Jennifer Love Hewitt Surprised by 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' Reboot Announcement

The I Know What You Did Last Summer reboot film has been officially confirmed, but original stars Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. are still unaware of the details.

Hewitt, 45, revealed in an exclusive interview with We that they found out about the reboot through the press. She mentioned that no one has contacted them yet, so they are waiting to hear more information. They are as clueless about the project as everyone else.

Hewitt and Prinze Jr., 48, starred in the 1997 film as Julie James and Ray Bronson. They also appeared in the sequel, I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, alongside Brandy and Mekhi Phifer the following year.

Sony Pictures announced a new film for the franchise in May after a failed TV reboot in 2021. The upcoming horror flick, set to release in summer 2025, will be directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson. She cowrote the screenplay with Sam Lansky, building on an initial script by Leah McKen.

Hewitt, who spoke with Us weeks before the new film was confirmed, mentioned that she and Prinze Jr. are currently in a "holding period" as they wait to hear about their potential involvement. However, the actress expressed her belief that they would both "definitely come back" if the story felt right.

"Listen, I loved doing those movies. There is nothing more fun than doing a horror movie. It’s the best. Julie James was awesome," she explained. "I do think that there’s unfinished business there, and so I would be happy to do it."

In the original films, both Hewitt and Prinze Jr.’s characters manage to survive until the end. However, the sequel leaves viewers hanging with a major cliffhanger. Julie and Ray tie the knot and purchase a house after a significant time jump. The last scene shows Ray brushing his teeth with the bathroom door locked, while Julie explores the bedroom. Suddenly, as she gazes into the mirror, the killer Ben (Muse Watson) emerges from under the bed and drags her down with him, leaving her screaming for help.

Jennifer Love Hewitt Hasn t Gotten a Call About the IKWYDLS Reboot

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If Julie and Ray were to come back, one thing to think about is the open ending. Hewitt wonders what the story would be like, how it would all fit together, and if it's the best ending for them. It's important to make sure the story continues in a good way.

Hewitt has been a series regular on 9-1-1 since its second season. The series was picked up by ABC after being canceled by Fox last year. Season 8, consisting of 18 episodes, is set to begin filming this summer.

Hewitt mentioned that she is open to filming a movie during a hiatus from the show. She expressed willingness to work on the project if the timing works out.

Hewitt is thrilled that fans are eager for another installment of the I Know What You Did Last Summer series, regardless of her involvement in the new film. "It’s exciting to see the demand for it," she shared with Us, enjoying the positive reactions from people.

Catch 9-1-1 on ABC every Thursday at 8 p.m. ET.

Editor's P/S:

The announcement of the "I Know What You Did Last Summer" reboot has sparked a mix of excitement and uncertainty among fans of the original film. While the prospect of a fresh take on the iconic horror story is intriguing, the absence of original stars Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. has left some wondering about the authenticity of the project.

Despite their initial lack of knowledge about the reboot, Hewitt has expressed interest in returning to the franchise if the story aligns with her expectations. The unresolved cliffhanger from the sequel leaves ample room for exploration, and Hewitt's enthusiasm suggests that she believes the reboot has the potential to deliver a satisfying conclusion to the characters' arcs. However, it remains to be seen whether the filmmakers will be able to secure her and Prinze Jr.'s involvement and whether the new film will live up to the legacy of its predecessors.