The Return of a Classic: I Know What You Did Last Summer

The Legacy of I Know What You Did Last Summer

The late-'90s slasher series, I Know What You Did Last Summer, is set to make a return with a legacy sequel. Based on the novel by Lois Duncan, the 1997 film follows a group of young adults who are hunted by a hook-wielding killer out for revenge after they covered up an accidental murder. With its blend of classic slasher tropes and a touch of American folklore, I Know What You Did Last Summer had all the makings of a successful franchise.

Jennifer Love Hewitt as Julie looking concerned at The Fisherman in I Know What You Did Last Summer Exclusive header

Although critics were not overly impressed with the film, it proved to be a financial success, far exceeding its budget. This success led to a string of sequels across the 2000s, albeit with declining quality. Despite a short-lived TV series, the franchise seemed to lose its momentum. However, the classic '90s gem has since become a cult favorite, and now a fourth movie is aiming to capitalize on the legacy sequel trend of the 2020s.

I Know What You Did Last Summer Already Set Up A Legacy Sequel-1

The Promise of the New Sequel

The latest news from the writer of the I Know What You Did Last Summer sequel offers insight into the script. Screenwriter Leah McKendrick promises that 'less is more' when it comes to the tone, and is working closely with director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson to avoid 'spoonfeeding' the audience.

Jennifer Love Hewitt as Julie yelling in I Know What You Did Last Summer

The newest I Know What You Did Last Summer sequel will not be a reboot, giving it the opportunity to reinvent the tone without erasing the past. McKendrick also ensures there will be plenty of I Know What You Did Last Summer Easter eggs in the new movie, suggesting a blend of old and new. Legacy sequels heavily rely on nostalgia, so the new outing can't stray too far from the beloved series.

Freddie Prinze Jr. as Ray on a boardwalk in I Know What You Did Last Summer.

The Confirmation and Cast

The legacy sequel was first announced in 2014 and was officially confirmed in February 2023, with Sony as the studio behind the project. Jennifer Kaytin Robinson was tapped to direct, with Leah McKendrick assigned screenwriting duties. The original stars Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jennifer Love Hewitt are in talks to return.

I Still Know What You Did Last Summer Karla and Julie

The return of original stars Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. has sparked excitement among fans. However, details about the rest of the cast remain scarce, and even the initial announcement is shrouded in doubt. Nevertheless, the prospect of the original stars reprising their roles adds an air of anticipation to the upcoming sequel.

I Still Know What You Did Last Summer Julie James

The Anticipated Storyline

The plot of the new film remains a mystery, but it could draw inspiration from the novel by Lois Duncan. The legacy sequel has the opportunity to turn to the original source material for inspiration, delivering a more down-to-earth and grounded tone. This approach aligns with director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson's vision for the new sequel.

Sarah Michelle Gellar as Helen Shivers getting stalked by the killer in I Know What You Did Last Summer

Since the original series deviated from the book's plot, the legacy sequel could revisit Duncan's work and adapt it in a more straightforward manner. This would satisfy the desire to make it a legacy sequel instead of a reboot, while also delivering a fresh and engaging storyline for fans of the classic slasher series.

Sarah Michelle Gellar in I Know What You Did Last Summer wearing a pageant crown and blue dress, holding flowers and waving at the crowd