Rising Star: Alex Meraz

“Twilight” launched Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner into the celebrity stratosphere – and now “New Moon” star Alex Meraz, a member of the movie’s wolf pack – is about to take his place alongside his famous co-stars. Meet AccessHollywood.com’s newest Rising Star!

The 24-year-old Mesa, Arizona native might be just as excited for his upcoming role as Paul in the “Twilight” sequel as the legions of Twi-hards out there.

“It’s going to be exciting,” he recently told Access Hollywood about Chris Weitz-directed “New Moon.”

“I’m the bad boys of the wolves,” he of his character with a devilish grin. “Something to watch for!”

But judging from the special effects Alex described, it might be impossible not to take notice of him.

“I turn into a wolf the size of a horse! Fans will be blown away by what Chris Weitz is doing,” he told Access.

But being a werewolf takes more acting skills than fans might think – not to mention enduring of the Canadian elements where the movie based on the Stephenie Meyer’s blockbuster book series is currently filming.

“It’s really cold in Vancouver and, you know, I have no shirt on,” Alex explained. “[And] sometimes, not [even] shoes! I think the real acting is coming in and trying to act like I’m warm.”

According to Alex, the reason he’s shirtless is going to delight fans that have been waiting to see a “Twilight” werewolf on the big screen.

“I filmed the transformation scene, which I’m gonna say right now… it’s something else,” he explained to us. “It’s going to be something to look forward to, for sure!”

Despite being new to the “Twilight” gang, Alex said his seasoned co-stars have been nothing but wonderful to him.

“Kristen and Robert are fantastic,” he said. “I kind of thought there was going to be some kind of hazing going on, because we’re the freshman, and they’re the seniors. Buy they’re really supportive.”

Alex and the rest of the wolf pack will attack the box office on November 20, 2009, when “New Moon” debuts in theaters.