"Heroes" cheerleader-in-distress Hayden Panettiere will star in the teen comedy "Daydream Nation."

Kieran Culkin is also in talks to join her in the coming-of-age film, which will mark the directing debut of writer Michael Goldbach.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, "the producers are hoping to reinvent the coming-of-age story," comparing the film to "Juno" and "Election." Good luck to them with that.

Panettiere will play an acerbic teen with Culkin as her oblivious boyfriend.

"Daydream Nation" wouldn't shoot until the second or third quarter of 2008, giving Panettiere a chance to complete her commitments on both the second season of "Heroes" (assuming the writers strike ends) and the comedy "I Love You, Beth Cooper." The actress has "Fireflies in the Garden" set for release later this year.