The upcoming I Know What You Did Last Summer film is poised to take a fresh approach with its antagonist, stirring excitement among horror fans. As we approach 2025, it marks the return of several iconic horror franchises that have lain dormant for years, including this suspenseful series. Originally inspired by Lois Duncan’s 1973 novel, the franchise launched into popularity with the 1997 film adaptation. Although the adaptation made significant departures from the source material, its success paved the way for multiple sequels and adaptations.
The storyline follows a close-knit group of friends who tragically run over a man one fateful night. In a panic, they dispose of the body in water, but not before the man regains consciousness. Traumatized, they vow never to speak of it. A year later, the friends find themselves hunted by a mysterious killer wielding a hook who ominously claims to know their dark secret. Following the original, the franchise expanded to include a sequel, a direct-to-video third installment, and a television series, culminating in a fresh sequel that promises to reinvent the villain.
I Know What You Did Last Summer 2025’s Villain Is “Gorier” & More Methodical
The New Fisherman Will Do Things Differently
In the initial film, the fisherman was revealed to be Ben Willis (played by Muse Watson), a vengeful figure rather than a mere victim. On the same night of the accident, Willis had taken the life of the young man betrothed to his deceased daughter, an act that would set the stage for a cycle of revenge. After his death, the sequel, I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, follows the survivors to the Bahamas, where they become ensnared in Willis’s deadly scheme to exact further revenge.
Despite the sequel’s resolution, where Julie and Ray confront Willis and survive, the upcoming film will explore new territory. Writer and director Kaytin Robinson noted that while Willis will remain deceased, the new villain will offer a different kind of terror. This fresh antagonist will employ a more methodical approach to killing, diverging from the original’s lower level of violence. The slasher genre has evolved significantly since the 90s, making this gory revival timely, albeit filled with creative risks.
I Know What You Did Last Summer Risks Falling Into The “Gorier” Trap Of Legacy Sequels
“Gorier” Doesn’t Necessarily Mean “Better”
While it is crucial for legacy sequels to resonate with contemporary audiences, it is equally important for them to honor the franchise’s foundational elements. Increasing gore and establishing a more calculated killer might seem like sensible moves for I Know What You Did Last Summer, but they also pose a risk of falling prey to common pitfalls that have tripped up other sequels. Some modern horror sequels, such as Scream 2022 and Scream 6, effectively utilized heightened gore to elevate their narratives. In contrast, films like Halloween Kills often felt excessive, using gore for mere shock value rather than story progression.
It’s important to recognize that more bloodshed does not automatically equate to quality, especially for a legacy sequel that diverges from the tone of its predecessors. To succeed, I Know What You Did Last Summer must tread carefully, offering a nuanced portrayal of its villain that makes logical sense within the story’s framework. Although Robinson describes her film as a “fun, popcorn summer event,” reliance on mindless violence could detract from its overall impact, particularly given the subtler approach of earlier entries.
How I Know What You Did Last Summer 2025’s Villain Can Be Different From Ben Willis
This Shouldn’t Be Ben Willis 2.0
One of the primary challenges for the new I Know What You Did Last Summer film is to create a villain distinct from Ben Willis. The narrative seems to tread familiar ground, paralleling the original plot while incorporating the original survivors, Julie and Ray, as guides for the new cast. So far, the new antagonist is characterized by their use of a hook and motivations rooted in a tragic accident. However, to stand apart from what has come before, the film must introduce a unique twist regarding the villain’s identity or motivations—perhaps a surprising revelation about their connection to one of the protagonists.
Linking the new antagonist to Ben Willis might prove detrimental, especially considering that his character arc concluded with the loss of his family by the end of the previous film. The notion of a “gorier” slasher film is enticing, but it must be executed thoughtfully to ensure that it resonates with both returning fans and new audiences alike.
Source: People.