After more than two decades in the spotlight, Freddie Prinze Jr. is stepping back into one of his most beloved roles that first made him a household name.
At 48 years old, he was a defining figure in late-90s teen cinema, starring in iconic films such as I Know What You Did Last Summer, She’s All That, and the Scooby-Doo series.
While he later transitioned to successful television roles in shows like 24 and Star Wars Rebels, it’s those earlier films that most fans remember him for.
A Familiar Role Returns
One of the films that significantly boosted his career is set to have a sequel, and Prinze Jr. has just confirmed his involvement.
Can you guess which project is pulling him back?
That’s right! He’s returning to reprise his role in the upcoming sequel to I Know What You Did Last Summer, as reported by Deadline.
What to Expect from the Sequel
This new installment is being touted as a legacy sequel, merging characters from the original movie with a younger cast.
The announcement for this sequel first dropped in February 2023, revealing that both Prinze Jr. and Jennifer Love Hewitt were expected to return.
Although Prinze Jr. initially stated he hadn’t received an official offer, it seems that’s all changed.
Now, over a year later, his participation is confirmed, while Hewitt is still in talks to reprise her role as Julie James.
Prinze Jr. will be back as Ray Bronson, joining a fresh lineup that features Chase Sui Wonders, Madelyn Cline, Sarah Pidgeon, Tyriq Withers, and Jonah Hauer-King.
Although specific plot details remain under wraps, director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson has indicated that the 1998 sequel, I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, will be considered canon.
Interestingly, she didn’t mention the 2006 straight-to-video sequel, I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer, which will likely be excluded from the franchise’s official storyline since it didn’t include any original cast members.
Production Timeline and Expectations
Robinson will helm the film based on a script by Sam Lansky and herself, building off a draft by Leah McKendrick.
Sony has slated a release date for July 18, 2025. While there’s no production schedule yet, if they aim for that summer date, filming will need to commence soon.
The original I Know What You Did Last Summer, penned by Kevin Williamson and directed by Jim Gillespie, also featured Sarah Michelle Gellar—who happens to be Prinze Jr.’s wife of 22 years—and Ryan Phillippe.
The film proved to be a box office success, grossing $125.3 million worldwide on a modest $17 million budget.
Its rushed sequel, I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, released just a year later, was less successful, bringing in only $40 million against a $65 million budget.
What’s Next for Freddie?
As Freddie Prinze Jr. gears up to reprise his role, fans are left buzzing with anticipation.
What twists and turns will this new sequel take, and how will it blend the nostalgia of the original with the energy of a new cast? Only time will tell!