Reese Witherspoon

Ryan Phillippe recently addressed rumors that his ex-wife, Reese Witherspoon, played a pivotal role in securing his part in the iconic 1997 horror film “I Know What You Did Last Summer.” The actor, now 50, found the speculation amusing, albeit untrue, when he commented on a post shared by Prime Video on Instagram. The post claimed that Witherspoon had auditioned for the film but ultimately withdrew, instead recommending Phillippe for the role of Barry. In response, Phillippe wrote, “Not sure that story is truuuuuue, but it’s very cute.😊” This lighthearted remark came after Prime Video referenced an interview with director Jim Gillespie, who revealed in 2017 that Witherspoon was initially considered for the role of Julie. However, she backed out, leading to Jennifer Love Hewitt being cast instead. Gillespie elaborated on the casting process, noting, “We actually had made an offer to Reese Witherspoon first off. Reese came in and met us, but ultimately didn’t want to do it. But she pointed us to Ryan, funnily enough. We asked her who the hottest guy was, in her opinion, and she said Ryan Phillippe.” Witherspoon and Phillippe’s romance began when they met at her 21st birthday party in March 1997, just before they both starred in “Cruel Intentions” in 1999. The couple became engaged in December 1998 and tied the knot in June 1999. They share two children: daughter Ava, 25, and son Deacon, 21. The couple separated in 2006 and finalized their divorce in 2007. Reflecting on their relationship during a 2015 appearance on “Larry King Live,” Phillippe stated that their youth was a significant factor in their split, explaining, “When we got together we were so young. I think it can create issues with two people in this industry because there’s so much noise that goes along with it.” He emphasized that they remained “very much friends” and co-parents to their children. In a 2017 interview, Witherspoon echoed this sentiment, acknowledging that age played a role in their divorce. She remarked, “I got married when I was 23 and I had two kids by the time I was 27. So, I think, I don’t know. Sometimes it’s good to know yourself.” Witherspoon also noted that she often tells her daughter, “25, you start to know yourself a little bit better.” The duo navigated the Hollywood landscape alongside other prominent ’90s and 2000s stars, including Sarah Michelle Gellar, Freddie Prinze Jr., and Jennifer Love Hewitt. Recently, Hewitt addressed ongoing speculation about her relationship with Gellar, dismissing rumors of a feud that have persisted since the release of “I Know What You Did Last Summer.” In an interview with Vulture, Hewitt stated, “I honestly don’t even know what that was or how that all came to be. I just think people don’t want the narrative to be easy.” She expressed confusion over the media’s portrayal of their relationship, emphasizing that there was no animosity between them. Gellar also responded to the rumors, explaining that she was busy with her children during a recent premiere and did not attend the afterparty, which led to speculation about their relationship. As for “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” the film remains a beloved classic, and the recent buzz around it has reignited interest in its cast members and their intertwined histories. While rumors may swirl about their pasts, both Phillippe and Witherspoon have demonstrated a commitment to co-parenting and maintaining a friendly relationship for the sake of their children. In conclusion, the playful banter surrounding Phillippe’s role in “I Know What You Did Last Summer” highlights the enduring connections and stories within Hollywood, reminding fans that even amidst speculation, relationships can evolve positively over time.