Tim Kring spoke about Hayden Panettiere’s casting in «Heroes»
27 september 2026 в 18:28
Tim Kring, the creator of the series «Heroes», - recalled the casting of the late Hayden Panettiere in her iconic role as superhero Claire Bennet. In an interview published on September 25 to celebrate the show’s 20th anniversary, Kring noted that Panettiere was an «extraordinary actress», - and their choice was clear: «We didn’t look far; we saw her, and that was it».
By the time she landed the lead role in «Heroes» in 2006, Panettiere already had experience in the entertainment industry, as her mother, Leslie Vogel, secured her first commercial job when she was just 11 months old. Before the casting for «Heroes», - she had already made a name for herself in films such as «Remember the Titans» and «The Incredibles», - and also appeared in the soap opera «One Life to Live».
Kring emphasized that Panettiere was able to embody the «unusual» qualities he envisioned for Claire Bennet: «She wasn’t a golden girl; she was slightly eccentric, with something unique». He also noted that her talent was exceptional for her age, and she could find depth and nuances in scenes that were not always evident from the script.
Following Panettiere’s passing on August 16 in South Carolina, Kring and other colleagues from the series paid tribute to her life and legacy. In his essay for Variety, he remarked that Panettiere was a «kind and gentle person» who was a pleasure to work with.
Kring also added that the line between Claire Bennet and Panettiere herself was blurred: «She never had to change her voice to be Claire Bennet. It was Hayden’s voice that we were used to».
In memory of Panettiere, on August 25, the «Heroes» team gathered to remember their late friend. Brian Fuller, a writer and co-producer, shared on Instagram that they exchanged stories about the light Hayden brought into their lives.
By the time she landed the lead role in «Heroes» in 2006, Panettiere already had experience in the entertainment industry, as her mother, Leslie Vogel, secured her first commercial job when she was just 11 months old. Before the casting for «Heroes», - she had already made a name for herself in films such as «Remember the Titans» and «The Incredibles», - and also appeared in the soap opera «One Life to Live».
Kring emphasized that Panettiere was able to embody the «unusual» qualities he envisioned for Claire Bennet: «She wasn’t a golden girl; she was slightly eccentric, with something unique». He also noted that her talent was exceptional for her age, and she could find depth and nuances in scenes that were not always evident from the script.
Following Panettiere’s passing on August 16 in South Carolina, Kring and other colleagues from the series paid tribute to her life and legacy. In his essay for Variety, he remarked that Panettiere was a «kind and gentle person» who was a pleasure to work with.
Kring also added that the line between Claire Bennet and Panettiere herself was blurred: «She never had to change her voice to be Claire Bennet. It was Hayden’s voice that we were used to».
In memory of Panettiere, on August 25, the «Heroes» team gathered to remember their late friend. Brian Fuller, a writer and co-producer, shared on Instagram that they exchanged stories about the light Hayden brought into their lives.
© Kolganov Andrey
