I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025): Movie Review & Marketing Breakdown of the Hottest Summer Horror Reboot

The legacy of I Know What You Did Last Summer is hard to ignore. The original 1997 slasher became a cult favorite thanks to its suspenseful pacing, iconic hook-handed killer, and a fresh-faced cast that defined late-’90s teen horror. In 2025, Sony Pictures has revived the franchise with a high-gloss, Gen Z-meets-millennial legacy sequel that attempts to merge nostalgia with modern-day commentary. The new film rides the wave of Hollywood's obsession with revivals—but with the return of original stars Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr., plus buzzy newcomers and surprise cameos, the movie is far from a cash grab.

In this movie review, we’ll break down the film's narrative strengths and flaws, explore its cast, analyze its impressive I Know What You Did Last Summer marketing campaign, and look at how it compares to the original. For horror lovers, Gen Z thriller fans, or anyone who loved slasher classics, this is a reboot worth dissecting.

Movie Review: A Legacy Sequel With Sharp Hooks

From the opening scene, it's clear the 2025 reboot is aiming to build on the original’s mythos while presenting a darker, more psychological take. The story centers on a new group of college students haunted by a fatal cover-up, echoing the original’s core premise. But where the 1997 film leaned heavily on jump scares and teen melodrama, this version introduces themes of trauma, digital paranoia, and cancel culture.

Chase Sui Wonders (Ava) and Madelyn Cline (Danica) lead the new cast with layered performances, while returning fan favorites Hewitt and Prinze Jr. ground the story with emotional heft. Their characters aren’t just cameos—they actively drive the second and third act, giving the story depth and continuity. Tonally, the film oscillates between satirical, self-aware horror and full-on slasher, with some critics noting pacing issues in the second act.

Still, it delivers brutal kills, smart cinematography, and a strong emotional payoff for longtime fans.

• A suspense-driven, bloodier return that honors the original without feeling like a carbon copy
  
  
• Embraces legacy horror sequel territory while introducing timely themes for modern audiences
  

Cast & Character Highlights

The film’s emotional center belongs to Chase Sui Wonders, whose portrayal of Ava—a guilt-ridden law student dealing with the fallout of a deadly accident—offers the film’s most grounded performance. Madelyn Cline brings strong screen presence as Danica, the alpha figure in the group, while Tyriq Withers, Gabbriette and Jonah Hauer-King round out the main cast with solid, if sometimes underdeveloped, roles.

What sets this reboot apart from many others is how it uses its original cast. Jennifer Love Hewitt, reprising her role as Julie James, is now a therapist who specializes in trauma counseling—and yes, her past plays heavily into the climax. Freddie Prinze Jr. returns as Ray Bronson, helping unravel the mystery behind a new killer, only to discover it's far more personal than anticipated. A mid-film dream sequence cameo by Sarah Michelle Gellar and a shocking post-credits appearance by Brandy Norwood (Karla from I Still Know) tie everything into a tightly woven slasher universe.

• Uses the returning cast in meaningful, character-driven ways rather than brief nostalgic cameos
  
  
• Cast chemistry and updated character arcs help blend slasher tension with emotional realism
  

MAC × Gabbriette Lip Campaign: A Beauty Cross-Promotion Hit

In iconic I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) marketing, MAC Cosmetics launched a trend-driven beauty activation featuring actress-model Gabbriette, who plays Tyler Trevino, a sharp-tongued, true-crime podcaster in the film. The look, crafted by MAC makeup artist Caroline Olweny, became a visual centerpiece of the film’s aesthetic. Described by Gabbriette herself as, “My character Tyler is a true-crime podcaster – she’s a bit grungier, a bit cool girl – so we came up with this blurred, burnt brick-red ‘90s lip,” the style captured both the retro energy of the original film and the modern edge of the reboot.

The lip combo featured a layered application of Lipglazer Glossy Liner in Root For Me, MACximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Go Retro, Lustreglass Sheer‑Shine Lipstick in Spice It Up, and Squirt Plumping Gloss Stick in Simulation. The final look was smudged, vampy, and instantly recognizable—prompting beauty influencers to recreate it on social media, positioning it as one of the most striking crossover fashion moments in horror cinema this year.

• Reinforced MAC’s grunge image while grounding the film in nostalgic beauty references
  
  
• Connected character design to brand storytelling, driving attention from beauty and film media alike

Citywide Fisherman Stunt Sparks Viral Buzz

In early July 2025, New Yorkers began spotting a cloaked, hook-wielding figure—resembling the iconic Fisherman—along Coney Island, Battery Park, the High Line, South Street Seaport, and even the Staten Island Ferry. Although Sony declined to confirm sponsorship, viral social media videos tying the sightings to the film’s July 18 release fueled conversation and heightened suspense.

• Real-world stunt created buzz and fan speculation tied directly to the most anticipated horror sequel 2025
  
  
• Strengthened the film’s slasher identity by blending immersive activation with social media virality

Box Office Performance & Critical Reception

Made on a modest $18 million budget, the film grossed $25 million worldwide within its first two weekends. While not a blockbuster, it's a respectable success in the current horror market. Critics were mixed—praising performances and throwback energy but pointing to some tonal whiplash and a muddled second act.

Audiences were more forgiving. Horror fans appreciated the practical effects, creepy atmosphere, and payoff moments for franchise veterans. CinemaScore awarded it a “B−,” signaling solid audience satisfaction.

• Modest financial return but enough for sequel interest and long-term streaming success
  
  
• Divided critical response, but positive fan reception supports future franchise growth
  

Legacy & Future Potential

As a horror legacy sequel, the 2025 reboot does more right than wrong. It honors the core DNA of I Know What You Did Last Summer—guilt, secrets, survival—while giving the original stars space to shine. The film also lays the groundwork for future stories: Brandy’s cameo suggests an “I Still Know…” universe revival, while references to additional unsolved hook-killer cases hint at anthology possibilities.

The director, Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, known for Do Revenge, keeps the tone stylish and self-aware, yet grounded in emotional stakes. Whether or not you loved every choice, the movie sparks conversation—and that alone keeps horror franchises alive.

• Ends on a confident note, signaling more stories to come within this summer slasher universe
  
  
• Successfully reframes a '90s horror brand into a modern franchise with room for growth
  

What Did You Do Last Summer?

I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) may not reinvent the horror wheel, but it sharpens it just enough to feel thrilling again. The blend of legacy sequel weight, stylish visuals, throwback nods, and relevant character arcs make it a satisfying return for longtime fans and a fun ride for newcomers. Supported by a clever I Know What You Did Last Summer marketing push and standout performances, it earns its place among the hottest horror movies of summer 2025.

This is the kind of slasher revival that knows exactly what it's doing—and yes, it knows what we did last summer too.

I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) FAQ

Is the 2025 movie a direct sequel or a reboot?

It’s a legacy sequel—continuing the original storyline while introducing a new cast. Original stars like Jennifer Love Hewitt return in major roles.

Who’s in the new cast of I Know What You Did Last Summer?

New leads include Chase Sui Wonders, Madelyn Cline, Jonah Hauer-King, and Tyriq Withers, alongside returning icons like Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr.

Was the marketing campaign successful?

Yes. The campaign blended nostalgia and TikTok virality, with strategic sponsorships like Mac with it-girl Gabbriette to target Gen Z audiences.

Will there be a sequel?

While not confirmed, the ending teases future installments. With strong fan buzz and legacy character involvement, another film is likely.

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