Joe Francis, head of the Girls Gone Wild franchise, has reportedly extended a business opportunity Vanessa Hudgens’ way.  Francis—who is currently locked up in Nevada for just one of his many legal woes—proved that even behind bars, he likes to help poor girls out.  Should Vanessa need some financial help, she could make a nice $500,000 just by joining the GGW family.  Well Isn’t that sweet?

Before I go on, let me make a few things clear:  #1)  I think Vanessa was a complete idiot for snapping a photo that would inevitably be leaked.  #2)  I would never advise her to be associated with anyone named Joe or Francis.  But here’s a thought:  Should Hudgens want to avoid being typecast in the Disney mold, would her ‘unfortunate’ situation give her the opportunity to break free? 

Years later, this embarrassment could be the best thing that ever happened to her.  And could anyone really watch High School Musical 3 now and still think of her as squeaky clean (assuming they wanted to)?  It might be advantageous for her to simply shrug her shoulders and move on. 

Then again, spreading her wings might not be so easy.  I just keep thinking of those sad, risque photos Jessica Biel took for Gear magazine years ago.  She successfully ended her 7th Heaven contract like she had hoped—only to come crawling back when her career stalled.

So what do you think?  Does Vanessa need to stick with Disney to become successful?  Or has she proven that she’s talented enough to make it on her own?

(Click here for any updates on Miss Vanessa)