Panettiere lined up for cheerleader comedy

Heroes actress Hayden Panettiere is in talks to star in teen comedy I Love You, Beth Cooper.

The 18-year-old - who plays cheerleader Claire Bennet in the hit NBC show - will also take the role of a cheerleader in the Fox Atomic film.

The movie is based on the book by former Simpsons writer Larry Doyle, who now works for New Yorker magazine. It sees the title character become embroiled in a series of mishaps after a geeky student proclaims his love for her during his graduation speech.

It is scheduled to begin shooting in spring and will be Panettiere's first lead role, following her appearance in Julia Roberts' new movie Fireflies In The Garden.

Chris Columbus is attached to direct and produce the project. He helmed the first two Harry Potter films, but was responsible for teen comedies such as Adventures In Babysitting in his early career.

Heroes has ceased production as a result of the ongoing Writers’ Strike.

Panettiere is currently dating co-star Milo Ventimiglia, who plays Peter Petrelli in the series.