I’m really looking forward to the upcoming horror movies, but what’s caught my attention most is the news about the revival of “I Know What You Did Last Summer.” With Jennifer Love Hewitt reprising her role as Julie James and Freddie Prinze Jr. returning as Ray Bronson, it’s definitely piqued my curiosity. Interestingly, I heard that bringing back Julie required some negotiations with the new writers, which has only increased my anticipation for this movie.
Representing TopMob, I was privileged to participate in the weekend’s screening event for “I Know What You Did Last Summer” held at Sony Pictures Studios in L.A. During this occasion, we got to be among the initial viewers of the fresh trailer (which you can view below), accompanied by an enlightening discussion between the filmmakers and the latest cast members.
Instead of exclaiming “That was a fantastic experience!”, here’s what Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, the writer/director, had to express about the writing process with co-writer Sam Lansky, particularly concerning the initial sequel to the original slasher. She put it this way:
“It wasn’t just enjoyable; it was a truly engaging experience.
Sam and I share an immense enthusiasm for the same franchise. Our affection ran so deep that we found ourselves engaged in a passionate debate over the film “I Still Know What You Did Last Summer”. At one point, I suggested, ‘Perhaps it’s best if we call it a night and revisit this discussion tomorrow.’
As a passionate cinephile, I (Robinson) found myself deeply immersed in the world of the “I Still Know What You Did Last Summer” franchise after directing films like “Someone Great” and “Do Revenge”. My partner Lansky and I, being die-hard fans, eagerly dove into the 1998 sequel together. In an attempt to do justice to this beloved series, we felt compelled to take a trip to Southport, North Carolina – the heart of the franchise’s setting. There, we could truly immerse ourselves in the atmosphere that has captivated audiences for years.
Discussing authenticity versus enjoyment, Robinson stated that Lansky focused on maintaining the truth of the sequel, whereas Robinson envisioned a more jubilant comeback. In simpler terms, Robinson said that while Lansky was all about sticking to the facts for the sequel, she herself had a vision of a happier return.
In simpler terms, the conversation revolved around the idea that the movie should be incredibly enjoyable, and there’s an emphasis on having a great time. Despite the presence of trauma, backstory, and its status as canon, it was never about ignoring these elements. The discussion centered around how traumatized the character Julie James should appear in the film compared to how a real-life person would be affected by similar events.
I must say, delving deeply into the intricacies of reviving Jennifer Love Hewitt’s character, Julie James, has been quite a challenge, given that it’s been nearly three decades since her last appearance on screen. Interestingly, we initially found ourselves at odds regarding the best approach to bring her back to life on the small screen. Yet, upon reflection, I see merit in both viewpoints!
According to Robinson’s explanation, she preferred Julie to maintain her original playful charm that fans initially adored, but her collaborator held different opinions on this matter. Lansky also mentioned:
As we delved further and further, I found myself exclaiming, “Julie! If such an incident occurred to you not just once but twice, and this man turns out to be the son of the man from the previous encounter, I would never trust anyone again. That’s how we should portray Julie in our writing.” Ultimately, I believe we found a balanced representation, reflecting both her trauma and resilience following those experiences.
I find myself curious about what contemporary Julie James will be like following their intense debate, yet I remain eager to observe her portrayal after such a long time away. On one hand, I hope she maintains the essence of the original character; on the other, I agree with Sam that it would feel unusual if the film didn’t address the potential impact this encounter might have had on her.
In the initial teaser, she made a brief appearance; however, this fresh trailer indicates that she’ll be deeply engaged with the entire cast in their pursuit of the enigmatic fisherman murderer, as he embarks on his chilling reign of terror. I find it delightful that they incorporated a line from the original into her dialogue, which has me eager to revisit the original movie, without revealing many essential story points.
Without a doubt, I’ve made a note on my calendar for the upcoming movie set to hit theaters on July 18, 2025. It’s one I can’t wait to see!
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2025-06-17 16:08