After casually reporting that Hayden Panettiere would return in Scream 7 over the weekend, EW has updated their story to clarify that “her involvement has not been confirmed.”

Panettiere’s Kirby Reed was first introduced as the horror-loving sidekick-turned-survivor in Scream 4. She returned in Scream VI, now an FBI special agent.

Due out on February 27, 2026, Scream 7 is directed by Scream, Scream 2, and Scream 4 writer Kevin Williamson from a script by Guy Busick (Scream 2022, Scream VI).

Although Panettiere may or may not show up, Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Mason Gooding, Jasmin Savoy Brown, David Arquette, and Scott Foley are all confirmed to return.

Isabel May, Joel McHale, Mckenna Grace, Celeste O’Connor, Sam Rechner, Asa Germann, Anna Camp, Ethan Embry, Mark Consuelos, Michelle Randolph, and Jimmy Tatro round out the cast.

The latest installment in the slasher saga is expected to focus on final girl Sidney Prescott and her family approximately two years after the events of Scream VI.