Although rumours were rife that Hayden Panettiere would reprise her role as Kirby Reed in Scream 7, the actress was nowhere to be seen.
The last time we saw Panettiere was following the conclusion of 2023’s Scream VI. Kirby was alive and well by that movie’s end, despite having suffered a stab to the gut.
Of course, Panettiere was reprising the role from 2011’s Scream 4, ending years of speculation on if the character had survived.
Although she was unable to commit to Scream 7, Panettiere has reiterated she would “love” to return to Scream. Furthermore, Panettiere revealed a legally binding reason why a Scream return is always possible.
According to Panettiere, she has a “no kill” clause written into her Scream roles. The actress continues this practice from the late Wes Craven, who insisted we don’t see Kirby die in Scream 4, as he was so fond of Panettiere.
The actress says:
“You can ask [for a no-kill clause], It doesn’t mean you’re going to get it. I did the last two times. It took a couple films for them to bring me back into the Scream franchise. And obviously, I wasn’t in the last one, but I’m still alive and kicking in that universe so I would be thrilled to come back whenever.”
Panettiere is currently promoting her autobiography, and has fielded Scream return questions in almost every interview.
With the appetite there, and Panettiere willing, are we going to see Kirby Reed in Scream 8?
The script is currently in development with Nora and Lila Zuckerman at the helm, so we’ll likely have an update for you soon. Stay tuned!
