The phrase "I Know What You Did Last Summer" primarily refers to a 2025 slasher film, which is a legacy sequel to the 1997 movie of the same name. It follows five friends who cover up a deadly car accident and are later stalked by a killer who knows their secret. The film was directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson and released in July 2025, featuring a new cast alongside returning stars Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr..
Plot and Themes
The 2025 film centers on a group of friends haunted by a past accident they tried to conceal. A year after the incident, they begin receiving threatening messages and are targeted by a vengeful figure, drawing them into a deadly game of retribution. The story incorporates themes of guilt, karma, and the consequences of secrets, with references to a prior massacre in 1997 that ties into the original film’s legacy. The killer, often seen in a raincoat wielding a hook, stalks the friends one by one, forcing them to confront their actions.
Production and Cast
Jennifer Kaytin Robinson directed the 2025 reboot, co-writing the screenplay with Sam Lansky. The cast includes Madelyn Cline, Chase Sui Wonders, Jonah Hauer-King, and Tyriq Withers, with Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. reprising their roles from the original films. The movie was produced by Neal H. Moritz and released by Sony Pictures, aiming to revive the slasher franchise with a modern twist while honoring its roots.
Legacy and Reception
The original 1997 film, written by Kevin Williamson, was a commercial success and helped revitalize the slasher genre alongside Scream. It was loosely based on a novel by Lois Duncan and inspired by the urban legend "The Hook". The 2025 version continues this legacy, blending nostalgia with new characters and updated storytelling, and has been described as a straightforward slasher film in the style of 1980s horror
