The slasher favorite I Know What You Did Last Summer is back in 2025 with a legacy sequel that bridges the nostalgic horror of the 1990s with modern cinematic thrills. Directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, the new installment revives the classic premise with an updated cast and a surprising twist that has fans and critics buzzing.
Plot Overview
Set nearly three decades after the events of the original, the story follows a new group of teens whose deadly secret comes back to haunt them after a tragic accident. As they’re picked off one by one by the mysterious Fisherman, the survivors must uncover the truth—only to learn their nightmare is tied to the original characters.
In a shocking reveal, not one but two killers are behind the murders: Stevie, one of the new characters, and Ray—played by returning star Freddie Prinze Jr.—who was traumatized by past events. Their motives are rooted in guilt, grief, and a desire for twisted justice.
Returning Stars and New Faces
Fans were thrilled to see Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. reprise their roles. Their return is more than a cameo; it brings emotional depth and continuity to the story. Rising talents like Madelyn Cline bring fresh energy to the cast, and her performance has been especially praised.
Critical Reception & Rotten Tomatoes Score
The film currently holds a 46–48% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it the highest-rated film in the I Know What You Did Last Summer franchise so far.
Praised for:
Self-aware humor and stylized gore
Effective nostalgia and emotional stakes
Strong performances from both legacy and new actors
Criticized for:
Formulaic plot and inconsistent tone
Predictable scares despite a bold twist
Underused returning characters
Legacy Meets Modern Horror
Director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson infuses the reboot with a sharp, satirical edge. Inspired by films like Scream (2022) and Fear Street, the 2025 version embraces campy horror while updating the genre's tropes for Gen Z. According to Robinson, the dual-killer twist was a deliberate subversion of expectations, designed to reflect how past trauma can infect the present.
Is a Sequel Coming?
The mid-credits scene hints at the return of Brandy’s character Karla from the 1998 sequel, opening the door to more legacy revivals. While Sony has yet to greenlight a direct sequel, strong streaming numbers and fan response could tip the scales.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 reboot of I Know What You Did Last Summer successfully balances nostalgic thrills with modern horror elements. While not perfect, it reinvigorates the franchise and suggests a promising future if Sony chooses to expand the universe further.
Sources
Rotten TomatoesGamesRadar
Entertainment Weekly
Vulture
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