Freddie Prinze Jr.

The latest installment of the iconic slasher franchise, “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” premiered on July 18, 2025, reigniting the nostalgia of fans across the globe. This new film not only brings back beloved characters but also introduces fresh faces, ensuring that both longtime followers and new viewers are captivated. Starring Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. as Julie James and Ray Bronson, the film revisits the haunting events that transpired nearly three decades ago. Joining them are newcomers Chase Sui Wonders, Madelyn Cline, Sarah Pidgeon, Tyriq Withers, and Jonah Hauer-King, who play a group of friends grappling with their own dark secrets in the coastal town of Southport. Hewitt and Prinze Jr. take on substantial roles, rather than mere cameos, as they guide the younger cast through their harrowing experiences. Prinze Jr. expressed his excitement about the characters’ depth, stating, “They took great care of these characters,” highlighting that their roles are crucial to the storyline. The film kicks off with a tragic accident on the Fourth of July, setting off a chain of events that lead to a new wave of terror. As the plot unfolds, the audience is left questioning who the real killer is. Spoiler alert: the reveal is both shocking and intricate. Who Is the Killer? In a twist that fans may find divisive, the film introduces a new duo of killers. While Ben Willis, the infamous fisherman from previous installments, remains dead, the story unveils a fresh threat. The first killer, Stevie (portrayed by Pidgeon), is a long-lost friend of Ava (Wonders) and Danica (Cline). After a chance encounter, she becomes embroiled in the deadly events that follow the tragic accident. Stevie’s motivations are deeply personal; she learns that the victim of the accident was her boyfriend, Sam. Fueled by grief and betrayal, she resolves to take revenge on her former friends. However, the real shock comes when it is revealed that Ray Bronson, a character who has long been a target of Ben Willis, is now aligned with Stevie. As a father figure to Stevie, Ray’s involvement adds layers to his character and raises the stakes of the film. The climax of the movie sees a dramatic confrontation, where Ray initially appears to save Ava but is later revealed to have ulterior motives. He plans to frame Julie for the chaos, but in a twist of fate, he is ultimately betrayed by Ava, who harpoons him in a desperate act of self-defense. The film concludes on a cliffhanger, with hints that Ray may not be entirely out of the picture, as it is suggested that Stevie is still alive. This leaves the door open for future installments and ensures that the tension remains palpable. Who Dies in the Film? As expected in slasher films, the body count is high. The tragic accident that sets the plot in motion claims the life of Sam, and several other characters meet grisly fates throughout the film. Danica’s fiancés, Teddy and Wyatt, as well as Teddy’s father, Grant, all fall victim to the chaos. Additionally, Tyler, a podcaster reporting on the original Southport murders, and the town pastor also succumb to the killer’s wrath. However, amidst the carnage, a few characters manage to survive. Julie, Ava, and Danica emerge as the “Final Girls,” with Danica initially presumed dead but ultimately washing ashore alive. Is There a Post-Credits Scene? In a nod to the franchise’s tradition, “I Know What You Did Last Summer” features a post-credits scene that fans of the 1998 sequel will appreciate. After the dust settles, viewers catch up with Carla (played by Brandy), Julie’s college roommate who survived the events of “I Still Know What You Did Last Summer.” As she watches news reports about the recent murders, a knock at the door reveals Julie, who seeks Carla’s help, suggesting that their nightmare is far from over. This tantalizing conclusion leaves fans eager for more, teasing potential future storylines and character developments. Overall, “I Know What You Did Last Summer” successfully blends nostalgia with new elements, making it a worthy addition to the franchise. With its intricate plot twists, compelling character arcs, and a mix of familiar faces and fresh talent, the film promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. As fans eagerly dissect the film’s ending and killer revelations, one thing is clear: the legacy of this beloved slasher series is far from finished.