Kevin Williamson; Hayden Panettiere.Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty, ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty
Kevin Williamsonwas up for the task in gettingHayden Panettiereback to theScreamfranchise.
Speaking with PEOPLE at the New York City premiere ofScream VIon Monday, the slasher saga’s creator and original writer, who co-executive produces the new film, says it started with a phone call.
After Williamson pitched the story to Panettiere and asked her to speak to directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, “She said, ‘Absolutely, have them call me right away,’ " he says. “And that’s how it happened.”
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Hayden Panettiere in 2011’sScream 4(L) and 2023’sScream VI.Dimension Films/Courtesy Everett Collection, Philippe Bossé
She tells the casting story a bit differently than Williamson — though with the same complimentary enthusiasm, and talk of a phone call.
“I actually called them … when they were doingScream 5and I was like, ‘Without me?! Wait. Hold on. I might still be alive, and I could come in handy,’ " theHeroesalum continued.
Williamson added in his conversation with PEOPLE at Monday night’s premiere, “We were really hoping [to bring her back], and it all worked out.”
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“In therapy, I kept wanting to go back to the beginning of the period of time where I was really happy and healthy,” she told the outlet, which noted the actress has “fond memories” of filming her previousScreamentry and remains in contact with that film’s costars.
“Shehas that human trauma, and it’s changed her,” the actress added. “That’s something I can obviously relate to.”
Scream VIslashes into theaters Friday.
source: people.com
