The I Know What You Did Last Summer trailer is finally here, bringing suspense, nostalgia, and fresh terror in equal measure. Sony has officially released the first look at the long-awaited sequel.
Directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, following its exclusive debut at CinemaCon. Set to release in theaters on July 18, the film breathes new life into the classic slasher series that first terrified audiences in 1997.
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Watch The I Know What You Did Last Summer Trailer
Hooked by the Past: A Haunting Return
The I Know What You Did Last Summer trailer reintroduces the eerie coastal town of Southport, where the consequences of a tragic accident come back to haunt a new group of unsuspecting victims. This time, five friends are forced to conceal their involvement in a fatal crash—only to discover that silence offers no protection from vengeance.
Adding a bone-chilling callback to the franchise’s roots, Freddie Prinze Jr., reprising his role from the original, ominously states: “This isn’t the first time there’s been violence like this in Southport.”
Jennifer Love Hewitt, another returning star, delivers the trailer’s most spine-tingling moment when she pointedly asks, “I just have one question. What did you do last summer?”
Fresh Faces Meet Familiar Names
The I Know What You Did Last Summer trailer introduces a dynamic new cast that includes Madelyn Cline, Chase Sui Wonders, Sarah Pidgeon, Tyriq Withers, and Jonah Hauer-King, with additional appearances by Lola Tung, Nicholas Alexander Chavez, Austin Nichols, Billy Campbell, and Gabbriette.
Hewitt and Prinze Jr.’s return links this sequel directly to the original timeline, providing fans with continuity while bridging the generational gap. Their presence is expected to anchor the narrative, while the newcomers navigate a spiraling web of fear, deception, and deadly consequences.
Creative Force Behind the Mayhem
Directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, the project stems from a screenplay she co-wrote with Sam Lansky, based on an initial draft from Leah McKendrick. Neal Moritz, producer of the original, is back on board, helping preserve the spirit of the franchise while updating it for modern horror lovers.
The I Know What You Did Last Summer trailer reflects Robinson’s careful balancing act—honoring the emotional resonance and iconic beats of the original while introducing edgier, more complex themes. Her passion for the source material even led to a playful attempt to resurrect Sarah Michelle Gellar’s character.
“I tried, okay? I harassed her! But she is dead,” Robinson joked. “I tried to pitch some crazy shit too. I was like, ‘What if it’s like you weren’t dead and you’re actually alive, but in hiding?’ And Sarah’s like, ‘I was on ice. I was the most dead a person could be. You can see my frozen body.’ I was like, ‘Yeah, but what if?’ And she said, ‘I am dead. I am Sarah Dead Gellar.’”
Though Gellar won’t appear, her connection remains, as she playfully assists Robinson with story continuity behind the scenes.
Brandy Wants Back In
While the I Know What You Did Last Summer trailer doesn’t reveal all the returning characters, one name noticeably absent is Brandy, who starred in the first two films. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, she expressed her interest in joining the latest chapter.
“I need them to give me a call because I survived in that movie!” she said. “I came out in the end, bloodied up, ready to go.”
Whether or not her wish will be granted remains to be seen—but her enthusiasm underscores the franchise’s lasting impact.
Legacy of the Hook
The original I Know What You Did Last Summer debuted in 1997, based on the 1973 novel by Lois Duncan and adapted by Scream writer Kevin Williamson. The film followed a group of teenagers stalked by a hook-wielding killer after covering up a deadly accident. Its success spawned sequels and helped define the late-’90s horror boom.
The I Know What You Did Last Summer trailer reveals that the newest installment preserves the hook-wielding killer’s mystique, echoing the original’s suspense while crafting a fresh mystery that connects both timelines.
July 18 is shaping up to be a spine-tingling date for horror fans. With legacy cast members returning, a new ensemble navigating deadly secrets, and a haunting narrative driven by guilt and revenge, the I Know What You Did Last Summer trailer promises an intense, atmospheric ride into familiar yet terrifying territory.
Whether you’re revisiting this franchise after decades or discovering it for the first time, one thing is certain: the hook is back—and it’s deadlier than ever.
FAQs
What is the release date of the new I Know What You Did Last Summer movie?
The new I Know What You Did Last Summer sequel hits theaters on July 18, 2025.
Who stars in the I Know What You Did Last Summer trailer?
The trailer features Madelyn Cline, Chase Sui Wonders, Tyriq Withers, Jonah Hauer-King, Sarah Pidgeon, and returning stars Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr.
Who directed the new I Know What You Did Last Summer sequel?
The sequel is directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, who also co-wrote the script with Sam Lansky.
Is Sarah Michelle Gellar returning in the new I Know What You Did Last Summer trailer?
No, Sarah Michelle Gellar confirmed she will not return, stating her character is “the most dead a person could be.”
What is the plot of the new I Know What You Did Last Summer movie?
The story follows five friends haunted by a fatal car accident cover-up, which connects them to survivors of the 1997 Southport Massacre.