Jennifer Love Hewitt Returns in New ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ Sequel

LOS ANGELES, CA – Jennifer Love Hewitt is making a comeback as Julie James in the upcoming sequel to the popular slasher franchise, ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer,’ slated for release on July 18, 2025. This latest installment, directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, revives the chilling legacy of the original horror series.

The film’s plot revolves around five friends who accidentally cause a fatal car accident. In a bid to escape the repercussions, they choose to conceal their involvement, making a pact to keep the incident a secret. However, a year later, the past resurfaces with haunting consequences as they find themselves stalked by a vengeful figure who knows their dark secret. The returning characters, including Julie James and Ray Bronson, rediscover the terror of the infamous Southport Massacre from 1997.

“When five friends inadvertently cause a deadly car accident, they cover up their involvement and make a pact to keep it a secret rather than face the consequences. A year later, their past comes back to haunt them, and they’re forced to confront a horrifying truth: someone knows what they did last summer…and is hell-bent on revenge,” the official synopsis states.

Joining Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr., who reprises his role as Ray Bronson, are a host of new actors including Billy Campbell, Chase Sui Wonders, Madelyn Cline, Sarah Pidgeon, and Tyriq Withers, among others. The screenplay was penned by Robinson alongside Leah McKendrick and Sam Lansky, while the cultural touchstone of the franchise originated from Lois Duncan’s novel.

The original ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer,’ released in 1997, gained notoriety for its intense storyline of murder and psychological horror, setting the stage for two sequels in 1998 and 2006. The upcoming film seeks to connect back to the roots of the horror series while introducing modern elements for a new generation of fans.

Robinson described the project as not just a sequel but a fresh exploration of the horror genre. “Our goal was to honor the original while providing a new perspective that resonates with today’s audiences.” The promotional poster, revealed on social media, features a bloody hook, hinting at the return of the iconic weapon that has become synonymous with the franchise. The anticipation for the film has heightened, particularly following the success of its trailer, which quickly garnered significant viewership and shattered records for horror film trailers.

“The reaction we’ve received already is exciting and serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the franchise,” Robinson added. As fans eagerly await more information, including the first trailer, they can expect the return of a series that has deeply influenced the horror landscape over the past decades.