Hayden Panettiere hasn’t exactly disappeared since Heroes. In addition to lending her voice to a number of projects, including Alpha and Omega, she’s made a few appearances in film and television, including a role in Scream 4, and the lead in the TV movie Amanda Knox: Murder on Trial in Italy. But this latest bit of casting could put her back on television in a bigger capacity.
Deadline reports that Panettiere has been cast in a starring role in the ABC drama pilot Nashville. Described as a “family soap,” Nashville follows a 40-year-old Nashville superstar who, in an effort to keep the spotlight, her tour, and the support of her label, teams up with teen sensation Juliette Barnes. Panettiere will play Barnes.
At 22, she’s certainly still young enough to pass for a teen. But is she musically talented? Actually, she does have some experience singing, including recording a song for Cinderella III: A Twist in Time called “I Still Believe.” Given the nature of the story and her character, her musical talent could prove to be useful in a role like this.
