Hayden Panettiere May Kick Off Her Sunday Shoes

Published by Jeff Leins on: May 1st, 2009

Update: Entertainment Weekly calls this story “bogus” after speaking with sources close to the movie.

“Heroes” cheerleader Hayden Panattiere recently auditioned for a role in the all-singing, all-dancing Footloose remake.  The pint-sized actress is being considered for the role of Ariel Moore in the “re-imagining” after she reportedly “wowed the bosses,” including director Kenny Ortega of the High School Musical series.

“They were really impressed. No one realized what a good singer she is,” an insider said.  19-year-old Panattiere released a pop single last year titled “Wake Up Call” and has recorded songs for various soundtracks.  No confirmation from her people or Paramount Pictures.

Moore was played by Lori Singer in the original 1984 version.

Panattiere would star alongside “Gossip Girl” actor Chace Crawford, the favorite for the lead after Zac Efron dropped out for obvious typecasting reasons. Crawford’s casting isn’t official yet, but inside sources told E! it was “pretty much a done deal.”  The main character, Ren, was played by Kevin Bacon in the original.  I think this officially creates another link in the “Six Degrees” game for anyone trying to connect Penn Badgley to Bacon.  (Side note:  I have no idea who that is, but he’s also on that show and the name sounds hilarious.)

“Dancing With the Stars” vet and country singer Julianne Hough is also being considered for Ariel. Julianne wHo-ugh?  I guess she has the whole singing/dancing thing down.

What do you think?  Do you care?