Austin Nichols Shares ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ Trailer
Actor-director drops hook emoji hint as anticipation builds for horror franchise's new chapter

Image: Instagram
Actor and director Austin Nichols amped up excitement for the “I Know What You Did Last Summer” revival by sharing the official trailer on Instagram. The thrilling and suspense-filled video offers a gripping first look at the upcoming installment of the horror franchise.
The trailer itself maintains the series’ signature dark, tense atmosphere, teasing new scares and chilling twists that promise to keep fans on edge. The post is simply captioned with five hook emojis followed by “#IKnowWhatYouDidLastSummer trailer” – a nod to the iconic hook-wielding villain that has terrorized teenagers throughout the franchise.
The Countdown To Summer Terror
This trailer tease follows Nichols’ recent pattern of posts building anticipation for the project. Just prior to this announcement, he posted “#IKnowWhatYouDidLastSummer Trailer is coming next! Stay tuned!” confirming that marketing for the film is ramping up significantly.
Another recent post from Nichols’ Instagram provided more specific information about the release timeline, stating “We know what you’re doing tomorrow…” alongside the same hashtag, indicating that the full trailer reveal is imminent.
The most revealing post from Nichols came earlier, when he shared, “We know what you’re doing this summer. 🪝7.18.25 #IKnowWhatYouDidLastSummer” – confirming the film’s theatrical release date of July 18, 2025, nearly two full years from now. This extended marketing timeline suggests Sony Pictures is planning a major push for the revival of this beloved horror property.
Nichols’ Expanding Creative Footprint
While Nichols is primarily known for his acting work, particularly his roles in “One Tree Hill” and “The Walking Dead,” he has been expanding his creative pursuits behind the camera. According to his recent posts, Nichols is making his feature directorial debut with “The Salamander King,” which will premiere at the Academy Award Qualifying Dallas International Film Festival.
“I’m so proud to announce that my feature directorial debut, THE SALAMANDER KING, will have its World Premiere at the Academy Award Qualifying Dallas International Film Festival on April 25th!” Nichols shared on Instagram earlier this year.
His involvement with “I Know What You Did Last Summer” hasn’t been fully clarified – whether he’s acting, directing, or producing. However, his prominent role in promoting the film suggests significant involvement in the project.
The Legacy Of The Franchise
The original “I Know What You Did Last Summer” film was released in 1997, becoming a defining entry in the post-“Scream” slasher revival of the late 1990s. Written by Kevin Williamson (who also penned “Scream”) and based on Lois Duncan’s 1973 novel, the film starred Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, and Freddie Prinze Jr.
The original film followed four friends being stalked by a hook-wielding killer one year after covering up a fatal car accident. Its success spawned a sequel, “I Still Know What You Did Last Summer” (1998), and a third installment, “I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer” (2006).
The franchise was more recently revived as an Amazon Prime Video series in 2021, though it received mixed reviews and was canceled after one season. This upcoming film appears to be a fresh theatrical reboot rather than a continuation of the streaming series.
What To Expect From The Reboot
While details about the plot and cast remain scarce, the July 2025 release date positions the film as a summer horror blockbuster. The use of the hook emoji in promotional materials confirms that the iconic weapon of the franchise’s killer will return.
The film joins a wave of 1990s horror revivals, including new entries in the “Scream” franchise and the upcoming “Final Destination 6.” The nostalgia for late 90s/early 2000s horror continues to drive studio interest in reviving these properties for both original fans and new audiences.
Nichols, born January 24, 1980, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has had a varied career spanning television and film. Beyond his acting work, he’s been pursuing adventurous personal interests, recently posting about foil boarding in Peru and training with IndyCar drivers.
As more details emerge about the new “I Know What You Did Last Summer” film, horror fans will undoubtedly be watching Nichols’ social media for further clues about what the reboot has in store.

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