Much like a lot of franchises these days, the new slasher legacy sequel in the I Know What You Did Last Summer franchise will rely on the original film’s success in order to make a suitably terrifying return to the big screens. With this in mind, it has now been confirmed that Freddie Prinze Jr. will return to the horror world of I Know What You Did Last Summer in the upcoming follow-up. The star played Ray Bronson in the 1997 film, the blue-collar fisherman boyfriend of Jennifer Love Hewitt’s Julie James, with both actors previously reprising their roles in the 1998 sequel I Still Know What You Did Last Summer. According to Deadline, Prinze Jr. will return again almost three decades later, starring as Ray Bronson in Sony’s upcoming I Know What You Did Last Summer legacy movie.
The horror franchise began with the 1997 film, a slasher hit that quickly became a cult classic. Based on Lois Duncan’s 1973 novel of the same name, its story follows a group of teenagers who accidentally hit (and think they kill) a man with their car and dispose of the body, only to be stalked by a hook-wielding killer a year later, on the anniversary of the accident. The handsome reception of the first film led to a 1998 sequel, titled I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, which continued the story of Ray, Julie, and the vengeful fisherman.
In 2006, a direct-to-video movie titled I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer was released, with none of the original cast members returning. The franchise spread its wings to streaming as well, with a Prime Video series reviving it with new actors and a fresh storyline. Both Prinze Jr. and Hewitt have been in active discussions about returning for the new sequel, but while Prinze Jr. has confirmed his involvement, Hewitt is yet to make an official announcement. If she does, fans will be thrilled to see their favorite stars share the screen once again.
The Star-Studded Team Behind the Slasher Sequel
It’s not clear whether Sony’s I Know What You Did Last Summer will be a direct sequel or an expansion of the franchise’s universe, but the cast is shaping up impressively, with both established actors and up-and-coming talents having confirmed their association with the movie. Madelyn Cline, known for her role in Outer Banks and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Tyriq Withers from Atlanta, Jonah Hauer-King, who played Prince Eric in Disney’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, and Tony Award-nominated Sarah Pidgeon are all set to join the cast.
Initially, Riverdale’s Camila Mendes was cast in a significant role, but the star had to withdraw from the project due to scheduling conflicts. Reports suggest that Bodies Bodies Bodies star Chase Sui Wonders is in talks to replace her. While the cast change attracts significant buzz, one thing is certain: the rising stars will bring a new dynamic to the franchise.
The sequel will be directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, known for her work on Someone Great, Unpregnant, and Do Revenge. She also co-wrote the script for Thor: Love and Thunder with Taika Waititi. Robinson’s experience in crafting engaging narratives and infusing her fresh perspective into a nostalgic franchise is immense. Her direction will surely balance the best elements of the original movies and the contemporary storyline of the upcoming sequel.
Sony’s
I Know What You Did Last Summer
is slated for release on July 18, 2025.