The iconic ‘90s slasher franchise I Know What You Did Last Summer is making a chilling return to theaters on July 18, 2025. Directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, this legacy sequel blends nostalgic thrills with a fresh cast, bringing back original stars Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. alongside a new generation of teens facing a hook-wielding killer. Here’s everything you need to know about this highly anticipated horror reboot.
A Nostalgic Return with a Modern Twist
Based on the 1973 novel by Lois Duncan and popularized by the 1997 film, I Know What You Did Last Summer terrified audiences with its tale of four friends hunted by a vengeful fisherman after a deadly hit-and-run. The 2025 reboot picks up nearly three decades later, serving as a direct sequel to the 1997 original and its 1998 follow-up, I Still Know What You Did Last Summer.
The new film follows a group of five friends who, after covering up a fatal car accident, are stalked a year later by a killer who knows their secret. The trailer, released on June 17, 2025, teases a “Scream-style” copycat killer and gruesome scares, while paying homage to the original with throwbacks like Julie James’ iconic line, “What are you waiting for?”
Cast: Familiar Faces and Fresh Talent
The reboot boasts a star-studded ensemble, bridging the gap between the ‘90s and today:
- Jennifer Love Hewitt reprises her role as Julie James, now older and hardened by decades of trauma. Hewitt has shared her excitement and nerves about returning, telling People, “I had total anxiety for 48 hours before [filming] because I was like, ‘Can I do this?’”
- Freddie Prinze Jr. returns as Ray Bronson, Julie’s love interest from the original films, who aids the new group in confronting the killer.
- Newcomers include Madelyn Cline (Outer Banks), Chase Sui Wonders (Bodies Bodies Bodies), Jonah Hauer-King (The Little Mermaid), Sarah Pidgeon (The Wilds), and Tyriq Withers (Atlanta), who play the fresh-faced teens caught in the killer’s crosshairs.
- Additional cast members include Billy Campbell, Gabbriette Bechtel, Austin Nichols, Lola Tung, and Nicholas Alexander Chavez.
Director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson emphasized the importance of Hewitt and Prinze Jr.’s return, telling Variety, “There was no movie without them.” The film explores how trauma shapes Julie and Ray, adding emotional depth to the slasher thrills.
Plot: Secrets, Revenge, and a Hook-Wielding Killer
The 2025 reboot mirrors the original’s premise but introduces a contemporary spin. After a deadly car accident on July 4, 2024, five friends make a pact to keep it secret. A year later, they receive a chilling message: “I know what you did last summer.” As the fisherman (or a copycat) hunts them down, they turn to Julie and Ray, survivors of the 1997 Southport Massacre, for help.
The trailer hints at intense chase scenes, brutal kills, and a wedding toast gone wrong, with Madelyn Cline’s character, Danica, discovering the threatening note. The film promises to balance “fun screamy gags” with a deeper look at trauma, as Robinson and co-writer Sam Lansky crafted a script that honors the franchise’s roots while elevating the horror.
Why This Reboot Stands Out
Unlike the short-lived 2021 Amazon Prime TV series or the poorly received 2006 direct-to-video sequel, this theatrical release aims to revive the franchise’s glory days. The 1997 film, written by Scream creator Kevin Williamson, grossed $125 million on a $17 million budget, cementing its place in ‘90s horror. The 2025 reboot avoids past missteps, like the scrapped 2014 reboot by Mike Flanagan, by focusing on legacy characters and a theatrical experience.
Key highlights include:
- Nostalgic callbacks: Julie’s iconic line and references to the Southport Massacre connect to the original films.
- Modern horror flair: Robinson, known for Do Revenge, brings a witty, self-aware tone to the screenplay, co-written with Sam Lansky and based on a story by Leah McKendrick.
- Star power: The mix of ‘90s icons and rising stars like Cline and Wonders appeals to both longtime fans and new audiences.
- Theatrical release: Set for a summer release on July 18, 2025, it’s poised to be a blockbuster horror event.
Behind the Scenes
- Director: Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (Do Revenge) directs and co-wrote the screenplay with Sam Lansky, based on a story by Leah McKendrick and Robinson.
- Producer: Neal H. Moritz, who produced the original films, returns to ensure continuity.
- Studio: Sony Pictures is backing the project, releasing trailers and posters to build hype.
Robinson has teased that the film addresses trauma as a central theme, shaping both the returning characters and the new cast. Fans have also speculated about a possible cameo from Brandy, who starred in the 1998 sequel, after Robinson’s coy response to Variety: “Go see the movie. And see it on opening weekend.”
Release Details and How to Watch
I Know What You Did Last Summer will be released exclusively in theaters on July 18, 2025, in the US and UK. Sony Pictures has positioned it as a summer horror event, perfect for fans of slasher classics like Scream and Halloween. No streaming release date has been announced, so catching it on the big screen is the way to go.
Follow the official movie account on X (@ikwydlsmovie) for updates, where posts have teased “small town, big secrets” and the killer’s hook.
Why You Should Be Excited
The I Know What You Did Last Summer reboot is shaping up to be a must-see for horror fans. With Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. back in action, a talented young cast, and a director who understands the balance of scares and heart, this legacy sequel could redefine the franchise. Mark your calendars for July 18, 2025, and get ready to face the hook-wielding fisherman once more.
Stay tuned for more updates, and let us know in the comments if you’re hyped for this slasher revival!
