Does Lautner Stay In Touch with 'Twilight' Cast?

ET caught up with Taylor Lautner on the set of his upcoming character-driven action drama Tracers in New York to talk about the film and his transition away from The Twilight Saga, the film series that bolstered his acting career.

Although Lautner undertook roles outside of The Twilight Saga while the series was still in session, including the action film Abduction, Tracers is his first starring role since the fantasy drama series ended with Breaking Dawn—Part 2 last November.

PICS: 'Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2' Photos

"It's awesome. I wanted the next movie I did to be very character-driven and challenge me, and this was that," Lautner told ET's special correspondent Tai Beauchamp. "It does have all the action; it's a lot of fun, but what really drew me to this project is the relationships between the characters."

The 21-year-old actor began acting regularly, predominantly on television, from age 12. At 16 in 2008, the first Twilight film was released and his character of "Jacob Black" became an instant fan-favorite.

After filming five films over the span of as many years, Lautner discussed his connection with his former habitual cast mates.

VIDEO: Taylor Lautner Talks Life After 'Twilight'

"After four or five years of working together and spending that amount of time together, it's impossible not to [keep in touch]," he said. "I'm close with everyone. ... It's tough with all of our schedules...but...when we're both in L.A., we figure out time to see each other."

Now distancing himself from Twilight as he charts into new waters in his career, Lautner says he's eager to continue learning and growing as an actor.

"I've had the opportunity to work with so many great directors and cast mates. I've learned so much from each one of them, and that's what I want to keep doing," the Grand Rapids, Mich. native said. "I believe you can never stop learning, and I want to keep learning; I want to keep growing."

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Watch the full video for a behind-the-scenes look at Lautner's new film Tracers, which will be released in 2014.