It seems like just yesterday that Hollywood was abuzz with rumors about Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner. The on-screen chemistry between the British actor and the American actor was undeniable, and many media outlets couldn’t get enough of the celebrity couple’s kiss scenes.

Fast forward a few years, and while the couple’s careers certainly rose to new heights due to their undeniable on-screen connection, their romance began to take a bit of a backseat. In 2019, the spotlight seemingly shifted to Taylor’s new co-star, Dakota Johnson.

The actress, who plays Taylor’s on-screen sister Mary in the Little Women sequel, has been linked to several high-profile men. But it was Taylor’s BFF (best friend forever) Jaime King who stated publicly that she believes Taylor will end up with either Robbie or Jake Guppy from Stranger Things, the two men she’s been to proms with.

Although they’ve been friends for years, Taylor and Robert haven’t exactly been kept separate. In fact, they’ve been photographed together at various events over the years, including the 2019 Met Gala, which was held in New York City. And let’s be honest; celebrities are among the first to adopt new technologies, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they’d eventually cross paths on Instagram.

Here we’re going to run down the important facts you need to know about Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner’s relationship, including the most recent developments.

The History

The pair first met while filming Water for Elephants in 2011. Although the romantic connection was immediate, it was also made clear early on that their professional relationship was one of respect and admiration. In an interview with Heat magazine, Robert stated, “I have a lot of admiration for Taylor because he’s very talented and he’s very bright. He’s got a really good sense of humor, and he’s a lovely person. It’s always nice to work with someone who is so intelligent.”

Taylor, for his part, echoed those thoughts. In an interview with Vanity Fair, he shared, “I have a lot of respect for him as a person and as an actor. He’s an amazing talent. I think what’s appealing about him is that he’s down to earth, he’s funny, and he’s just a normal guy. I think people can relate to him.”

The two have been photographed together numerous times since then, including at the 2019 Oscars, where they were both nominated for Best Actor. When it came time to present the award, both men gratefully accepted their trophies and paid tribute to one of their key influences and greatest on-screen partners: J.M. WESTON.

The Present & Future

While the kiss-hungry public was busy speculating about Taylor and Robert’s upcoming relationship, they’ve since gone their separate ways. Robert has continued to work with Wes, appearing in his directorial debut Outlaw King and in a cameo in his upcoming film The Gucci Boys. Taylor, for his part, has kept busy with his work in television and film. He most recently starred in and served as an executive producer on the CBS summer series American Portrait. He also recently made an appearance on the big screen in the 2020 film The Boy. You can also catch him this year in the upcoming films Replicas and The Long Shot.

But as we mentioned earlier, the public’s interest in Taylor and Robert has only intensified since their last collaboration. The question is: will they be together in the future? As of now, all we can do is wait and see.

Which Role Inspired Their On-Screen Chemistry?

Many have cited the 2011 movie Water for Elephants as the primary reason for Taylor and Robert’s on-screen magic. The movie is about a young elephant named Rose who is separated from her family and sent to live with a trainer in Kentucky. There, she learns to ride bicycles and eat ice cream.

It is during this time that we are first introduced to Robert as the wealthy Englishman Spencer Stewart, whose devotion to Rose angers his colleagues and superiors at the zoo. While it is clear that Robert and Rose share a deep connection and have much love to give, it is also made clear from the outset that there is more than one obstacle in their way. This creates the perfect conflict for a movie romance, as both characters must overcome their differences in order to be together.

Perhaps more important than Water for Elephants is the fact that it was directed by the amazing Wes. Those who know and love him know that his heart is in his work, and nowhere is that more apparent than in his exquisite and personal direction of this beloved movie. It’s no wonder that so many viewers identified with the unlikely romance between a human and an elephant.

The 2019 Met Gala & Rumors of a Wedding

One of the most interesting developments of the past year has been the 2019 Met Gala. Held annually in New York City, the Met Gala is a celebration of all things cultural. This year the theme was ‘70s Futurism’ and attendees were treated to a spectacular display of disco balls, marble, leather, and sequins. It was also reported that Taylor and Robert’s friendship turned romantic at the event. And what an event it was!

Although Met Gala is not known for being the event where marriages are officially announced, it did seem that many a celebrity made a spectacle of themselves at this year’s event. From Lady Gaga and J.M. WESTON, who were there alongside Taylor and Robert, to Donnie WESTON and Lily James, who made a beeline for the dance floor with their son Weston, the event was chock-full of opportunity for PDA’s (public display of affection).

In the days following the event, many a tabloid offered their two cents’ worth on the matter, with some speculating that Jaime and Cary Elwes’s twins also attended the event. Elwes is known for playing Roberts’ father in the film The Princess Bride, and this year he welcomed a set of twins.

Where Does Their Romance Stand?

As we’ve established, the interest in and speculation about Taylor and Robert has only increased since their last collaboration. But it was also made clear from the outset that their professional relationship was one of respect and admiration. In 2019, as their careers once again intersected, many viewers wondered how their professional relationship would play out. Would there be any chance of them becoming romantically involved?

It would be fair to say that their public statements haven’t exactly supported those rumors. In an interview with Elle magazine, Taylor revealed, “I have a lot of respect for him as a person and as an actor. He’s an amazing talent. I think what’s appealing about him is that he’s down to earth, he’s funny, and he’s just a normal guy. I think people can relate to him.”

Similarly, while promoting American Portrait, Robert stated, “I think he’s a great guy. He seems like a very genuine person. It’s very admirable. He’s a really talented guy. It’s so funny that we were both nominated for an Academy Award last year. It’s just great to work with someone like that who has genuine respect for what you’re doing and is helping to push it forward.”

But in the same interview, Robert also stated that he hadn’t given much thought to going on a date with Taylor. While he and Jaime had spoken about the possibility of meeting up, he hadn’t really believed it would happen. It took a Vanity Fair article for him to believe that Taylor was actually interested in him. When asked whether or not he’d like to date Taylor, Robert enthusiastically replied, “Yes! I think it’d be a perfect match.”

Of course, we all want to believe the best about anyone, but this was a bit much to hope for. Nevertheless, as we’ve established, this was pretty much the perfect storm for a celebrity romance. And with the right support system, it’s entirely possible that Taylor and Robert could have a long and happy relationship.