It’s been quite a while since a good old fashioned horror film came back to the silver screen. I Know What You Did Last Summer, a 1997 slasher horror film directed by Jim Gillespie, had classic horror movie fans in a chokehold for decades. The horror and crime audience have long awaited a return to the 90s slasher subgenre, and the wait is officially over! The 2025 revival, I Know What You Did Last Summer, directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, is a continuation of the original 1997 horror. Starring Madelyn Cline, Sarah Pidgeon, Chase Sui Wonders, Tyriq Withers, Jonah Hauer-King, and featuring special appearances from the original film, I Know What You Did Last Summer, is both a blast from the past and a revamp of the horror genre.
I Know What You Did Last Summer Overview
If you’re not already a fan of slasher horrors, you’re not alone! Though I Know What You Did Last Summer features a cross-over between the 1997 and 2025 cast members, the modern film’s plot doesn’t stray too far from the original. The 2025 revival film follows a tragic car accident caused by five friends in Southport, North Carolina. The group, made up of Cline, Pidgeon, Wonders, Withers, and Hauer-King, cover up their own involvements and swear to keep what happened that summer night a secret. The car accident is seemingly put in the past, until a year later, when the friends find out that someone else knows what happened last summer. An ominous letter after, the group suddenly has a killer stalking them. A mysterious killer with a hook, lots of screaming, and small-town murders? Expect a good scare, N Crowd.
Meet the Slasher Horror Cast
As the audience is taken through the friend group’s journey, viewers are able to get to know each of the five main characters, especially how far they’re willing to go to keep their secret about that summer night.
Danica Richards, played by Cline, is your typical popular, bubbly, leading lady. Danica’s life is pretty perfect: she’s engaged to her high school sweetheart, Teddy Spencer, played by Withers, and is ready to begin her happily-ever-after until the accident that night. Withers and Cline bring that popular “jock” and “cheerleader” vibe to their characters in the friend group, even while being chased after by a killer. Their commentary? Top tier humor even in the most unlikely of situations, and definitely laughter-inducing.
Our personal moral compass, Ava Brucks, does an excellent job at playing Danica’s counterpart. As opposed to her blonde bestie, Ava, played by Wonders, is hesitant to cover up the accident. Ava gives all of that girl-boss energy as she navigates Southport’s murders with her friends. Oh, and her outfits? Although she’s Danica’s opposite, she perfectly matches her best friend’s preppy aesthetic with a bit of grunge. Who knew horror could be that fabulous?
The Little Mermaid‘s very own Hauer-King plays Milo Griffin. Milo, Teddy’s best friend, adds that rational aspect to their friendship, perfectly balancing out his more energetic friend. Milo, who also acts as Ava Brucks’ long-time love interest, will have you rooting for the couple despite the unlikely odds of you know, a crazy killer chasing them.
The once estranged friend of the group, Stevie Ward, played by Pidgeon, completes the five friends. Having been stuck living in Southport because of her own life circumstances, Stevie brings that realist perspective to the group, while being an inspiration for coming out on top of her own struggles.
Special Guest Appearances
We’ve got to talk about the special guests in I Know What You Did Last Summer. First off, Gabbriette quite literally stole the show as Ava’s short-term fling and part-time horror podcaster, Tyler Trevino. The style? Perfectly 90s slasher horror. Her character is not only lovable, but also totally relatable. If you were randomly placed into a horror film, Tyler would quite literally be your spirit animal.
Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jennifer Love Hewitt also took the spotlight with the appearances. The two who starred in the original 1997 film as Ray Bronson and Julie James are a great addition to the cast. When the five friends need guidance, Ray and Julie are there for them, with experience from their own small-town horror stories.
I Know What You Did Last Summer officially released on July 18, 2025. Don’t miss out!
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