While he had some smaller roles prior to this, his breakout performance as the werewolf Jacob propelled him into the spotlight and made him a global star. The first film in the series, Twilight (2008), was a massive commercial success, and his character's popularity only grew with the sequels.
It's important to note that Lautner's fame wasn't just based on his acting ability. His physique, particularly his muscular build, also became a significant aspect of his public image and contributed heavily to his rise to stardom.