I Know What You Did Last Summer Features Surprising Cameos and A Controversial Killer Twist

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I Know What You Did Last Summer employs a reboot-sequel approach to refresh the classic 1990s slasher-horror film, initially based on Lois Duncan’s 1973 novel. This film serves as a cautionary tale for rebellious teenagers, encouraging them to reflect upon their actions. In this legacy sequel, it is customary for characters from the initial films to reappear, acting as mentors for the new cast. Interestingly, original stars Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. agreed to return for another round of chilling hook encounters in Southport. However, fans will be delighted to discover that they are not the only familiar faces who make a comeback!

Massive Spoilers Follow!

The Croaker Queen Returns

In the horror thriller “I Know What You Did Last Summer” (2025), a recurring theme revolves around Danica Richards, a local celebrity known as the “Croaker Queen,” reminiscing about her victory in Southport’s beauty pageant. As the intricate web of murder starts unraveling, Danica forms an eerie bond with Helen Shivers, the previous Croaker Queen who was one of the Fisherman Killer’s victims from the original movie. However, as more bodies are discovered, including both of Danica’s potential spouses, her facade begins to crack – a chilling indication of this is shown in a disquieting dream sequence that transpires when Danica dozes off in a police station holding cell.

In the dream, Danica encounters Helen Shivers, played by Sarah Michelle Gellar whose appearance has been digitally altered to resemble her 1997 self. Unlike offering comfort, Helen delivers a grim prediction to Danica – she’ll meet a fate similar to Helen’s. The scene concludes with Helen’s face transforming into a decayed skull and her body disintegrating into dust and smoke.

Gellar hinted subtly about rejoining the IKWYDLS series alongside her real-life spouse (Prinze Jr.) and Jennifer Love-Hewitt. Given that her character met an untimely end in the first movie, and hasn’t been seen since in the franchise, it was relatively simple to maintain this secrecy. However, it adds a delightful surprise for many fans who are eagerly awaiting this continuation, reminiscing about their cherished memories of the initial release. Furthermore, the film doesn’t disappoint in terms of throwback cameos, as there are more surprises of this nature to come (see below).

From Hero to Killer

In my opinion as a movie critic, by the climax of this thrilling sequel, the fresh “final girl” Ava Brooks (Chase Sui Wonders) uncovers a chilling truth: It’s none other than her friend Stevie (Sarah PIdgeon), who has been on a murderous rampage. What makes this revelation even more shocking is that Stevie was trained and groomed by her ex-husband Ray Bronson (Prinze Jr.), the very serial killer Ray heroically battled in the first two films, who has now lost control and succumbed to his dark side once again. As the pieces fall into place for investigator Julie James (Jennifer Love Hewitt), she races to Ray’s location just in time to aid Ava in a desperate struggle against the killer. With Ray poised to strike Julie down, Ava manages to regain her strength and fires Ray’s own harpoon gun into his back, thanks to Julie’s timely encouragement of “What are you waiting for?” as she screams for Ava to act swiftly.

One intriguing debate likely to arise in the thriller “I Know What You Did Last Summer” is the unmasking of Ray as the murderer, which could be among the most contentious scenes and possibly one of the most divisive plot twists in horror series history. This twist might push the boundaries of acceptability, teetering on the edge of an overused trope.

Who Do We Have to F*ck Up This Time?

In the film “I Know What You Did Last Summer” (2025), there’s an additional scene that plays during the credits – similar to those in Marvel movies. This scene, often referred to as a “button scene,” is included to lay the groundwork for the sequel.

In Ray’s first private moment with Ava, he reveals that the earlier scene on a boat, where it appeared that Ava was attacked by Stevie and seemingly killed by Ray, was actually staged. He explains that he was merely maintaining his cover, but assures her that he left his disciple very much alive – a fact later corroborated in a news broadcast during the closing scenes. The scene after the credits shows Julie traveling to the Bahamas, where she seeks help from an old friend she trusts: her ex-roommate, Karla Wilson (Brandy Norwood). Already aware of Ray’s violent behavior in Southport, Karla reacts with concern when Julie expresses worry about Stevie still being at large. Her only question is: ‘Who do we need to take down now?’

In this mid-sequence, it appears that Julie and Karla will once again take center stage as key characters in a potential follow-up to “I Still Know What You Did Last Summer”. Furthermore, these legacy links should help resolve any confusion regarding continuity and the true fate of characters from the initial movies.

I Know What You Did Last Summer is now playing in theaters.

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2025-07-18 20:40