Turns out “High School Musical” star Vanessa Hudgens auditioned -- or did she? -- for the part of frustrated werewolf Leah Clearwater in the upcoming “Twilight” sequel “New Moon.” Fans know that Leah, the only female werewolf in the tribe and Sam’s former girlfriend, isn’t too important at first, but becomes more central in the subsequent books “Eclipse” and “Breaking Dawn.” In fact, author Stephenie Meyer has said that if she’d continue any of the characters’ stories, Leah’s tale would be her first choice.
But is Hudgens the fans’ first choice? Could she be too much sweetness and light? Maybe, maybe not. Take a look at nine other actresses we think should be contending for the role...and then vote in our poll! (Jason Merritt / Getty Images)
She plays good Brooklyn girl Vanessa on “Gossip Girl.” She’s got the look, and is age-appropriate. But can she channel her inner malice for the “New Moon” series? (Rob Loud / Getty Images)
Jessica Lowndes
Jessica’s got tragic down. Her “90210” character has been through the wringer. Bonus: She’s cute as a button. (Noel Vasquez / Getty Images)
Alice Braga
The 25-year-old might be unknown to the “Twilight” crowd, but she was tragic as a young prostitute who loses her sight in Fernando Meirelles‘s allegorical drama “Blindness.” So she’s got the inner turmoil thing down. The question is, would she even be interested in “New Moon”? (Andrew H. Walker / Getty Images)
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Demi Lovato
Unlike Hudgens, Demi Lovato’s already got Leah’s sassy attitude. She loves metal music, her album “Never Forget” had a harder edge than those of her Disney Channel brethren, and she’s set to star with bona fide teen rock band the Jonas Bros. in “ Camp Rock 2.” Could she make time to do “New Moon”? (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)
Selena Gomez
She might be a little too young, true, but the girl (and maybe girlfriend of Nick Jonas) is right. And the Disney Channel star is hot, hot, hot right now with the upcoming DVD release of “Another Cinderella Story” and the Disney TV movie “Princess Protection Program.” (Dan Steinberg / Associated Press)
Miranda Cosgrove
The “iCarly” star is also a bit young. But if you’ve watched her Nickelodeon show, she’s got the energy of a young werewolf. Not to mention the right look. A stretch, but hey, if Taylor Lautner’s going to pull off looking like he’s 26 years old, anything is possible. Now go vote! (Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)