A Scream queen has formally returned.
Practically 12 years after first starring as fan favourite Kirby Reed in Scream 4, Hayden Panettiere is again in Ghostface’s crosshairs for Scream VI. Again then, Panettiere was contemporary off her star-making run on Heroes and a part of a brand new era of franchise stars—within the final Scream installment to be directed by the legendary Wes Craven. Ever-sarcastic Kirby proved to be a horror-genre savant, however her experience nonetheless wasn’t sufficient to assist her understand that her love curiosity, Charlie (Rory Culkin), and her finest good friend, Jill (Emma Roberts), have been the newest Ghostfaces terrorizing Woodsboro. But whereas Charlie stabbed Kirby twice, a useless physique was technically by no means proven.
“The rule is, in the event you don’t see someone actually, actually die onscreen, then likelihood is they’re alive,” Panettiere jogs my memory.
And followers lengthy held on to that hope—as did Kirby’s portrayer. An Easter egg within the fifth movie, 2022’s Scream, revealed that Kirby did survive. A name from Panettiere to the franchise’s present artistic crew (generally known as Radio Silence) was sufficient to clinch her reappearance for Scream VI, which finds Kirby as an FBI agent who involves New York Metropolis following one other Ghostface assault.
For Panettiere, Scream VI is a homecoming in additional methods than one: Not solely is she returning to the franchise, she’s returning to the display after a four-year hiatus from appearing. We had a spoilery chat with the Nashville alum about keen Kirby’s revival into existence, referring to her character’s trauma, and second-guessing herself.
Self-importance Honest: Does it really feel surreal to be speaking about Kirby and a brand new *__Scream __*movie?
Hayden Panettiere: Nothing surprises me anymore, however this might be on the high of surprises. I’m grateful and humbled and so joyful to be again and a part of the crew once more.
Effectively, individuals are so joyful to have you ever again—your first look bought the largest cheers of something within the film at my screening. What does it imply to know individuals are that jazzed about your return?
I like it! [Laughs] It’s so inspirational. It felt like coming residence. I did this not only for me, however for the followers as properly. I felt a lot love, to the purpose the place I used to be calling [the filmmakers] up, like, “I believe Kirby may nonetheless be alive, and I believe she will be able to turn out to be useful, so if there’s a spot the place you may slip me in, please do!” And that they did. Individuals undergo trauma, and also you both run, you cover, you’re frightened of your individual shadow, otherwise you come out combating. And Kirby got here out combating, which I really like about her.
Why do you assume that Kirby has resonated so strongly with the fandom?
I believe it’s simply her soul. She’s bought that sass that we love, that edge. She’s a complete nerd, too, as am I. She’s a fan, she loves it—and she or he lived it. And he or she is a fighter, a protector, and she or he lives for the joy of it. I believe that’s what individuals love, simply her fearlessness and her willingness to go the additional yard.
