(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Robert Pattinson says it was a relief to star in a movie like Water for Elephants.

The 24-year-old British actor plays veterinary student Jacob in the drama, which documents the story of a young man abandoning his studies to join a travelling circus after the death of his parents.

Robert is best known for playing vampire Edward Cullen in the Twilight film franchise, and he admits playing a much more physically demanding role made a nice change.

Its a physical and dirty role, he told Total Film. When youre sweating you can just wipe your forehead, and not have to have five make-up artists come and re-do it. Its a relief.

The movie also stars Hollywood A-listers such as Reese Witherspoon and Christoph Waltz. Robert admits he was a little scared about working alongside such acclaimed stars, although he knew it meant the film would be good quality.

When they first got cast I was a little bit nervous, he confessed.

But it was an insurance policy. Youre not just doing something where its entirely on your shoulders. When you see the trailer and its got Oscar winners Christoph Waltz and Reese Witherspoon, theyre giving it legitimacy already. Theres something nice about that. (C) Cover Media