Hayden Panettiere on Wes Craven's Lasting Impact

Hayden Panettiere recently spoke about the enduring legacy of Wes Craven, the acclaimed director of the Scream film series. Panettiere, who first collaborated with Craven over a decade ago and reprised her role in Scream 6, emphasized the profound impact he had on her career. She shared that Craven's advice on mastering the timing of scenes, particularly the concept of "moving slow" to build suspense, was invaluable.

Panettiere recalled Craven's wisdom, explaining how he taught her to trust the process of editing and music to enhance anticipation. This advice, she found, was crucial for hitting the right dramatic beats. She fondly remembers his mentorship, noting how his gentle direction and respect for his actors set a remarkable example for her own ambitions.

Beyond his directing prowess, Panettiere highlighted Craven's exceptional character. She described him as a kind and spectacular individual, setting a high standard for how to be on set. Panettiere expressed a desire to direct in the future, and she aims to emulate Craven's collaborative and considerate approach, emphasizing that one "doesn't have to be an ass" to lead.