Color us disappointed: Dakota Fanning will not be starring in the big screen adaptation of Gayle Foreman's YA novel "If I Stay." Reports surfaced back in October that Dakota was in talks to play 17-year-old cellist Mia—a role we thought would be a good stepping stone for the maturing actress. But according to the L.A. Times' 24 Frames, Dakota has turned down the role in favor of finishing her senior year of high school.
Though we're bummed Dakota won't be tackling this role, we do have to give her kudos for putting academics before acting. That being said, "If I Stay" is still without a leading lady. But don't fear, Hollywood Crush has a few recommendations for who should play the caught-between-life-and-death protagonist. Check out our picks after the jump and weigh in with your own suggestions!
Emma Roberts
Our No. 1 pick to fill Dakota's vacated shoes is Emma Roberts. Just like her aunt Julia, Emma has the sort of girl-next-door appeal that would be perfect for the role of Mia—a slightly mousy girl who finds herself inexplicably dating a would-be rock star. Added bonus: Emma's work schedule is pretty open right now seeing as "Scream 4" is in post-production.
Lily Collins
The daughter of musician Phil Collins and the maybe-girlfriend of Taylor Lautner, Lily Collins doesn't have a long list of credits to go by (her biggest role to date is in "The Blind Side"), but we can just see her as Mia, you know? Plus, maybe some of her dad's musician genes wore off and she can really rock the cello.
Dianna Agron
Sure, 24-year-old Dianna might be getting a bit old to play a high school student, but if she can get away with it on "Glee," why can't she do it on the big screen too? Dianna's slowly starting to make a name for herself in film (we can't wait for "I Am Number Four"), and a dramatic role like this would be a good addition to her growing resume.
Who do you think should play Mia? Tell us in the comments and on Twitter. Don't forget to follow editor Amy Wilkinson, too!
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