Justin Chatwin opened up about working with Hayden Panettiere in her final movie role before her death at 36, recalling the personal conversations they shared while filming Sleepwalker.

“I could tell she was struggling, and I was like, ‘I don’t think it’s this movie,'” Chatwin told People.

He added, “There’s a handful of women that I’ve worked with that I really liked, and I really loved working with her, but I also know that she was really lonely.”

The actors reconnected for the psychological thriller after previously crossing paths during Panettiere’s years on the superhero drama Heroes.

While working together, the Shameless actor said he noticed a difference in the longtime actress.

The War of the Worlds star reflected on how the film’s difficult themes shaped his experience with Panettiere on set.

“We hit it off great and it was an awesome shoot, but it was about domestic abuse and it was subject matter that may have hit close to home, because she did mention it. She opened up to me about a lot of things,” he said.

The Dragonball Evolution star also noticed a difference in the late actress when they reunited years after first crossing paths.

“Hayden seemed different when I met her this time than when I met her in the early years,” he said.

Drawing from his own experience with sobriety, the Canadian actor reflected on what he recognized in Panettiere’s struggles.

He said, “I’ve been sober for 15 years, so I know this world of addiction, and Hollywood — it takes, and it takes from youth.”