Connie Britton Is 'So Happy' forNashvilleCostar Hayden Panettiere as She's 'Come Out on the Other Side' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Connie Brittonhas so much love for her formerNashvillecostarHayden Panettiere.

In a conversation with PEOPLE surrounding her new supernatural drama-thrillerHere After, Britton says that while she hasn’t talked to Panettiere “in a while,” she “really applaud(s) how she has gone through a really difficult time and done a lot of work and has come out on the other side.”

“And so I only wish her just peace in her heart, and I can’t wait to see the movie,” she continues of Panettiere’s upcoming thrillerAmber Alert, costarringTyler James Williams.

Adds Britton, 57, “I’m so happy that she is in that place, and I hope she’s in a great place.”

After early roles on seriesHeroesandNashvilleand in films likeScream IV, Panettiere has enjoyed a more recent career resurgence, appearing inScream VIlast year and, later this month, in a starring role inAmber Alert.

Connie Britton (left) and Hayden Panettiere on ‘Nashville’.Chris Hollo/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

Chris Hollo/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

The 35-year-old actress is also planning to give readers “an unprecedented glimpse into her storied life and acclaimed career"in a forthcoming memoirtentatively titledScream and Break Free: Addiction, Trauma, and How the Cheerleader Saved Herself,PEOPLE confirmed in April. The book will see Panettiere open up about her career,alcoholism, addictionand more.

Connie Britton (left) and Hayden Panettiere.Sara Kauss/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

Sara Kauss/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

“You may laugh a little, cry a little, but most importantly, you’ll hopefully finish it feeling inspired. I’ve grown so much from my experiences,” Panettiere continued. “I hope that this opportunity to further elaborate on that journey may provide a little comfort for those who have faced similar challenges. I’m truly grateful for every lesson, and for the woman I have become today.”

Connie Britton inHere After(2024).Paramount Pictures

Paramount Pictures

She plays a mother named Claire, who “is overjoyed when her daughter Robin (Hannan-Mills) is miraculously revived after a fatal accident,” according to an official synopsis. “But her relief turns to dread as Claire notices changes in her daughter, suspecting something dark has followed her back from the brink of death.”

“It’s really human and moving, and it’s a psychological exploration that feels extremely universal and something we can all relate to,” Britton tells PEOPLE. “When I read the script, that was what really jumped out at me.”

She goes on to say that ifHere After"was just a more straightforward thriller, I’m not sure that I would’ve been as drawn to it, because what I like about this is that it’s based in this kind of emotional progression and evolution of all of these characters.”

“And that’s the part to me that’s interesting as an actor, but also as an audience member. That’s the movie that I want to see,” Britton adds.

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Here Afteris in select theaters and on digital Sept. 13.

source: people.com