AceShowbiz -

With many still wondering on her status in "The Twilight Saga's New Moon", Vanessa Hudgens finally comes clean about the circulating rumor, linking her to Leah Clearwater character. At the 2009 Oscars, the "High School Musical 3: Senior Year" starlet told Mario Lopez of "Extra" that the speculation is "still a rumor".

Though clearing up the rumor, the 20-year-old admitted that she still keeps her hope on joining the "Twilight" sequel. "I'm really interested," she fessed up, adding, "I think it's a great project but nothing's happening as of now." Asked further whether she is a fan of the first film, she responded, "Yes love it. My sister has read all of the books, too."

Back in early February, the possibility of Hudgens starring as Leah Clearwater in "New Moon" has been shot down by screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg when revealing that the particular character won't be seen at least until "Eclipse". "I'm not sure about [final] casting but I had heard Vanessa Hudgens was going up for the part of Leah [Clearwater, a werewolf]," said the scribe. "But at the moment, the part of Leah doesn't happen until the third movie."

"The Twilight Saga's New Moon", the official title recently given to Stephenie Meyer's adapted "New Moon", itself is a sequel to the hit 2008 vampire drama "Twilight". It will follow Bella Swan as she deals with her personal conflicts following Edward Cullen's abrupt departure. Expected to start the principal photography in mid-March in Vancouver for a November 20 U.S. release, this Summit Entertainment movie will have Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner and other original stars reprising their roles.