’m really impressed with the action and the mix between the love stories. I haven’t seen the movie yet and I can’t wait to see it tonight, but it’s really exciting to finish something off like this.

You’ve been able to travel all over the world as part of the Twilight franchise. So, what’s your favourite city? And why?
KL: Mine would be the Dominican Republic – the people there, the dancing, the food... just the culture itself. A lot of people don’t have much there and they’re so thankful. When I went there, I found this inner happiness within myself that I’d kind of lost. You kind of lose it when you’re in the States and you have so much opportunity. But then also the nature there... I’ve never see dragonflies this big and the waterfalls so pristine. It’s a very romantic, beautiful place.

Do you have a favourite memory from shooting Eclipse?
KL: For myself, it involves Jackson Rathbone and myself... We had some fun times with our fight scenes and our little oopsy daisy moments when I hit him and knocked him out a little bit! But he was a true trooper. He got up and started gurgling his words and mumbling... but then also off set, he’d just finished The Last Airbender, so he’s become a mischievous little Jackson lately. He thinks he can just take the world on, so we’d get into trouble off set and there were some really great times doing that.

If you could switch roles who would you choose and why?
KL: I think James from the first book. I think that would be a really fun role to tap into. I’d grow my hair out.

If you could have a special power, what would it be?
KL: What I enjoy about my character is not only his strength but the fearlessness that comes with it. When you view life and the world on such a fearless level, you kind of just live a happy life. So, that’s what I enjoy about Emmett. So, for a power that would be great.

You’re so involved with the franchise, do you still feel you can enjoy the films in the same way as everyone else?
KL: I think that’s the fun of it. We know the secrets when we shoot scenes and you know what happens behind that fake set, or if that really wasn’t where it was. The memories come back. I know when I watch something that I’m a part of, or stuff that I see my other castmates in, you just get that little hint of something extra.

What’s the craziest fan experience you’ve had?
KL: It’s really unique for the fans and what they go through. I remember one fan... we were doing autograph signings because we have amazing fans who want our autographs, which is quite a unique place to be in. But she asked for an autograph and asked if she could take me home. So, I was like, “Yeah, yeah, what’s your name?” But then she yanks out this big old pair of handcuffs. I was like, “Hey!” And she was sneering.

I shared that story right after Twilight came out and then when I was doing the circuit for New Moon, another fan was like, “Hey, remember that story you said?” I was like, “Yeah...” And she pulled out these fuzzy ones and then she said, “I have something for you!” And then she undid her jacket and had a real nice number on. I was like, “Hey!” It was really cute. But they’re cute... there’s no other way to explain this love that they have for this franchise.