Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, the director of the upcoming “I Know What You Did Last Summer” sequel, has shared insights into the film’s trailer and confirmed that Sarah Michelle Gellar will not be reprising her role.
In an interview, Robinson humorously admitted to “harassing” Gellar to return but acknowledged that her character, Helen Shivers, was definitively deceased in the original 1997 film.
The trailer, which premiered online, showcases a new cast, including Madelyn Cline, alongside returning stars Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. The film follows a group of friends who cover up a deadly car accident, only to be stalked by a killer seeking revenge.
Hewitt’s character, Julie James, questions the group, “What did you do last summer?”—a nod to the original’s suspenseful plot.
Robinson revealed that she pitched Gellar on the idea of her character not being dead but in hiding, only to be met with a firm refusal. Gellar has maintained that her character’s death in the first film is irreversible, jokingly stating, “I am dead. I am Sarah Dead Gellar.” Despite not appearing on-screen, Gellar has an unofficial role behind the scenes, helping with continuity and offering insights on character development.
The sequel, set for release on July 18, promises a darker and more methodical approach to horror compared to the original. With its blend of new and familiar faces, the film aims to revive the iconic horror series while offering something fresh for both old and new fans.