Danielle Panabaker, known for her role as Layla in Sky High, is celebrating a big milestone – the 20th anniversary of the film’s release.
On July 31, 2025, Panabaker shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, reflecting on the iconic teen superhero movie that captured the hearts of audiences two decades ago.
Reflecting on the 20th Anniversary
In her Instagram post, Panabaker opened up about how Sky High was a “once in a lifetime experience” for her. She expressed that the movie remains “near and dear” to her heart, sharing clips of some of her memorable scenes.
Panabaker revealed a special part of her Sky High journey: the wrap gift she received after filming wrapped two decades ago.
“I still have the photo album that was given to me as a wrap present on the movie,” she said. In the post, she shared glimpses of the album, which featured glossy photos of herself, her co-stars, and behind-the-scenes moments from the film.
The album, titled “Starring Danielle Panabaker as Layla,” highlighted some of her unforgettable moments with fellow actors like Michael Angarano, Kurt Russell, and Kelly Preston.
The Iconic Cast and the Film’s Impact
Sky High, released in 2005, tells the story of Will Stronghold, a teenager who is the child of two powerful superheroes but doesn’t have any powers of his own.
The film’s cast was star-studded, with Panabaker playing Will’s best friend, Layla. Other notable stars included Mary Elizabeth Winstead as the villainous Gwen and Bruce Campbell as Coach Boomer. The movie also had cameo appearances from well-known actors like Lynda Carter, Cloris Leachman, and Patrick Warburton.
The movie continues to have a lasting impact, and Panabaker believes it’s because of the timeless charm it holds for viewers. In a chat with the Australian morning show Today, she mentioned that it “says something about the film that it still resonates with people, even 20 years later.”
Fond Memories of Filming Sky High
While reflecting on the movie’s success, Panabaker also spoke about the best part of filming Sky High – the people she worked with. She shared how much she enjoyed working with the talented young cast, including Michael Angarano, Steven Strait, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead.
She also praised her older co-stars, Kurt Russell and Kelly Preston, for being “fantastic” and “lovely people.”
For Panabaker, it was the camaraderie among the cast and crew that made the experience so special. She also mentioned her excitement to see how much the film still means to fans around the world, even after two decades.
As Sky High celebrates its 20th anniversary, it’s clear that the film holds a special place in the hearts of both its cast and fans. Danielle Panabaker’s touching reflection on the film’s legacy shows how important the experience was to her.
Whether you were a fan of the action-packed storyline, the superhero drama, or the unforgettable characters, Sky High will always be remembered as one of the most fun and nostalgic teen movies of the 2000s.
