Jennifer Love Hewitt is officially returning to the iconic horror franchise, I Know What You Did Last Summer, after much speculation. The actress took to social media to confirm her participation, much to the excitement of fans who first fell in love with her portrayal of Julie James nearly three decades ago.
Hewitt made the announcement after appearing on the podcast I’ve Never Said This Before With Tommy DiDario, hinting at her return during the episode. "I am possibly preparing for this," she teased, adding, "I am so close to being able to say something that's exciting." This led to her fervent followers speculating about what this could mean for the beloved character.
Following her intriguing comments, Hewitt shared the exciting news on Instagram. Accompanied by a reflective photo of herself, she captioned it: "It’s never too late to go back. Julie James is returning. I know what you will be doing next summer." This marked her first official confirmation of reprising the role since the original film graced theaters all the way back in 1997.
Joining Hewitt will be her former co-star Freddie Prinze Jr., who is set to return as well, bringing along new cast members Chase Sui Wonders, Madelyn Cline, Sarah Pidgeon, Tyriq Withers, and Jonah Haur-King, as the franchise aims to retake its place within the slasher genre. The new film is being directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, with script contributions from Sam Lansky and Kaytin Robinson, derived from Leah McKendrick’s initial draft.
Originally, I Know What You Did Last Summer told the story of four friends whose lives were upended after they covered up a fatal accident, only to find themselves stalked by a mysterious killer. The film not only cemented itself as part of the horror tradition but also catapulted Hewitt, Prinze Jr., and their co-stars Sarah Michelle Gellar and Ryan Phillippe to superstardom.
Hewitt’s portrayal of Julie James was pivotal, and she recognized the significance of her character, expressing her desire for any future appearances to resonate with fans old and new. "I just want to be there for Julie James fans," she acknowledged, emphasizing her commitment to delivering something meaningful.
She also reflected on her deep-rooted connection to the character, highlighting her reluctance to simply return as the “ghost of ‘90s past.” She is determined to contribute creatively to the script and not merely relive the past without purpose.
Beyond her role as Julie James, Jennifer Love Hewitt has remained active in the industry. Currently, she is co-starring on the Fox series 9-1-1, created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk. Looking to the future, she is also set to star, direct, and executive produce the Lifetime movie The Holiday Junkie.
The announcement of the new film has rekindled interest not just for the original cast but also for all involved. Even Sarah Michelle Gellar has hinted at participating in the reboot, albeit in what she terms an "unofficial" capacity. Gellar was previously part of the 1998 sequel I Still Know What You Did Last Summer but remains non-committal about her active return.
Rumors surrounding the inclusion of Brandy Norwood—who played a significant role in I Still Know What You Did Last Summer—also surfaced, with Hewitt confirming she had heard of such talks. Yet, the most nostalgic mention was of Jack Black, who played his last role as part of the original films, which was hard to forget since his character met such unfortunate and dramatic ends.
Despite the excitement brewing around the film, Hewitt also touches on past speculation surrounding on-set drama with Gellar. Clarifying misconceptions, she stated, "I was 18. They were not taking script notes from me," expressing her support for her co-stars and their lasting relationships.
All signs point toward the reboot carving its unique identity within the horror genre. With the film slated for release by Sony Pictures on July 18, 2025, fans are eager to witness the next chapter of Julie James's harrowing story, intertwined with nostalgia and fresh twists.
With the return of familiar faces mixed with new talent, the anticipation continues to mount. It’s safe to say the legacy of I Know What You Did Last Summer is far from over, and with it, so is the career of Jennifer Love Hewitt as she steps back onto the stage she once dominated as a teenager.