Marc Malkin

Is the onscreen competition between Miley Cyrus and fellow tween Disney sensation Selena Gomez about to get real?

I’m told Disney executives are so worried about Cyrus’ recent controversies that, more than ever, they want to make Gomez an even bigger star.

The 15-year-old Gomez now stars in the Disney Channel hit Wizards of Waverly Place, but last year she appeared on two episodes of Hannah Montana as Mikayla, one of Hannah’s pop star rivals.

“Selena sings and acts and is really young,” a source reports. “She is going to be the next Miley Cyrus. [Disney executives] really want this.”

Next up for Gomez is the Warner Bros. movie Another Cinderella Story, scheduled for a fall release. No surprise, but I’ve just learned that Gomez has recorded several new songs for the flick.

“The studio has high hopes for this,” says my source.

But a Disney rep insists there are no plans to try and replace Cyrus in any way with Gomez.

“We are fortunate to work with a host of young actors and actresses who are each unique and making their own trajectory based on their talent,” the rep said via email this morning. “However, Wizards of Waverly Place is a bona fide hit with kids and families, and licensees and retailers are indeed interested in the series. As for Selena, she deserves all the success that’s coming her way.”

Note to Gomez: If Vanity Fair comes calling, wait a few years before calling them back.