Neve Campbell says Hayden Panettiere "brought a magnetic energy to set" on Scream 4.
The 52-year-old star has paid tribute to her former castmate, who tragically died on Sunday (16.08.26) aged 36, as she reflected on memories of their time together filming the fourth instalment of the iconic horror franchise.
In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, she wrote: “I found Hayden to be really kind and funny and brought a magnetic energy to set.
"She was a true talent which shows in the decades she worked in such a short life.
"Her family and loved ones are in my prayers.”
In 2011, Hayden joined the Scream franchise as horror-obsessed high schooler Kirby Reed in what ended up being the final film in the series directed by creator Wes Craven.
In the movie, Kirby's best friend Jill (Roberts) is the cousin of Neve Campbell's Sidney Prescott.
Hayden's character appeared to have been left for dead in Scream 4, but she returned - now as an FBI special agent - in Scream VI.
Nancy Nayor, who served as casting director on Scream 4 and worked alongside Avy Kaufman and Rick Rosenthal, has reflected on the decision to bring Hayden into the fold at the time.
She told The Hollywood Reporter this week: "Hayden had been known from Heroes and had been working as a child actress, and the industry was aware of her.
"When her name came up, she seemed like a really terrific contender for the role of Kirby and a great contrast to Emma Roberts.
"They were just visually and energetically very different, and we thought they would be great together.”
Nayor was delighted to be proven right when Hayden gave everything to the role.
She added: "It was her fierce warrior nature for the role.
"The character has this incredible scene where she’s on a phone call with Ghostface, and she has to save her friend and [rattle] off a giant list of genre films in a desperate hour.
"I knew that she would have the passion and the energy to make that scene so believable, so heartbreaking, so intense — and she absolutely delivered all of those qualities.”
Hayden's family announced her death in a statement.
Her father, Alan "Skip" Panettiere, said: "It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden.
"She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her - and to the millions who watched her onscreen."
An autopsy has since found no trauma contributing to her death, while the cause and manner remain undetermined pending further investigation.
