Hayden Panettiere is joining yet another large ensemble cast for her latest film project.

The "Heroes" actress and four other actors -- Willem Dafoe ("Spider-Man"), Ioan Gruffudd ("Fantastic Four"), Shannon Lucio ("The O.C.") and George Newbern ("Father of the Bride") -- have signed on for Senator Entertainment's "Fireflies in the Garden."

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the story is based on Dennis Lee's screenplay that's based loosely on his life and examines love and commitment in a family tested by an unexpected tragedy. There's no indication of who will play what role.

"We are quite fortunate to have secured an ensemble with such talent and global boxoffice track record," says Senator's Marco Weber, who is producing with Vanessa Coifman and Sukee Chew. "Their desire to be involved with this film clearly shows the quality of the script."

The fivesome joins the already cast Julia Roberts, Carrie Anne Moss, Ryan Reynolds and Emily Watson.

Lee will also make his directorial debut on the project. Production is scheduled to begin April 3 in Austin.

Panettiere is best known as the indestructible teenager on NBC's "Heroes." Her film credits include "The Affair of the Necklace," "Raising Helen," "Racing Stripes," "Ice Princess" and the straight-to-DVD release of "Bring It On: All or Nothing."

MEET THE CHEERLEADER, SAVE THE WORLD - AT NEW YORK COMIC CON
by CBR News Team, Editor
Posted: February 20, 2007 —

Official Press Release

FAIRFIELD, CT – Meet the cheerleader, save the world. The comics world, that is.

In conjunction with her appearance at the New York Comic Con next week, Destination Entertainment is proud to announce that an exclusive 11" x 17" lithograph print featuring the image of Hayden Panettiere (the Cheerleader, Claire Bennet from NBC's Heroes) will be produced by comic artist and painter, Mark Sparacio with proceeds to be split between several charities, including The Hero Initiative—the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need.

Sparacio has created this original painting and lithograph exclusively for the show. The prints will be available by Sparacio at the same booth Panettiere will be signing at, on the Galleria floor of the show, after which, they can also be signed by Panettiere for a fee.

"The folks at Destination have done a very generous thing here,” said Jim McLauchlin, president of The Hero Initiative. “Mark Sparacio is a tremendous rising talent and has provided amazing art. Thanks to all!”

Marc Patten, president of Destination Entertainment said, "It was a huge task to get Hayden to the show and it wouldn't have happened without the Herculean efforts of John and Brandi at Entertainment Legends. I knew when we began discussions that I wanted to do some sort of comics charity event supporting Hayden's appearance, and Mark Sparacio stepped up to the plate, taking time out of his busy schedule to create this beautiful painting. Mark is an artist to look out for in the coming year, and he's one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet in comics."

"I'm honored and flattered to be involved with one of the most important charities in our industry," said Sparacio. "It’s a thrill to be appearing at the New York Comic Con and participate in this event."

Sparacio's art has been seen on everything from movie posters, to book and magazine covers including Comics Buyer's Guide and the 2007 Official Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide, to comic books including Heroes for Hire (Marvel) DC's Green Lantern, and interior artwork and covers on Liberty Girl from Heroic Publishing.

Mark Sparacio will be appearing on all three days and Hayden Panettiere will be signing autographs for a fee on Saturday and Sunday. You can check out Sparacio's website at http://www.marksparacio.com/.

Hayden Panettiere will be appearing at New York Comic Con on behalf of Entertainment Legends where she will be available for autographing and will “pose” for a limited number of photos with fans on both Saturday 2/24 and Sunday 2/25. The “posed” limited photo opportunity will require a $10 donation to a charity yet to be named by Ms. Panettiere. A rising film and TV star, Hayden is currently starring in the NBC television drama Heroes, where she has been cast in the unique and challenging role of a high school cheerleader who is literally indestructible. The new NBC series is a critical and audience hit. NYCC convention officials note that Ms. Panettiere’s participation in their event adds still more entertainment value and celebrity appeal to a convention that is already brimming with star-studded appearances.

“The fact that Hayden Panettiere will make herself accessible to our fans is terrific,” notes Greg Topalian, Event Director for New York Comic Con. “The whole point of New York Comic Con is not just to give fans a chance to hear celebrities talk or give a speech, but to give them an opportunity to actually meet some of their favorite personalities in person, shake their hand, or get their autograph. In this case, a few lucky fans will even get their picture taken!”

The photo sessions will take place at the end of the day on Saturday, 2/24 and Sunday 2/25. Ms. Panettiere’s autographing schedule, as well as exact time and location for the photo sessions will be posted on the NYCC website in the next few days.