Robert Pattinson to Portray Hallelujah Singer Jeff Buckley?

Robert Pattinson is riding high with both parts of Twilight: Breaking Dawn and Water for Elephants coming to the big screen in the near future, but he’s apparently not one to sit around and let interesting parts slip away. Cambio brings word that Pattinson wants to tackle the role of cult singer Jeff Buckley, who drowned in 1997 before his second album was finished.

While Pattinson might have the star power, producer Michelle Sy is looking for something else, “I’ve met actors who are keen on the part and Robert was one… The actor must be able to play music and sing, or at least make it believable he can do that.”

Other actors, including James Franco and James Marsden, are also interested in the role but so far Pattinson might have a slight edge – Buckley’s mother, Mary Guibert, who says, “Robert is a fine young actor. I’m flattered he’s been linked to the project. When the times comes we’ll give everybody an opportunity to be seen and heard.”

Pattinson may have a chance to warm up those vocal chords if his dream of rapping with Eminem ever comes true. Pattinson is all for it. Where ya at, Slim Shady?

Jeff Buckley’s first album, Grace, received a lot of critical acclaim but sales were slow and airplay on the radio was minimal. Despite the slow start, Grace showed longevity and slowly climbed up and finally achieved gold status in the U.S. in 2002. One of Buckley’s songs in particular, his version of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” caught a lot of attention and rose to #1 on Billboard’s Hot Digital Songs in March 2008. Buckley’s version of the song has been referred to as “one of the great songs” by Time, and it’s included on Rolling Stone’s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”

While I doubt RPattz will be busting a move while he’s there, don’t forget to tune in to watch his hosting gig at the Oscars.