The MTV News Story that we reported yesterday about Vanessa Hudgens auditioning for New Moon is being denied by Hudgen’s camp. Quick, hand me my drama-mine! MTV News is typically fairly reputable, so–consipiracy theory!–I wonder if the producers and publicists pulling the strings aren’t just leaking stories to the press so that they can get quick and dirty public feedback in response–like a movie focus group for free. Whatever the case, I’m suprised that MTV ran with the headline “Vanessa Hudgens Auditions For ‘Twilight’ Sequel ‘New Moon‘” yesterday if it’s completely untrue.

According to Just Jared Jr:

“I don’t know anything about the audition,” Vanessa’s rep tells JJJ. “As far as I know, it’s just a rumor.”

Seems that Ashley Greene’s comment about Vanessa was taken way out of context because SpoilerTV is reporting that the character of Leah isn’t even being cast for!

Then again, who is the unnamed “Vanessa’s rep” that JJJ is reporting? Facts people, we need facts!

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Amy Wilkinson over at EW Popwatch likes the idea of Hudgens as Leah Clearwater in New Moon, noting that–

And as much as I want to hate the idea, I don’t. Sure, she’s much cuter than I ever imagined Leah to be, but her mix of Filipino, Spanish, Chinese, Irish, and Native American ethnicities, make her a physically good match for the Quileute shapeshifter. Plus, she’s already got big hair.

Wilkinson recognizes, however, that Hudgens has her downsides–she’s not the right emotional type and her acting chops haven’t been proven in a non-bouncy part:

That being said, the 20-year-old has to show us something she hasn’t before: angst. Known for perky parts, most notably High School brainiac Gabriella, Hudgens will have to bring it as a girl dumped by her love who becomes the only female werewolf of her tribe. If she can embody this mix of contempt and snark with a dash of vulnerability thrown in, I think she could not only nail the role but make a nice foil to Taylor Lautner’s Jacob.

Vanessa Hudgens as ‘New Moon’ werewolf Leah: What do you think?

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Ashley Greene, who plays Alice Cullen in Twilight, has confirmed to MTV News that Vanessa Hudgens is auditioning for the role of Leah Clearwater in New Moon, confirming one of the possible actresses that we mentioned recently for the part. Though Leah doesn’t play a huge part in New Moon, her role becomes more important later in the series, and Eclipse is set to be filmed directly after New Moon. Greene says that “I think she’d be great” of Hudgens. Also confirmed is changes to Rosenberg’s script for New Moon–

“I hear they’re doing another rewrite,” the actress revealed of the in-flux script. “I’m with you guys — I’m so excited to read it.”

On the one hand, I’m glad they’re giving plenty of attention to the script, but on the other–are they really going to be able to finish this film in 10 months if they don’t even have a completed script yet?

Vanessa Hudgens Auditions For ‘Twilight’ Sequel ‘New Moon’

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You guys made abundantly clear in the comments of our recent post about the possibility of sugar-coated Disney stars Vanessa Hudgens or Brenda Song starring in New Moon as Leah that they’re not right for the part of Leah. Another voice joins the fray, over at MTV:

I thought to myself, “Disney Channel Stars? Miley Cyrus? Nope. Ashley Tisdale? I hope not. Selena Gomez? Possible. Vanessa Hudgens? No way. She can’t go from “High School Musical” to “Twilight?” She can’t be that lucky.”

Apparently, she might be.

The girl who’s made boys go gaga in all three High School Musicals (HSM) (and in those naughty pictures too) is rumored to be one of the top two contenders. Who’s the other hopeful? The super-cute and super-funny Brenda Song! You might know her as the spoiled and not so very smart London Tipton alongside Ashley Tisdale in Disney’s “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.”

If you ask me, neither of these gals are good picks. As for Brenda, I love her. She’s cute, funny, and makes the Asian in me sing with glee and glow with pride at how successful she’s been as a Disney Channel star; but, she’s no Leah.

Why would Vanessa – one of the stars of HSM – opt for a minor character? Even though the film is destined to be another mega hit, does she really need this role that badly? Plus, I can’t picture Gabriella Montez running around the woods growling at people.

Who Should Play Leah Clearwater In ‘New Moon’? An MTV Staffer Weighs In

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The web is abuzz that the coveted role of Leah Clearwater, the female werewolf in New Moon, may be going to either Vanessa Hudgens or Brenda Song. Both are 20 year old Disney alumni with singing/acting careers. Here are the positives for each actress as we see them:

Vanessa Hudgens:

• Native American Heritage
• As a singer, could contribute to New Moon soundtrack
• Given High School Musical role, there could be Werewolf Dancing !! (kidding…)

Brenda Song:

• Black Belt Taekwondo ability, does some of her own stunts
• Strong reviews for Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior, in which she was the star
• Did we mention frakkin Taekwondo!?

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