Courteney Cox Thought Hayden Panettiere's "Scream" Character Was Dead

Prior to her upcoming return in "Scream 6," actress Courteney Cox mistakenly believed Hayden Panettiere's character Kirby Reed had died.

The 58-year-old actress is returning to the horror franchise as sassin' TV reporter Gale Weathers, alongside Melissa Barrera, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding and Jenna Ortega - with her alter ego Kirby Reed along for the ride!

Gale Weathers

Gale Weathers is an ambitious reporter who doesn't shy away from blood or violence. Her main focus lies in uncovering a major story from her investigation, and she won't stop until it happens.

She's a self-assured, educated woman who stands up for what she believes in. Additionally, she's a feminist who advocates for equal treatment of women; however, she may take offense when others attempt to push her around because of her ambition.

In Scream, she's a news reporter who comes to Woodsboro to investigate murders. While she has an established rapport with Deputy Dewey Riley, her ambition sometimes gets the better of her. She can be rude and bossy at times but also willing to go to extremes for a good story - such as videotaping teens at a party for footage.

She attempts to help Sidney Prescott by shooting one of the killers. After saving her life, she writes a book about the murders that is based on her experience in Woodsboro.

One year later, she returns to Woodsboro still intrigued by the crimes. She has written another successful book about what transpired there and enjoys spending time with Sidney; however, her marriage to Dewey has soured somewhat; though she tries to convince Dewey that Sidney is innocent, he stubbornly refuses to believe it.

Her first appearance in Scream was back in 1996, and since then she's made three sequels. Twice she's been punched by Sidney and she even threatens to punch Rebecca in Scream 4.

Gale, a famous journalist, appears in Scream 3 (1996) as part of an ensemble cast. After meeting Jennifer Jolie on set and writing a successful book about Maureen Prescott, Gale visits Woodsboro set where she meets Dewey again to finish what he started - Stab 3.

Kirby Reed

Kirby Reed has long been a beloved character within the Scream franchise, and her tragic death in Scream 4 only added to the fan-favorites' feelings. But now it can be confirmed: Kirby Reed is alive!

Kirby is an enthusiastic film buff from Woodsboro, California. She enjoys hanging out with Jill Roberts and Olivia Morris and loves horror films; in particular, Charlie Walker shares her taste in films.

The sarcastic movie buff is quick-witted and edgy. She displays more sassiness than other Scream characters, offering up a grungier personality in the process.

She can be easily drawn into trouble, but she also possesses great strength and the ability to bail out when necessary. Additionally, she's close with Gale Weathers, Sam McMillen, and Jill Roberts; all good friends.

After 11 years, Hayden Panettiere's return to Scream 4 as Kirby Reed has created an immense buzz among fans. According to The Hollywood Reporter, she will be reprising her role as the sarcastic cinephile character in Scream 6, ushering in a new chapter for this beloved franchise.

After watching the trailer for Scream 6 (titled TBA), many keen-eyed viewers noticed Kirby's fate was revealed in the film - she is alive! After being stabbed in Scream 4, this development makes sense.

However, the identity of her killer remains uncertain. In previous installments of Scream, all killers tend to be friends of their victims or close family members; however, Scream 6 may offer a unique twist on this tradition.

It would make sense if she became the sole survivor of her group, since all Scream killers were once part of friend groups at some point in their lives. However, if she is truly unique by becoming the sole survivor of an earlier one, that would be more creative.

No matter her identity, Kirby remains one of the most intriguing characters in the Scream franchise. She's a quick-witted cinephile who can give Ghostface a run for his money when it comes to movie trivia questions. If Kirby ends up being the sole survivor of her group of Ghostface killers - that would be an incredible treat for fans!

Sidney Prescott

In this year's Scream 4, Hayden Panettiere's fan favorite Kirby Reed was revealed to have survived the attack by Ghostface killer Roman Bridger. This has inspired Panettiere to return to the franchise for Scream 6 (2019), which will be the first installment without Neve Campbell or David Arquette.

Kirby is an acclaimed slasher who made her debut in 1996's Scream, where she is targeted by her mother's killer on the anniversary of her mother's passing. Through each subsequent film, she proves herself a survivor and ultimately becomes its main protagonist.

Kirby has become one of the most beloved characters in the series. She is an intelligent and tough final girl who has never given up on fear, growing into one of its most iconic and beloved figures.

As her career progresses, she strives to rebuild her life after the events in Woodsboro. She writes a highly successful self-help book called Out of Darkness and is invited back to Woodsboro for another book signing event as an attempt to promote it.

Sidney and Dewey are delighted to be back together again, but their happiness quickly turns to fear when a killer appears in town - reminding her that her community's fear of her still lives on.

Her relationship with Dewey is strained, as he feels she takes their marriage for granted. Despite this, she is willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and try again with him. Through persistence and commitment, she eventually gains his trust and proves she doesn't intend on harming him in any way.

She also informs him she carries a gun and she won't let anything happen to him or Gale. Reassured, he agrees to give her his car so she can drive herself to her hotel.

But she knows it will be challenging to return home. She must confront both familiar fears and memories from the past, as well as a new set of adversaries.

Dewey Riley

Dewey Riley was the series' most vulnerable character. Throughout its first four films, he barely made it out alive after suffering multiple lifelong injuries and nine stab wounds. Yet Dewey Riley remained an intelligent man who often made his presence felt in spite of the strenuous nature of his job as Woodsboro Sheriff.

But Dewey's suffering never fell to the sidelines in his character arc, rather becoming an integral part of who he is. The deleted scene below serves as proof, showcasing David Arquette's performance at its finest.

Dewey and his family found solace at the Woodsboro Police Department, with Dewey particularly fond of Gale Weathers' on-screen sister Tatum Riley. At first she teased him and tried to make him uncomfortable, but Dewey eventually came to admire her intelligence and quick wit.

Ghostface began his killing spree with a vow to eliminate Sidney Prescott; however, Dewey intervened and protected her. Additionally, Ghostface reacted angrily when Gale accepted a role as a television reporter; however, eventually they were able to come to an understanding.

Dewey, married to Gale and now sheriff of Woodsboro, is acutely aware of the tragedies caused by Ghostface to his family and friends. He takes his responsibilities seriously as he vows to seek revenge on her behalf and safeguard those he cares about.

Ghostface's fifth killing spree sees Dewey become the target of his killer. Using a voice changer to mimic Sidney's voice, Dewey manages to defeat Ghostface; however, Ghostface quickly comes after him with knives and bedpans.

Even after being killed, Dewey still believes Gale Weathers will come around and stop Ghostface from harming her. Reaching out to her, Dewey can tell her he's "not a coward".

He's not alone in thinking this way - Courteney Cox's character Gale Weathers also expressed similar sentiments.