Hayden Panettiere, who reprises her role as Kirby in Scream VI, opens up about why the horror franchise is the perfect way to return to acting. The sixth installment of the Scream franchise is set to follow the characters established in 2022’s Scream as they once again come under attack from another Ghostface killer. Panettiere is returning to the role of Kirby, which she originated in Scream 4. The actor, also known for her roles on Heroes and Nashville, has stepped away from acting in the years since the latter series’ end; Scream VI is her first role since 2018.
While speaking with ET, Panettiere opens up about her reasons for returning to Scream VI after taking a break from acting to focus on personal care. Specifically, the actor pinpoints why the sequel was the ideal movie for her comeback. Check out Panettiere’s comments on her Scream VI return below:
“I did this, not just for me, but I did this a lot for [the fans]. I took time off and I didn’t know what I was gonna come back doing and what the first project was going to be and then this came along and I was like, ‘Absolutely.’ And the fans have been so, so loyal, so spectacular… I love being back.
“I had been there before, and it was a family experience. It was an experience with Wes [Craven] and with David [Arquette] and Courteney and Neve [Campbell]. I mean, the whole team that we had, the whole cast that we had, it was so much fun.”
How Is Panettiere’s Kirby Back In Scream 6
Panettiere’s Kirby made a single appearance in the Scream franchise with 2011’s Scream 4. Kirby was a friend of Jill Roberts (Emma Roberts), who was ultimately revealed to be the killer with a twisted plan for notoriety. During the events of Scream 4, Kirby was stabbed and left for dead by Ghostface, leaving most to assume she died. However, with Kirby back for more, that ultimately was proven untrue.
2022’s Scream gave a small glimpse at the fact that Kirby was still alive. In a scene where Jack Quaid’s Richie is watching YouTube, a video interview with Kirby can be glimpsed. While many may have seen it as a quick Easter egg, the creative team laid the groundwork for her potential return. Panettiere was also passionate about returning, ready to make an acting comeback and reaching out to the producers on her own to ask about coming back for Scream VI.
What most may recall about Kirby was her snarky nature, often being blunt when need to be. Panettiere has assured that Kirby will retain these attributes while adding that her brush with death in Scream 4 will help to inform her character all these years later. While Kirby could be returning as another potential victim, speculation has pointed to her possibly being Ghostface, with her reprise holding more sinister connotations. Kirby’s return in Scream VI can be seen when the movie debuts on March 10.
Source: ET
