Created by Lois Duncan, I Know What You Did Last Summer is a horror media franchise consisting of three slasher movies and one television series based on a novel by Duncan. The movie stars Jennifer Love Hewitt, Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, and more. In 2023, it was shared that the legacy sequel is in development, with original cast members negotiating to reprise their roles, but nothing was certain.
The original movie follows four teenagers and their efforts to cover up a near-fatal car accident that eventually results in the man they hit attempting to kill them. Upon release, the movie received mixed reviews but became a commercial success, and was soon credited alongside Scream for revitalizing the slasher genre in the 1990s. Now, there has been an update on the direct legacy sequel.
I Know What You Did Last Summer star Jennifer Love Hewitt discusses the direct legacy sequel
Jennifer Love Hewitt recently appeared on the I’ve Never Said This Before With Tommy DiDario podcast, where she was asked about one of the most asked questions: about the sequel of I Know What You Did Last Summer. She said that the production has started on the legacy sequel, which will see Freddie Prinze Jr. back as Ray Bronson and hopefully Hewitt. She explained further,
I am possibly preparing for that. The hair change had nothing to do with that. I just needed something new. I get very bored with my hair very quickly, and because of some things that are going to be coming up on 9-1-1, it felt like a good time to sort or change it up.
When asked about her potential return, the actress said that she’s so close to being able to say something exciting, but it has been very hard to do so. Hewitt mentioned that she wants to clarify the rumors because so many people have told her, ‘What are you waiting for?’
The actress further clarified that she is trying to make sure that if she goes back to the franchise, she just doesn’t want to be the ghost of the nineties past. Jennifer Love Hewitt had a fair point in stating that she’d like for her character Julie James to have a meaningful appearance. Adding more, she said,
We have just been trying to figure it out, and I think we’re really close to figuring it out, I will be as excited as everyone else if I can say that officially.
The actress lastly added that she is hopeful about the legacy sequel’s return, noting that she feels honored to be even considered for the part even though she first appeared 27 years ago in the franchise.
Sony Pictures has also unveiled the first look of the upcoming movie on their social media. The image showcases the film slate along with a long fisherman’s hook that fans will remember has been the weapon of choice in previous movies.
Jennifer Love Hewitt teases Brandy Norwood’s possible return to I Know What You Did Last Summer
During her conversation with Tommy DiDario, the actress also teased that Brandy Norwood, who played the role of Karla Wilson in the 1998—I Know What You Did reboot—can return for the legacy sequel. She said,
I have heard that. My first thought was, ‘We have to have Jack Black, and then I was like, ‘Oh no, he died.
Norwood also mentioned her probable return in an interview where she said that she does not know how her character would return, and she hasn’t thought about it. The actress, however, added that her character should definitely come back for the legacy sequel. ( Via CBR)
The actress reveals that the studios have reached out to her, so she is looking forward to how things will turn out. She added that she has not met Jennifer Love Hewitt in a long time, so it’ll be nice to see her and work with her.
According to reports by Deadline, actors including Madelyn Cline, Tyriq Withers, Jonah Hauer-King, and Chase Sui Wonders are also in the movie. Sarah Michelle Gellar confirmed in October to People that she will not appear in the movie because her character dies in the original movie, but her friend Jennifer Kaytin Robinson is directing the movie, which means she’ll be there on set hyping the cast.
I Know What You Did Last Summer‘s legacy sequel is scheduled for a July 18, 2025, release.
Frequently asked questions
Is a new I Know What You Did Last Summer movie actually happening?
Yes. On the I’ve Never Said This Before With Tommy DiDario podcast, original star Jennifer Love Hewitt said production had begun on a legacy sequel, and Sony Pictures shared a first look on social media featuring the franchise’s signature fisherman’s hook. At the time she said she was close to officially confirming her own return as Julie James and wanted the character to have a meaningful appearance rather than just a nostalgic cameo.
Which cast members return or join the legacy sequel?
Freddie Prinze Jr. is back as Ray Bronson and Jennifer Love Hewitt returns as Julie James. Per Deadline, the new cast also includes Madelyn Cline, Tyriq Withers, Jonah Hauer-King, and Chase Sui Wonders. Hewitt teased that Brandy Norwood (Karla Wilson) could return, and Norwood has said a studio reached out to her. Sarah Michelle Gellar is not appearing because her character died in the original film, though she is friends with the director and supports the project.
Who directed the film and when was it released?
Jennifer Kaytin Robinson directed the legacy sequel, which Sony released in theaters on July 18, 2025. It follows the 1997 original, based on the Lois Duncan novel, in which four teenagers cover up a car accident; that film became a commercial hit and is credited alongside Scream with revitalizing the 1990s slasher genre.
