Freddie Prinze Jr. Returns To ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ Franchise
The ’90s horror icon is back with a new cast and more secrets.
Reshmi Das has over four years of experience as a content writer, covering parenting and films. She writes for Hollywoodjunction and Momjunction. Her interest in journaling and writing made this biotechnology postgraduate to take up content as her full-time profession.
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The past never stays buried for long. Freddie Prinze Jr. is officially returning to the horror series that launched his career in the 1990s. Sony Pictures has announced a theatrical reboot of I Know What You Did Last Summer, set to hit theaters on July 18, 2025.
In a recent Instagram post, Sony Pictures confirmed Prinze Jr.’s return. He’ll be joined by actor Billy Campbell in what promises to be a fresh twist on the classic slasher story. The teaser image reveals a dark, moody scene—setting the eerie tone fans know and love.
Returning To His Horror Roots
The caption with the announcement reads, “returns to where the horror began.” This nod to the original film hints that the new installment will honor the 1997 classic while bringing the story to a new generation.
For Freddie Prinze Jr., it’s a big return. The original film helped make him one of the most recognizable young stars of the late ’90s. He played Ray Bronson, one of four friends haunted by a deadly secret after a fatal hit-and-run.
New Blood Joins The Franchise
This isn’t just a trip down memory lane. Jennifer Love Hewitt is also returning, reprising her iconic role from the original films. She joins a new cast of rising stars, including Chase Sui Wonders, Madelyn Cline, Sarah Pidgeon, Jonah Hauer-King, and Tyriq Withers.
Director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson described the film as “balls-to-the-wall fun,” promising brutal scares turned “up to a hundred.” First-look images from People show the original stars alongside the new cast—blending old-school chills with fresh energy.
A Franchise Revitalized
The original “I Know What You Did Last Summer” (1997) was a commercial hit that capitalized on the post-“Scream” slasher revival, grossing over $125 million worldwide on a modest budget. It spawned a sequel, “I Still Know What You Did Last Summer” (1998), and a direct-to-video third installment, “I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer” (2006).
The franchise was also adapted into an Amazon Prime Video series in 2021, though it featured an entirely new story with no connection to the films.
This theatrical reboot marks the first time in over 25 years that original cast members are returning to the franchise, suggesting a direct connection to the events of the first films rather than a complete reimagining.
The Summer Horror Landscape
The July release date positions “I Know What You Did Last Summer” in the heart of the summer movie season, traditionally a strong period for horror films targeting younger audiences who are out of school.
With its blend of nostalgia and fresh talent, the reboot seems positioned to appeal to both original fans of the franchise now in their 40s and a new generation of horror enthusiasts.
As the tagline in Sony’s announcement ominously warns, “some secrets don’t stay buried” — and for horror fans, the resurrection of this beloved franchise might be one secret worth unearthing when it hits theaters this summer.
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