I Know What You Did Last Summer 2: Full Cast List, Shocking New Plot Details, And 2025 Release Date

The iconic slasher franchise is back! As of December 2025, excitement is building for the highly anticipated legacy sequel to *I Know What You Did Last Summer*, which is set to hit theaters on July 18, 2025. This new installment, often referred to as *I Know What You Did Last Summer 2* or the 2025 sequel, is not a simple reboot but a direct continuation of the original story, bridging the gap between the 1997 classic and a terrifying new generation.

The film promises to blend nostalgic horror with a modern, fresh take, bringing back two of the original film's biggest stars while introducing a fresh-faced cast who will soon learn that some secrets—and some killers—refuse to stay buried. Director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson is at the helm, with producer Neal Moritz returning to ensure the film maintains its classic slasher DNA.

The New and Returning Cast: Full Biography and Character Breakdown

The 2025 sequel is a true "legacy sequel," bringing back original protagonists Julie James and Ray Bronson to face the consequences of their past, while introducing a new group of teenagers who make the same fatal mistake.

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Returning Original Cast Members

• Jennifer Love Hewitt as Julie James: Born February 24, 1979, Hewitt is an American actress, producer, and singer. She rose to fame in the 1990s as a teen idol, starring in the television series *Party of Five* and the original *I Know What You Did Last Summer* (1997) and its sequel *I Still Know What You Did Last Summer* (1998). Her later career includes the TV series *Ghost Whisperer* and *9-1-1*. In the new film, Julie James is expected to play a pivotal role, likely as a mentor or a character whose past trauma resurfaces to help the new group.
• Freddie Prinze Jr. as Ray Bronson: Born March 8, 1976, Prinze Jr. is an American actor best known for his roles in 90s and 2000s teen films like *She's All That* and, of course, the *I Know What You Did Last Summer* franchise. He is reprising his role as Ray Bronson, the only other surviving member of the original group. His return confirms the film's commitment to the original continuity.

The New Generation of Victims (and Survivors?)

The new group of friends whose lives are shattered by a terrible accident will be played by some of the hottest young talent in Hollywood today. Their characters are reportedly named Danica Richards, Ava Brucks, Milo Griffin, and Teddy Spencer.

• Madelyn Cline as Danica Richards: Born December 21, 1997, Cline is an American actress and model. She is best known for her breakthrough role as Sarah Cameron in the popular Netflix teen drama series *Outer Banks*. She also received critical acclaim for her role as Whiskey in the mystery film *Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery* (2022). Cline's casting immediately gives the sequel a massive boost in modern teen viewership.
• Chase Sui Wonders as Ava Brucks: Born May 21, 1996, Wonders is an American actress, writer, and director. She is recognized for her roles as Riley in the HBO Max series *Generation* and Emma in the horror-comedy film *Bodies Bodies Bodies* (2022). Her experience in the horror genre and with youth-focused dramas makes her a perfect fit for the new slasher film.
• Jonah Hauer-King as Milo Griffin: Born May 30, 1995, Hauer-King is an English actor. He gained widespread recognition for playing Prince Eric in the live-action Disney musical fantasy film *The Little Mermaid* (2023). His other notable roles include the TV series *World on Fire*. His inclusion adds a major star from a recent blockbuster to the ensemble cast.
• Tyriq Withers as Teddy Spencer: Born July 15, 1998, Withers is an American actor who began his career in 2019. He is known for roles in episodic television and the 2024 film *Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead*. His role in this new sequel marks a major step up into a leading role in a high-profile horror franchise.

The Shocking New Plot Details and Legacy Connection

The 2025 film is positioned as a direct "legacy sequel" to the original 1997 movie, effectively ignoring the events of the straight-to-DVD third installment, *I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer* (2006).

The official synopsis reveals a terrifyingly familiar premise. The new story begins when a group of five friends inadvertently cause a deadly car accident. In a panic, they decide to cover up their involvement and make a solemn pact to keep the secret.

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A year later, their past returns to haunt them when they are terrorized by a mysterious stalker. This figure knows their dark secret and is hell-bent on revenge, forcing the new group to confront the horrifying truth: someone knows what they did last summer.

27 Years Later: A Timeline of Terror

Crucially, the new film takes place approximately 27 years after the events of the second film, *I Still Know What You Did Last Summer* (1998). This time jump is significant and allows for the seamless re-integration of Julie James and Ray Bronson into the narrative.

The return of the hook-wielding killer, Ben Willis, or a new copycat, suggests that the cycle of violence initiated by the original accident has never truly been broken. The film is expected to explore how Julie and Ray, having survived the original trauma, react when a new generation faces the same deadly fate. This direct link to the original characters provides the film with its "legacy" status.

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The Creative Team and The Future of the Franchise

A major reason for the high anticipation is the creative talent driving the project, which aims to recapture the magic of 90s slasher films while appealing to a contemporary audience.

Director and Producers

• Director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson: Known for her work on the Netflix dark comedy *Do Revenge*, Robinson is celebrated for her sharp, modern sensibility and ability to blend dark themes with pop culture awareness. Her direction is expected to give the sequel a fresh, stylish edge.
• Producer Neal Moritz: Moritz is a veteran producer of the franchise, having worked on the original film. His return ensures continuity and a respect for the source material, providing confidence to long-time fans.
• Screenwriter: The screenplay is penned by Leah McKendrick, based on a story by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson and Celeste Ballard.

Topical Authority and Slasher Film Entities

The film is part of a major resurgence in the slasher genre, following the success of other legacy sequels like the recent *Scream* films. The *I Know What You Did Last Summer* sequel is expected to utilize classic horror tropes—including the iconic hook, the mysterious stalker, and the moral dilemma of a deadly secret—while updating them for a new era.

The film’s success will hinge on its ability to balance the nostalgia of the original (featuring classic entities like the Fisherman and the coastal town setting) with the fresh dynamic of the new cast, including Madelyn Cline and Jonah Hauer-King, providing a modern update to the classic horror formula. The movie is a key entry in the 2025 horror movie slate, alongside other highly anticipated genre releases.

Key Production and Release Details

• Official Release Date: July 18, 2025
• Studio: Sony Pictures
• Franchise Installment: Fourth film in the *I Know What You Did Last Summer* franchise.
• Genre: Slasher, Horror, Mystery.

With a blend of beloved returning stars, a talented new ensemble, and a plot that directly addresses the unfinished business of the past, the *I Know What You Did Last Summer* legacy sequel is poised to be one of the biggest horror events of 2025. Fans are eagerly awaiting the first trailer and more details on how Julie and Ray will once again confront the fisherman's hook.