Ever since the release of Scream 4 in 2011, fans have been debating whether or not Hayden Panettiere’s character Kirby survived. The character was last shown just barely breathing after her attack, and while it seemed like she could’ve been a goner, even Wes Craven supported the possibility of her survival. Then, when the fifth Scream film was released in 2022, fans got their answer. A blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Easter egg revealed that Kirby survived. As you can imagine, fans of Kirby immediately wanted her to appear in another film. Well, now they’ve gotten their wish. It’s been announced that Hayden Panettiere will return for Scream 6 along with the cast of the fifth installment!
This exciting news was shared via THR:
“Panettiere, who was one of the stars of 2011’s Scream 4, has closed a deal to reprise her character in the latest installment of Spyglass Media and Paramount Pictures’ horror franchise.”
As for the other cast members joining Hayden Panettiere, the aforementioned cast of the fifth Scream film will be returning as well. At least, those cast members whose characters survived the film. Melissa Barrera, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, and Jenna Ortega will all be reprising their roles. Whether or not other Scream franchise stars will be returning has yet to be confirmed. Though Courteney Cox has already suggested her involvement after receiving the film’s script.
Scream 6 is expected to begin production this summer. As such, we should hopefully have more details on the new franchise installment in the near future. Fans can stay tuned to ScreenGeek for updates as we have them.
The highly-anticipated sequel Scream 6 will be directed by 2022 Scream directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett of Radio Silence. James Vanderbilt & Guy Busick will also return to write the screenplay. Kevin Williamson will executive produce, alongside Radio Silence member Chad Villella. Gary Barber and Peter Oillataguerre of Spyglass will also act as executive producers.
Fans will be able to see Scream 6 in theaters on March 31, 2023.