Chris Columbus is directing the upcoming teen comedy I Love You Beth Cooper. According to Variety, Hayden Panettiere is gearing up to take the lead role in the film.

Panettiere will play a cheerleader that is forced to decline the come-ons of a wanton nerd. Together, they embark on a series of misadventures that leads to the geeky valedictorian expressing his love for her in his graduation speech. The project is based on a book by Larry Dole.

The project is set to go before the cameras a little later this year.