Imposter syndrome attacks even some of the best in the world, and that’s what happened to Hayden Panettiere when she got the audition of a lifetime. She had the chance to read for a major Taylor Sheridan series, and not going for it was one of her biggest regrets.
Various interviews have resurfaced since hearing of the passing of “Heroes” and “Nashville” star Panettiere. As many have looked back at her roles in soaps and rediscovered the iconic “Ice Princess” with late actress Michelle Trachtenberg, others have looked at the roles that could have been.
Hayden Panettiere Could Have Starred in ‘Landman’
GettyOne of the biggest roles Panettiere could have had in recent years was “Landman.” She told Us Weekly back in 2025 that she had the opportunity to read for the role that would eventually go to fellow “Heroes” star Ali Larter. This is Tommy’s (Billy Bob Thornton) ex-wife, Angela Norris, and there’s a juicy on-again, off-again relationship between the two of them as they attempt to co-parent.
Panettiere shared that she didn’t think that she was going to get the role, so she didn’t see the point in auditioning for it. Imposter syndrome certainly stepped in, as she admitted that she would have really liked to work with Sheridan, who is a genius when it comes to TV production. Sheridan is the mind behind “Yellowstone” and its spinoffs, including “1883,” “1923,” and “Marshals.”
She made it clear that she got in her own way, and that made her a fool. However, she was also trying not to pigeonhole herself in her career, acknowledging, “[I have to] not judge what I am capable of or judge what others think that I know what others are gonna be looking for. You have to go for it. I’m just trying not to get out of my own way. … I can be a fool sometimes for not just doing it.”
Hayden Panettiere Has Had a Diverse Career
GettyMany fans will remember Panettiere for her roles on “Heroes” and “Nashville,” which is set to leave Netflix next month. There are others who will remember her for her role on “Guiding Light” and in “Remember the Titans,” which she has acknowledged is one of her favorite roles, and one she would have loved to go back to just to go back to the age of 10.
Some are rediscovering the role of Gen in “Ice Princess,” which is available to stream on Disney+, a role in which she learned how to ice skate. Then there are her roles in major hit franchises like “Scream” and “Bring It On.”
However, one that stood out for the 36-year-old was “A Breed Apart,” where she noted that she got to use her athleticism while also flying a helicopter and fighting animals that weren’t even there on the set. She got to put all her skills to the test in the horror-comedy, and it was a highlight of her career.
There is one more movie to add to your Panettiere watch list, and that’s her last feature, “Sleepwalker.” She didn’t just star in this thriller; she also executive produced it, and it came out in theaters back in January 2026. This horror is not yet on a streaming platform, but is currently available to purchase or rent on Digital via Prime Video, Apple TV, and anywhere you usually get your Digital copies.
