May 1 2009 10:05 PM ET

'Footloose': Hayden Panettiere in contention for lead role?

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The Footloose remake has been a source of constant casting speculation ever since Zac Efron dropped out of the lead role last month. Today, for instance, the net was abuzz after Marc Malkin at E! online broke the news that Hayden Panettiere had auditioned to play the romantic lead opposite Chace Crawford. But a source close to the production tells EW.com that the Heroes star is not being considered for the part. We’ll be diving into this to find out more. Stay tuned.

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  • rebecca

    The title of this post is really convoluted – the rumor that she’s not in contention is untrue?

  • Ned

    Rumor untrue that she’s not in contention?
    Holy double negative, Batman!

  • Cara K

    Do you realize that your headline means the exact opposite of what you intended, EW?

  • Galrie

    Haha yes the headline is the opposite of the article. Nice work.
    That aside though, does anyone know if this is a remake of the movie or the stage show? Like will this movie be a musical, with the songs from the show in it? I’d be more on board if that was true.

  • curt

    Thank God. Pantyless Hayden is so overrated.

  • jake

    How About Derek Hough for the lead role from dancing with the stars? He played a role on the broadway show.

  • matt2

    To me the studio just outright blew it when they missed the opportunity to land Derek Hough; well aware that he knew the role upside down and backwards, would be able to handle the dancing, and was in the London Broadway production. Hopefully, the remake will be good. The names that keep popping up as confirmed attachments to the film look awfully suspect for such a box office success as Footloose.

  • Heather

    Ok, I guess I am behind because I have been keeping up with other things,but Chace Crawford? Please tell me this isn’t so. You have got to be kidding me. Why even make this movie. The remake was being done because of Zac Efron. Now that he is not doing it, what is the point?

  • Marc Malkin

    I’m the writer who broke the Hayden story.
    Believe me when I report she auditioned. whether she gets the role or not is another story…but she did audition.
    I hope the source isn’t the same one that told EW that Chace hadn’t tested for the movie when he actually did when I broke that story.
    Best,
    http://marcmalkin.eonline.com/
    http://twitter.com/marcmalkin

  • Gina

    If they were serious about making a quality movie they would cast Derek Hough as Ren. Nobody compares in terms of talent and he has that “it” factor you don’t see very often. He appeals to all age groups too. The tweens and teens love him, and so do their mothers and grandmothers. Wouldn’t it be great to have someone in the lead role that has proven appeal not only to the generation of new fans, but also to the fans of the original? I think the producers are missing the boat big time if they don’t get Derek for this.

  • Lola

    Wow, have the producers for Footloose got it wrong if they did not select Derek Hough for the lead role in Footloose. He has played the role before to fantastic reviews, is an amazing dancer, choreographer and performer. No one would do this role more justice and make K. Bacon more proud of the remake. I agree Derek has teenage to senior citizen fans. I am middle aged was around for the original Footloose and would want no one other than Derek to play this role. The guy is amazing and truly a show stopper. The producers will regret it if they do not pick a true star, talented star like Derek Hough for this role.

  • Sarah D

    Uh, if you want someone self obsessed and not that good looking then Derek Hough is your guy. He’s gotall the charm of Patrick Swayze in Road House. No thank you to Derek as Ren.

  • Nay

    I agree with Lola and Gina 100%!!
    Derek is way better suited for this role!! Chace won´t do the role justice, like Zac wouldn´t!!
    Derek got the moves, he can sing,he can deliever an great perfomance! Ask anyone who have seen him live dancing!! He puts his own show!! He has the that IT factor!!
    Derek for the role as Ren!!

  • wanda

    why would she want to play that character Aerial? that girl was no more than a prostitute.Lori Singer was far more appealing on Tv Series Fame,in Fruit Loops she screamed SKANK!!
    Who would want that part?

  • IA

    Since they’re still doing the movie (which I think is unnecessary) they should cast Derek Hough. We all know he can dance, but he’s also in a band and should be able to carry a tune. I can’t see Chace Crawford in this role.

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