Hayden Panettiere’s last co-star says she was ‘struggling’ behind the scenes in final film
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Justin Chatwin, who co-starred with Hayden Panettiere in her last movie role before her death, has opened up about his experience working with the actress.
Chatwin reportedly said Panettiere “seemed different when I met her this time than when I met her in the early years” and recalled conversations they had while filming ‘Sleepwalker’.
Panettiere’s last film was ‘Sleepwalker’, which was shot in winter 2025. She died on August 16 at the age of 36.
Justin Chatwin says Hayden Panettiere opened up about her struggles
In a new interview with PEOPLE, Chatwin, who had first met Panettiere during her younger years, said they “hit it off great and it was an awesome shoot.”
The film dealt with domestic abuse, which Chatwin suggested may have been personally difficult for Panettiere. He said she mentioned the subject matter during their conversations.
“She opened up to me about a lot of things,” he stated.
Chatwin also recalled how Panettiere appeared different when they worked together on ‘Sleepwalker’ compared with when he had known her earlier in her career.
Justin Chatwin says Hayden Panettiere seemed lonely
The 43-year-old actor also reflected on his own experience with addiction while discussing Panettiere's struggles. Chatwin said he had been sober for 15 years and felt that he understood aspects of the world she had experienced.
He said Panettiere “seemed different when I met her this time than when I met her in the early years. I’ve been sober for 15 years, so I know this world of addiction, and Hollywood — it takes, and it takes from youth.”
Chatwin also said there were “a handful of women” with whom he had particularly enjoyed working, and Panettiere was among them.
“I really loved working with her, but I also know that she was really lonely,” he added.
Hayden Panettiere was 'delightful and super open' on 'Sleepwalker' set
Chatwin further recalled Panettiere being open about the difficulties she had experienced, including her struggles with addiction.
“And who knows where it comes from? Does it come from Hollywood? Does it come from home? And a lot of times, it’s both,” he told the publication.
He then described Panettiere as “delightful and super open” and said they had a great time working together.
“She was delightful and super open and we had a great time together and I’m just saddened that another one got taken down. It’s not the first, you know, and it’s yearly, dude, and it’s like no one’s really addressing it,” he added.
'Sleepwalker' director remembers Hayden Panettiere
‘Sleepwalker’ director Brandon Auman also shared his reaction to Panettiere’s death and reflected on their time working together.
He said, “She was such a bright, open, numinous spirit. I keep thinking back to our time on set and how much she taught me. She was open and honest about the last few years of her life and how it related to her character.”
Auman said he was keeping those conversations private but remembered Panettiere as someone who was complex and deeply introspective.
“I’m keeping those conversations private, but I was struck by how complex and deeply introspective she was. She lived a dozen lives in one short beautiful life. I’ll miss her forever,” Auman added.
