Jennifer Love Hewitt is set to reunite with her iconic role as Julie James in the upcoming sequel to the beloved slasher film, I Know What You Did Last Summer, nearly 27 years after she first portrayed the character.
Hewitt, now 45, expressed her excitement about returning to the part through her social media. "It's never too late to go back," she wrote, confirming Robert Prinze Jr. will also return as her character's boyfriend, Ray Bronson. The movie, which began filming already, is scheduled to hit theaters on July 18.
Reflecting on the reunion, Hewitt shared her heartfelt gratitude for being invited back. "To be thought of in this way, to not just move on to the newer, the younger versions, but to come back and play the part is really cool," she told Variety. The actress pointed out her concerns about reprising the role, admitting she felt "terrified" about the expectations this time around. "We’re trying really hard to make it work. We’re so close, guys! I promise I’ll make a fun announcement, and it’ll be amazing,” she said.
The first installment of I Know What You Did Last Summer, released in 1997, told the suspenseful story of Julie and her high school friends who, haunted by their involvement in a hit-and-run accident, become targets of a mysterious fisherman. The film's ominous tone and pewter-flecked plot left an indelible mark on late-90s horror cinema, making it memorable to audiences. Given its cult status, the return of original cast members adds to the excitement surrounding the upcoming film.
Hewitt shared with reporters her desire to develop her character’s narrative meaningfully. "I think the scariest thing about the movie will probably be people seeing me as 45, since they saw me last at 21," Hewitt joked, acknowledging the passage of time since her last performance. Despite her nerves, she assured fans she was ready for another thrill ride and intends to bring 26 years of experience and emotions to the role.
Beyond her acting career, Hewitt has enjoyed success as a singer and author. She released four studio albums throughout the years and recently published her new book, Entering Magic, encouraging readers to transform sorrowful experiences through life. Reflecting on her growth, she said, "I found myself through grief — as a wife, mommy, magic-maker, and Holiday Junkie.”
The new film will introduce fresh faces to the franchise, including Nicholas Alexander Chavez, Madelyn Cline, and Gabbriette, along with original cast members like Prinze Jr. This mix of veteran actors and newcomers aims to appeal to both die-hard fans and new audiences drawn to the horror genre.
Interestingly, past iterations of the franchise have explored various narrative routes, including sequels and even adaptations on streaming platforms. Amazon attempted to bring the franchise back with a TV series for Prime Video, but it met with short-lived enthusiasm, as viewers lost interest after one season. So, the upcoming film intends to recapture the magic of the original stories, redeeming the franchise's legacy.
Hewitt is determined to offer more than just nostalgia with her return. She voiced her intention for the sequel to depict the evolution of her character since audiences last saw her. "I want to have her come back, be there for a reason and play a real part, and show the audience who she’s become 27 years later," she stated.
Indeed, Hewitt approached her return with the gravitas it deserves, carefully considering how to approach her character as she reflects on her past and her experiences as a mother of three and as a wife. Beyond just capitalizing on her earlier success, she aims to present Julie James such as she truly is after all these years.
The excitement among the fan base is palpable, as the announcement of the sequel ranks high on the lists of expected releases. Fans of the original films have long awaited this return to familiar territory, full of intrigue and suspense. With Hewitt's engaging attitude toward her return and the nostalgic pull the franchise exerts, it seems the sequel might just tap back to the intensity and dedication of the original films.
For many fans, the impending film embodies hope for something classic yet refreshing, as it bridges the past with the present. The stage is set for what lies next for Julie James, as she prepares to face old horrors and new experiences.
With the anticipated release date of July 18 getting closer, fans eagerly await what promises to be yet another gripping chapter for the I Know What You Did Last Summer franchise, led by Hewitt as she returns to the spotlight and takes on this beloved iconic role once more.