The Next Gen

Scream 4 is about to start shooting, but casting is underway and taking shape.

Hayden Panettiere and Ashley Greene are said to be in the running for roles in the next round of movies, and now comes news that Emma Roberts has joined Never Campbell, Courteney Cox, and David Arquette in the fourthquel.

Roberts reportedly will play primary heroine Jill in Scream 4, which will revisit Sid’s good ol’ Woodsboro hometown.

“I’m so excited to be part of this groundbreaking franchise,” the young actress said. “It’s the perfect opportunity for me to do something completely different than I’ve ever done before.”

Director-producer said the up-and-comer was chosen for her “talent, beauty, and range, [which] will add immensely to the sophistication, intensity, and fun of the Scream franchise as it returns to the screen once more.”

Hey – maybe they can get aunt Julia Roberts to cameo or som’in’.

Photo: GossipTeen.com.