The highly anticipated sequel to the 1990s slasher classic “I Know What You Did Last Summer” may see the return of original stars Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jennifer Love Hewitt, as both actors are in active negotiations to reprise their iconic roles for the July 18, 2025 release. As the franchise aims to blend nostalgia with a fresh take for modern audiences, negotiations are underway to pass the torch from the original stars to a new generation of leads in director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson’s vision.
Released in 1997, “I Know What You Did Last Summer” introduced fans to Prinze Jr.’s character Ray Bronson and Hewitt’s Julie James, youths stalked by the hook-handed killer one year after their fatal accident covering up a hit-and-run. The film became a box office smash and established the stars as recognizable names in the slasher genre. Nearly three decades later, strong fan enthusiasm is fueling talks for their highly anticipated returns.
In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Prinze Jr. expressed his strong interest in reviving the role that launched his career. “I’m definitely talking to them. And if we can make everything work, then we’ll try and make it work,” said the actor, while cautioning negotiations remain ongoing. Prinze Jr.’s comments will delight the generations of fans who first fell for his charismatic presence on screen in the franchise.
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Hewitt shared her similar enthusiasm at the prospect of slipping back into the role of Julie. “If it truly comes together, I don’t even know how I’m gonna feel except extremely overwhelmed and grateful,” she said. Fans will be keeping their fingers crossed that Hewitt’s apparent eagerness leads to a formal deal.
While negotiations continue with the legacy stars, the film is forging ahead by securing its fresh faces. Breakout stars Camila Mendes, Madelyn Cline, Sarah Pidgeon, Tyriq Withers, and Jonah Hauer-King will introduce a new set of characters to the saga. Writer Leah McKendrick teased themes of exploring the lines between good and evil in today’s social media age through the classic slasher lens.
Ensuring any return meets expectations, Prinze Jr. emphasized the importance of an excellent script. As he and Hewitt weigh their options, horror fans both old and new eagerly await updates on if the iconic stars will indeed return to the franchise that launched them to the heights of 1990s slasher stardom for a new generation.
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