Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. Are Back
This July, fans of classic horror will be thrilled to see Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. return to their iconic roles as Julie James and Ray Bronson in the much-anticipated sequel, I Know What You Did Last Summer. It’s been a long wait since we last saw these characters in 1998’s I Still Know What You Did Last Summer. Director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson is at the helm of this new project, which is based on the original story by Lois Duncan. But with mixed expectations, the big question is whether this sequel can draw significant ticket sales during the busy summer movie season.
Box Office Projections Don’t Look Promising
Unfortunately, the box office predictions for I Know What You Did Last Summer aren’t exactly exciting. Initial estimates suggest that the film might earn around $16 million over its opening weekend in the U.S. On the high side, it could reach up to $25 million, but even that won’t put it in contention for the highest-grossing horror film debut of the year. If the film falls short of expectations, it could struggle to stand out amid a competitive summer lineup.
Comparing It to Other Horror Films
For perspective, the top-performing horror movie this year is Final Destination: Bloodlines, which impressively earned $51.6 million in its debut. Even if I Know What You Did Last Summer meets its higher projections, it would only secure the No. 4 ranking among horror movie openings for 2025. This raises concerns about where Hewitt and Prinze Jr.’s return will place against other horror films throughout the year.
What Lies Ahead
Regardless of whether it brings in $16 million or more, I Know What You Did Last Summer faces stiff competition from other horror films. When considering all the scary flicks released so far, it seems daunting for this legacy sequel to tally up impressive box office numbers.
Competing with Major Blockbusters
The release date of I Know What You Did Last Summer is another factor to consider. Set for July 18, it lands right between two major blockbusters. Superman, directed by James Gunn and featuring David Corenswet as the new Man of Steel, hits theaters on July 11. Just a week later, on July 25, Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps will debut. These high-profile releases could easily overshadow the horror film, making it even harder to draw in audiences.
Fans Are Still Excited
Although the box office predictions are subdued, many fans are still excited to see Hewitt back in action as Julie James. For long-time followers of the franchise, it’s a nostalgic return that sparks interest, even if it’s uncertain how many tickets will be sold. The legacy sequel aims to captivate both new viewers and nostalgic fans who remember the thrill of the original.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming release of I Know What You Did Last Summer will be a litmus test for its relevance in today’s horror film landscape. As the box office forecast shows muted enthusiasm, it will be interesting to see how it performs against both its own expectations and the competitive summer lineup. Will it find a significant audience or get lost in the shuffle? Only time will tell. Regardless of the outcome, the film resurrects beloved characters from the past, giving fans a chance to relive the suspense and horror that initially captivated them.
