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Posted: Wed., Jan. 16, 2008, 7:00pm PT

Columbus, Panettiere fancy 'Cooper'

Director, "Heroes" actress in talks for Fox comedy

Hayden Panettiere

Panettiere

Christopher Columbus

Columbus

Chris Columbus and "Heroes" star Hayden Panettiere are in talks to board the Fox Atomic teen comedy "I Love You Beth Cooper for a spring start.

Panettiere would play the titular character, a comely cheerleader who is the object of a nerdy valedictorian's obsession. They embark on a series of misadventures after he proclaims his love for her in his graduation speech.

Project is based on a tome by Larry Doyle, a former scribe for "The Simpsons."

Columbus had already signed on to produce the project through his 1492 Pictures shingle.

Panettiere plays a cheerleader in the Peacock's "Heroes" skein and also appears in the upcoming Julia Roberts starrer "Fireflies in the Garden."

Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

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