Jennifer Love Hewitt Teases the Jaw-Dropping Ending of the New ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’

by

The long-awaited comeback of Jennifer Love Hewitt to the I Know What You Did Last Summer series has now arrived.

This coming Friday, for the first time since almost three decades ago, Jennifer Kaytin Robinson’s “I Know What You Did Last Summer” (2025) sees Sarah Hewitt reprising her character of Julie James, the final girl. In this legacy sequel, Julie is portrayed as a psychology professor with a focus on trauma, which seems appropriate given her past. Now divorced and living peacefully, Julie has managed to survive two rounds of attacks by the menacing fisherman, Ben Willis (Muse Watson), in the late ’90s.

Yet, Julie’s past returns to haunt her as Ava Brucks (Chase Sui Wonders) shows up seeking assistance. This time, it’s not just any problem but one reminiscent of the past. A vindictive Fisherman imitator is now terrorizing Ava and her circle of friends in their twenties in Julie’s home city, Southport, North Carolina.

For Hewitt, the decision to return to her most famous role was anything but automatic.

Initially, I had my doubts. I needed to ensure that her character was perfectly suited for the movie and that her return wasn’t just a nod to the ’90s era. I wanted her role in the film to be significant, and I hoped the audience would feel proud of her character’s development,” Hewitt explains to The Hollywood Reporter, expressing his support for the movie’s July 18 theater debut. “I desired her part to carry weight and for viewers to appreciate how she has evolved as a character.

After confirming her arrival, Hewitt took time to rewatch Jim Gillespie’s 1997 film “I Know What You Did Last Summer” and Danny Cannon’s 1998 sequel “I Still Know What You Did Last Summer”. This time around, the experience held a unique charm as she got to introduce these movies to her children for the first time. In the process, she noticed certain aspects from the original films that laid the foundation for the shocking climax in Robinson’s new adaptation (rest assured, no spoilers here).

When contemplating and viewing previous films prior to shooting this new one, I can reveal that the surprising finale becomes clear,” Hewitt hints thoughtfully.

Reflecting on a chat I had with THR recently, I can’t help but reminisce about my beloved character’s famous line, “What are you waiting for, huh!?” This unforgettable moment might have been dreamed up by a lucky kid who won a visit to the set of ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ back in 1997. Quite fascinating, isn’t it?

***

Initially, was it merely a coincidence that Party of Five served as the casting ground for slasher movies scripted by Kevin Williamson? (For those not in the know, the character played by Neve Campbell in Scream, a film written by Williamson, was also her co-star from this popular series.)

Isn’t that hilarious? Yeah, it was just a coincidence.

Inquire about your past connection with the I Know What You Did Last Summer film, specifically regarding the character of Julie James. Has there been any effort to bring you back into that role throughout the years?

No, this is the first one! I was shocked and elated all at the same time.

As a dedicated fan, I’ve often found it intriguing that Hollywood, known for its adherence to the rule of three, chose not to wrap up the story from the first two movies in a fitting finale for a trilogy.

Initially, I was taken aback as well. However, as time passed, I came to accept that maybe it wouldn’t come true. Yet, surprisingly, it eventually did occur.

Were you instantly excited when Jennifer Kaytin Robinson presented her idea to you, or did you require some time to think it through before making a decision?

Initially, I had my reservations. If Julie was set to return, I felt it essential to ensure we were bringing back an authentic and fitting portrayal of her. I aimed to integrate her seamlessly into the film, ensuring her comeback served a purpose beyond mere ’90s nostalgia. I desired her role in the movie to carry significance, and for viewers to take pride in her evolution as a character.

Julie currently holds the position of a psychology professor. One might argue that she chooses to be solitary in life. Was this the kind of existence you envisioned for her? Or did you imagine she would have three children and a Golden Retriever by now?

(Chuckles.) Indeed, she turned out to be precisely the person I anticipated and hoped for, truth be told. It might seem peculiar, but it was crucial for me not to encounter a Julie James who had overcome her past traumas. She needed to remain in that state, and she would have stayed there, so this portrayal of her seems fitting.

During her reintroduction, is she wearing a Cure t-shirt underneath her jacket? 

Absolutely, I appreciated the concept of her character as a professor wearing a vintage t-shirt, and it was Jenn [Kaytin Robinson] who selected The Cure for her attire. As a big fan myself, this choice got me even more excited. We wanted to evoke a sense of nostalgia by having her hold onto some memories of the past. Initially, we had planned for her to start off in a shirt and tie, then switch to the vintage t-shirt later on. However, Jenn felt strongly that we should go with the vintage t-shirt from the beginning. I couldn’t agree more with her decision.

You haven’t played Julie in 27 years. How quickly did you find her again?

As a fan, I must say, this reimagined version of the character from “I Know What You Did Last Summer” feels remarkably familiar yet refreshingly new, thanks to the passage of time. Recently, I had the pleasure of revisiting this classic horror film for my kids’ first time watching it. It was an exhilarating journey to relive that fateful night on the road with the original character all over again, making the experience both nostalgic and thrilling.

When viewing it, did you primarily concentrate on the performance and plot, or were you predominantly preoccupied with memories from behind the scenes?

I believe it was a combination of events, yet it opened my eyes to aspects of Julie that I hadn’t noticed initially. One significant detail we aimed to reintroduce in the remake is the fact that I didn’t fully grasp her muted presence on that fateful night. If someone had asked me at 18 or even 20, I would have said “We were all in it together,” but that was far from the truth. Following the accident, everyone essentially told her to keep quiet. That was their reaction, and it left a deep impact on her. In that silence, her investigative mind remained active, and she felt compelled to solve the mystery.

In that night, she didn’t merely surrender her innocence; she lost everything she held dear. She lost contact with her friends. She lost the admiration she felt for Ray, the man she adored at the time. She also lost sight of herself and the possibility of a life untouched by trauma. It wasn’t until I watched this movie as an adult, especially after having children, that these profound implications became clear to me. Upon revisiting it now, I was struck by these thought-provoking insights that could be applied to our upcoming production.

Do you still feel connected to that 18-year-old version of you?

Absolutely, I do. Quite significantly so. Your question strikes a chord. Indeed, I’ve experienced a significant loss of innocence and trauma in my past. Unlike some of my peers, I find myself deeply tied to my youth and the person I was then. She remains with me, and that connection is something I hold onto as I navigate through life’s journey. Losing that bond can be quite dramatic, so yes, I retain a strong connection to those early years.

Did it bring back nostalgic feelings when you worked alongside Freddie Prinze Jr. again on the set of “I Know What You Did Last Summer” (2025)?

Initially, the experience felt surreal and it wasn’t until after finishing the first scene that I fully realized it was Freddie. At that point, I thought to myself, “Wow, that’s Freddie, and we just performed that scene.” Throughout the process, I was deeply focused on ensuring that Julie and Ray came across as authentic while also portraying a fresh version of their characters.

In my life, I didn’t have the typical high school experience, but reconnecting with Freddie was similar to what I imagine a high school reunion would feel like. Just as you know a person, even though much time has passed, it feels different yet we still connect. We felt instantly familiar, like old friends Julie and Ray, but naturally evolved versions of them.

Did you ever feel like you had to take the new cast aside and offer them some pearls of wisdom? 

Surely, I didn’t say yes, but I was deeply moved by their enthusiastic tribute to the movie and our return. Consequently, I was simply thrilled to be present and contribute to the event. However, I must admit that I’ve adopted a motherly role towards Chase [Sui Wonders]. (Chuckles.) Behind the scenes, I’m frequently checking on her to ensure she’s eating well, hydrated, and taking care of herself. I felt an exceptionally close bond with her in such a unique manner, and that was truly heartwarming.

In essence, the finale of I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) is incredibly surprising. It takes a bold turn.

Yeah.

When you read it, did your jaw hit the floor?

In pondering over it and observing the previous films prior to shooting this latest one, it becomes clear why it unfolded as such. [As a side note: When I inquired if Hewitt was hinting at a particular scene from an earlier film, she affirmed that I was on the right path.]

As a gamer, I managed to dodge most of the fishing hook mishaps during the filming process for this movie. Did I make it through without any injuries this time?

In the past, I often wore very tall shoes which made my feet quite sore. However, as I’ve reached my forties, I generally prefer not to subject my feet to the discomfort of high heels. But overall, things have been good for me.

In the trailer we saw earlier, the well-known phrase from Julie, “What are you waiting for, huh?”, was certainly going to find a place in the movie, and I appreciated that it wasn’t just a throwaway line. It served a purpose.

Right.

Were you very particular about its usage in this?

Instead of repeating it exactly, we needed to express it anew, and I believe we succeeded. The essence conveyed here is unique, and it resonates deeply within the movie. This particular phrase has grown exceptionally meaningful for me; I find myself quoting it frequently. Even my kids, especially my 3-year-old, have taken a liking to it, which is amusing. He’s in his “what are you waiting for?” stage, and it’s quite entertaining. As a result, this sentence holds a special place in my heart.

That exclamation truly gives the line its impact. By adding that dramatic touch, it vividly portrayed Julie’s determination in the initial film.

I appreciate your acknowledgment, as many people often omit the “hmm” when responding to me. To me, the “hmm” symbolizes determination and resilience. It’s like her saying, “Bring it on! Show me what you’ve got. I’m here, ready, let’s do this.” So, the “hmm” carries significant weight in our interaction.

Did you hear that the idea for this whole game originated from a kid who won a contest? That’s gotta be a myth, right? I can’t wait to find out the real story!

Back then, I was only 18 when we made the first film, and on that particular day, there was a young horror enthusiast present. I don’t recall his identity, but he was there. Now, at 46 years old with three children, my memory isn’t as sharp as it once was. However, I am certain that he was among us on the set that day, and since we were all gathered around the monitor, I felt like he played some role in that special moment.

Initially, in the original scene, I wasn’t twirling and exclaiming, “What’s taking so long?” Instead, it was a unique moment that unexpectedly transformed into that defining instant. I’ve heard various interpretations of it, but I do recall a young movie enthusiast being present. He seemed to be involved in that exchange somehow. Perhaps it was his pivotal moment? I’m not sure. However, on that particular day, I found myself twirling in the street and shouting that famous line, which later gained iconic status. Therefore, I am deeply appreciative of whoever crafted it.

“And that kid’s name was Damien Chazelle.” 

(Laughs.) Could you imagine? 

Was it true, as some online stories claim, that Jamie Lee Curtis was shooting a separate production in North Carolina around the same time as yours, providing you with regular moral encouragement on set? Is this tale based on fact?

As a longtime friend of Jamie who’s known her since my teen years, I can vouch for her incredible support and awesomeness. It was unfortunate that our paths didn’t cross during the filming process – it would have been fantastic to see her there! She’s someone I hold dear to my heart.

Have the films you’ve seen influenced any changes in your actions or habits in any way? For instance, do they make you refrain from driving at night, using tanning beds, or going on fishing trips?

(Laughing.) During the shooting of our first film, I was already apprehensive about horror films, and it didn’t help that we were actually filming in a real fishing village in Southport, North Carolina. I remember thinking, “There are fishermen everywhere, and I’ve been running from one all day. And now I’m supposed to go home and sleep? How is that even possible?” But since the movie has returned to my life, I must admit I’ve become a bit more on edge. I had managed to shake off those feelings for a while, but now I find myself jumping at every little noise, definitely saying, “What was that!?” (Laughs.) Now that the movie is back in my world, I’m certainly more jumpy.

The majority of the recently released film was primarily filmed in Australia due to its summer climate, and I appreciated how Jennifer Kaytin Robinson skillfully utilized unfamiliar locations to enhance the movie. A significant aspect of the plot revolves around Southport’s transformation into an exclusive enclave by a wealthy land developer.

Absolutely, it’s exceptional! I would tell the viewers that all their expectations for this film have been met, and then some. The novelty and freshness it offers are truly remarkable and incredibly exciting. It’s an outstanding comeback across all aspects.

Sony is releasing the latest film in a manner similar to how they handled the initial two. Additionally, Sony holds the rights to the classic teen romantic comedy, “Can’t Hardly Wait” from 1998. Could you work towards reviving this property as soon as possible?

I’ve been asking! I’ve asked a few times now. Yes, I would love that.

***
I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) opens July 18 in movie theaters nationwide.

Read More

2025-07-14 23:25