Can you believe it’s been almost 30 years since I Know What You Did Last Summer made a bloody impression on horror fans of the nineties. But after an agonizing wait fans of the cult classic are finally being treated to a sequel, and we don’t have long to wait either.

The film is set to hit theaters July 18th meaning we have a little over a month to go. Despite the imminent release date, we’ve been given very little information regarding the slasher sequel. In April the first trailer for the film was released which gave us our first proper glimpse at the cast, both old and new. Now we’ve been graced with a new poster which also looks pretty cool.

I Know What You Did Last Summer — everything you need to know

Despite the name this isn’t a remake of the original nineties film, it’s a sequel. The original centered around a group of teenagers who are tormented by a mysterious figure sending them cryptic and ominous notes relating to a murder and cover up that the group were involved in the previous Summer. The teens try to get to the source of the mystery as they are violently picked off one by one.

The film received two sequels with the most recent being, I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer which was released in 2006 and wasn’t very good if we’re being brutally honest.

The new film looks set to follow a similar premise in modern times with a young cast composed of Hollywood stars Madelyne Cline, Nicolas Alexander Chavez, and Lola Tung among others. Fans of the original can even expect to see a few familiar faces with Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jennifer Love Hewitt set to reprise their roles. 

The fan reactions

It’s safe to say the majority of fans are pretty excited to see the franchise return after so long. I Know What You Did Last Summer and Scream were the two major saviors of the slasher genre in the nineties. Of course, we’ve seen the Scream series come back in the 2020s with a couple of great entries and now it’s time for this franchise to do the same.

On X one person excitedly wrote, “we are so back” and shared pictures of the previous entries posters alongside the new one.

We are so back pic.twitter.com/kuEngVyhdV

— Jasper (@turquoisepogos) June 11, 2025

Another praised the look of the Fisherman in the new movie.

THE FISHERMAN LOOKS BAD-ASS!

— ʙᴀʀʙɪᴇʙᴏʏ ✁ (@slashersxo) June 11, 2025

I Know What You Did Last Summer promises to be a quality slasher movie with creative kills, nothing more, nothing less. While the premise might be very similar to what we’ve seen before, that’s all fans really want.

Jennifer Love Hewitt, the star of I Know What You Did Last Summer, has opened up about the anxiety-inducing experience that comes with remaking the iconic slasher film. 

Hewitt, who portrayed Julie James in the 1997 original, is set to reprise her famous role in the sequel, slated for release in July. Ahead of the premiere, Hewitt said in a recent interview that while returning to such a beloved film is a thrill ride, it still comes with its fair share of apprehension. The actress told People that revisiting one of her earliest roles was “nerve-racking,” given the decades since the film’s release and the expectations of fans.

First look at Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr in the new ‘I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER’ movie.

(Source: https://t.co/jXFxqaRdzk) pic.twitter.com/OYKWIuBUK4

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) April 8, 2025

“I’ll be super honest, I had total anxiety for 48 hours before [filming] because I was like, ‘Can I do this? Am I going to pull this off">were rumblings of a feud between Hewitt and Gellar (who, for the record, is the real-life wife of Prinze Jr.), so perhaps it’s best that they don’t appear in the sequel with all those knives flying around. In any case, we’ll have to wait and see whether Hewitt’s understandable anxiety around returning to the franchise almost three decades after the original plays out on screen. Given the contents of the film, there’ll be enough anxiety in the audiences as it is.

Sarah Michelle Gellar, where are you? That’s what fans want to know, as she toys with everyone’s emotions on social media. Ruh-roh! Both a vampire slayer and a bona fide scream queen, Gellar carved out a niche for herself in the horror genre and everything adjacent to it.

However, she’s also fondly ed for playing the live-action version of Daphne Blake in 2002’s Scooby-Doo and the 2004 sequel, Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed. Fun fact: Both movies were written by a certain James Gunn who has gone on to bigger and better things.

The films hit the spot like a Scooby Snack, but there aren’t many people campaigning and clamoring for another sequel on social media. However, Gellar couldn’t help but troll her fans about the possibility. Taking to her Instagram , she posted a caption that Scooby-Doo 3 is on the way. The photo which accompanied the image suggested otherwise, as it was a set chair featuring another familiar film title: I Know What You Did Last Summer.

Fans laughed it up in the comments section, with one writing: “She’s got jokes.” Others asked her to not tease them with such promises and demanding justice for Helen Shivers.

For those out of the loop, Gellar played Helen in 1997’s I Know What You Did Last Summer. Unfortunately, Helen doesn’t get to see the end of the story or figure out who the killer is as she gets offed in. As you’d expect, Gellar didn’t return for the sequels, 1998’s I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, 2006’s I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer, or the 2021 Prime Video series.

It’s been a while but the surviving of the original gang are getting back together for a brand-new entry in the series – which should be titled I Don’t Really Know What You Did Last Summer for continuity’s sake – with Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jennifer Love Hewitt confirmed to return. Directing the film is Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, who also happens to be Gellar’s friend.

Unfortunately, Geller revealed she won’t be returning for the new movie in October 2024. Her reason? Oh, that valid one about her character being massacred on screen and being six feet under. Gellar told People that she would be involved in an “unofficial” capacity, though, ing her husband, Prinze, and providing input to Robinson. She said:

“My best friend is directing it, so we joke that I have an unofficial job, which is I am continuity. So I’m always the one telling her, ‘Well, that would happen, or that wouldn’t happen with those characters,’ so I do have kind of an unofficial job title.”

That said, Gellar’s Instagram post indicates that she could be teasing something more. Death in a horror movie is about as permanent as allegiances in pro wrestling. Helen wouldn’t be the first or last character to rise from the dead in a mysterious and unexpected way. Her corpse is found by Hewitt’s Julie James, but that doesn’t mean anything in this world. Of perhaps an unexpected appearance from an identical twin sister? It’s horror movie logic, just go with the flow.

Whether Gellar returns for the next I Know What You Did Last Summer movie or not remains to be seen, but the good news is that the wheels are in motion for its July 2025 release date. Although, now that she mentioned Scooby-Doo 3, maybe that’s not a bad idea to pursue either.

As Halloween inches closer and our viewing habits change from summer blockbusters to all things scary (and I stress over finding a costume for a friend’s annual party), there’s also a reboot of a popular ’90s horror movie to get excited about. And one of the OG’s biggest stars is discussing why she isn’t returning.

Sarah Michelle Gellar told People the reason why she won’t star in the I Know What You Did Last Summer sequel… and it’s perfectly succinct. Her character, Helen Shivers, died.

On the one hand, that makes total sense. On the other hand, some fans wouldn’t mind if Helen was brought back from the dead. After all, I Know What You Did Last Summer is corny, not actually scary, and there could be some random explanation for why Helen didn’t actually perish at the hands (or hook) of Ben Willis — no one would ever complain about seeing Gellar on screen again. But while I love cheesy ’90s pop culture and would buy anything this spooky sequel is selling, I get that it’s more realistic for Helen to stay dead. At least we’ll see Ray Bronson (Freddie Prinze Jr.) again… and hopefully Julie James (Jennifer Love Hewitt), if she officially signs on.

Gellar also told People that she is good pals with the sequel’s director, Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, and will serve as the unofficial “continuity” person for the new movie. Gellar said, “I’m always the one telling her, ‘Well, that would happen, or that wouldn’t happen with those characters,’ so I do have kind of an unofficial job title.” Since a lot of time has ed since the original, that’s a great idea.

Fans were excited to hear the star’s comments and praised her on X. While I’d also love to see Helen, let’s not forget that the final moments of I Still Know What You Did Last Summer suggested both Ray and Julie were killed… so the sequel has some major explaining to do. But maybe Julie had prepped for that big moment and knew just how to defend herself. She’s a final girl, after all!

As Julie’s good friend who wants to be a famous actress, Helen’s well-written arc includes coming to with the fact that she’s still living in her hometown one year after the terrifying hit-and-run. She works at a local department store with her sister and wonders what happened to her big dreams. I’d also argue that her death scene, which takes place when she’s appearing at the Croaker Queen Pageant as the previous year’s winner, is one of the most memorable. Unlike the rest of the movie, it’s actually scary, as nothing is more spine-chilling than a killer attacking someone amid a huge celebration. There are many awkward moments in the sequel, I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, which was set in the Bahamas, but Helen’s murder in the original is tragic, horrifying, and yes, iconic.

While it’s sad that Gellar won’t be in this horror sequel, she’s doing great and still has an adorable marriage to Freddie Prinze Jr. She’s also busy these days and is starring in another reboot: Dexter: Resurrection which follows the mysterious Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall) on a new journey. Even without Gellar, I’m still on board for I Know What You Did Last Summer‘s sequel.

Without a doubt, the summer months are some of the most joyful of the entire year — especially for Halloween die-hards, who celebrate the scorching heat by adhering to a bone-chilling movie marathon for Summerween.

For those who aren’t already aware, the concept of Summerween was initially introduced in Gravity Falls, and revolved around the town in the series adoring Halloween so much that the community celebrated the event twice a year. And despite occurring on the 22nd of June, Summerween can certainly be celebrated all throughout the summer months.

If you’re like me, then you know how difficult it is to sit back and patiently wait for the crisp Fall breeze to roll in followed by the unveiling of pumpkin spice-flavored everything. Of course, patience is certainly a virtue, so it’s only natural that Halloween fanatics are constantly sitting on their hands and waiting for the eye-catching festivities to arrive — including bonfires, apple picking, haunted houses, and pumpkin carving. 

Aside from those fun-filled activities, however, a perfect collection of horror movies is the best way to celebrate Summerween, so let’s dive in and reveal which spooky projects fit the vibes the best.

It (2017)

Based on Stephen King’s monumental novel, the narrative of It is exactly the kind of horror movie to watch during Summerween — especially with the “Losers Club” battling Pennywise and being targeted by the vicious entity during summer vacation. Truth be told, either the 2017 picture or the iconic ‘90s miniseries is perfect for this list, so we’ll happily leave that decision up to the reader.

Wrong Turn (2003)

This choice might be a bit strange to some critical horror fans, although the general consensus is that the 2003 project is easily one of the most underrated movies within the spooky catalog. Centering around a group of people stalked and targeted by a family of cannibals in the backwoods of West Virginia, it makes perfect sense as to why we would want to place this movie on the list. So in of all films mentioned in regards to scare factor, one could argue that Wrong Turn is undoubtedly one of the creepiest.

I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)

As one of the most unforgettable slasher extravaganzas of all time, it makes perfect sense to place IKWYDLS on this list. Focusing on a hook-wielding killer who targets a group of young friends, the horror project also incorporates a variety of summer activities — including a 4th of July parade and the friends initially hoping to spend time together at the beach. As a result, it simply wouldn’t be Summerween without The Fisherman making our skin crawl.

Midsommar (2019)

From the brilliant mind of Ari Aster comes one of the most mind-numbing horror movies to release over the last decade. Centering around a group of college students who their friend in Sweden for a midsummer festival, the scares and surprises only unfold from there. Not only is the movie a fearful treat, but its initial release in the summer of 2019 makes it a divine selection for this list. Of course, it also makes us extremely cautious to ever attend a midsummer festival.

Jeepers Creepers (2001)

In regards to horror films that are absolutely bone-chilling, the majority of the spooky community would certainly nominate Jeepers Creepers as one of the creepiest projects ever. And while the 2001 flick might not harbor familiar summer festivities and give off that summer vibe, its fear factor, head-twisting villain, and standout performances definitely make it worthy of a watch during a specific Summerween marathon. 

Jaws (1975)

Without a doubt, Jaws remains one of the most iconic horror movies ever crafted — but with Steven Spielberg in the director’s chair, that isn’t surprising in the slightest. Despite its relatively campy nature and over-the-top moments, it’s not hard to understand why the movie is still considered one of the best horror projects ever crafted, and typically ends up on most movie watchlists — especially fitting for an event such as Summerween. Just be sure not to watch the movie while you’re in your swimming pool, or you might be a little nervous.

Fear Street Part Three: 1966 (2021)

Truth be told, the entire Fear Street franchise is chock-full of fantastic scares and an eerie narrative, so it certainly makes it hard to simply choose just one for this list. In of the scariest entry in the series and the most fitting for Summerween, we’d definitely have to choose the third and final chapter as the best. 1966 faithfully wraps up all plot points and delivers an unforgettable horror experience, making it one of the best options for horror fans for the magical Summerween event.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

Upon release of Tobe Hooper’s masterpiece, the original Massacre movie became an instant classic and eventually built a strong cult following — especially due to the inclusion of Leatherface; one of the genre’s most memorable villains. So when the clocks turn and the time comes for a suitable spooky movie that provides plenty of endless scares, there’s absolutely no denying that this 1974 horror staple is one of the best selections to go along with some delectable popcorn and candy. 

Sleepaway Camp (1983)

Landing at the second spot in this list, the 1983 megahit is easily one of the best horror movies to adhere to during a Summerween celebration. From its engaging themes, jaw-dropping twist ending, and summertime atmosphere, it’s simple to comprehend why most horror fanatics completely adore the ‘80s picture. A few friends at your Summerween party might shield their eyes and jump a few feet in the air, but that’s all a part of the fun-filled experience.

Friday the 13th (1980)

Last but not least, this list would feel entirely criminal if we didn’t round it all out with one of the most monumental slashers in horror history — Friday the 13th. Despite the iconic horror project eventually spawning a franchise of colorful sequels, the OG masterpiece still remains one of the best horror flicks to watch during the summer months — if not for the simple fact that its premise and location revolves around a summer camp. It’s the best spooky movie to watch during Summerween, so we recommend it closes out the marathon.

From the eye-catching firework festivals to dozens of American-themed desserts, the 4th of July is undoubtedly the most patriotic day of the year. And yet, a hearty dose of horror excellence is the perfect way to wash down those iconic summer nights.

Of course, with such a large stretch of horror movies taking place during the summer months (as well as a plethora of them being released as summer blockbusters over the years), it makes perfect sense to combine stars and stripes with bloody massacres. And while the familiar formula for movies with the 4th of July setting famously include fun-filled activities, fireworks, and delicious recipes at barbecues, the horror realm brilliantly adds a twist to those well-known concepts and delivers an unforgettable cinematic experience.

So before it’s time to eat a handful of juicy burgers and light an array of sparklers, let’s dive in and explore the 5 best horror movies to watch on the 4th of July this year.

Uncle Sam (1996)

Part of what makes ‘90s horror movies so special is the director’s ability to present such a campy, fun-filled adventure — which is exactly what can be said about 1996’s Uncle Sam. Based on the title itself, yes, you guessed it — the spooky project centers around a patriotic killer dressed up as Uncle Sam. Out of all the horror gems crafted on this list, there’s definitely no denying that this slasher spectacle is one of the best horror movies to watch on the American holiday this year.

The Purge: Election Year (2016)

First up on the list is one of the best entries in the eye-catching Purge franchise, which also happens to incorporate the traditional 4th of July themes — including stars, stripes, elections, and complete political mayhem. And while the first Purge is undoubtedly the best movie in the film series and technically kicks off the evil political warfare of the annual Purge itself, Election Year simply harbors that patriotic feel that can only be felt the best during the first week of July. 

Get Out (2017)

On the surface level, Jordan Peele’s directorial masterpiece might not appear as the typical horror film set around the 4th of July, but there’s simply no denying that watching the movie on the patriotic holiday certainly makes sense. While focusing on a Black man being introduced to the family of his white girlfriend, Peele brilliantly incorporates typical summer themes, including a crowded cookout/auction and the family’s property draped in U.S. decorum. Its summertime atmosphere also presents the perfect movie to add to the watchlist after setting off the final fireworks of the night.

I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)

When it comes to knockout summer slashers, it’s absolutely hard to discount the cultural significance of Jim Gillespie’s I Know What You Did Last Summer. With a script penned by horror legend Kevin Williamson, the slasher extravaganza centers around a group of friends targeted by a vengeful killer. From its unforgettable performances and divine summer setting to its scintillating cast of characters (including one of the best final girls), IKWYDLS is one of the best horror flicks to enjoy for the holiday this year.

Jaws (1975)

Was there ever any actual doubt? From the brilliant mind of Steven Spielberg, the ‘70s blockbuster focuses on a maniacal great white shark that targets beachgoers and terrorizes an entire town of folks during the summer heat. And while the film might not boast the traditional lineup of 4th of July tropes, it’s easily the best summer horror movie to enjoy this week. To this day, Jaws is a mesmerizing cinematic experience that undoubtedly set the trend for summer horror movies and changed the entire landscape of the spooky catalog as a whole. 

Far be it from us to insinuate there’s some sort of conspiracy afoot, or even imply that every streaming series is obligated to carry on in perpetuity until audiences get bored of it, but Prime Video’s cancellations of sci-fi epic The Peripheral and episodic reboot A League of Their Own have contributed to a strange emerging pattern.

Both shows had previously been renewed for second seasons before Amazon changed its mind and ditched them instead, leading to widespread fury that Citadel has been rewarded with not just new episodes, but an additional pair of spin-offs as well. There’s no correlation other than coincidence, but it’s curious to note that a raft of one-season wonders have all bitten the dust since the beginning of last year, with the majority of them featuring a female protagonist and strong reviews from both critics and audiences.

The Peripheral had Chloë Grace Moretz in the lead role and netted 79 and 86 percent ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, while A League of Their Own‘s 10 top-billed stars were all women, and it secured respective 95 and 87 percent rankings on the aggregation site. Comic book adaptation Paper Girls boasted a central quartet of teenage girls and nabbed a 90 and 89, with The Wilds and its seven female protagonists at least managing a second season before it was canned in spite of 89 and 84 percent scores.

Academy Award winner Sissy Spacek took first place in the credits ahead of fellow Oscar-winner J.K. Simmons in Night Sky, which was also booted after eight episodes after notching 74 and 83 percent approval ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, and there’s even the exception that proves the rule following the widely-panned I Know What You Did Last Summer show fronted by Madison Iseman getting the boot.

It’s entirely coincidental, but it’s no less bizarre that a string of acclaimed and female-led originals have been sent to the streaming scrapheap by Prime Video, and only one them managed a second bite at the apple before being cast aside.

The Scream franchise has returned to its former glory thanks to 2023’s Scream, which won Best Movie at the 2023 MTV Awards. The original Scream, directed by Wes Craven, revitalized the horror genre in the late 1990s by deconstructing old horror clichés while delivering genuine thrills; a unique combination of intriguing characters, clever writing, and thrilling horror set-pieces, with outstanding performances from Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, and David Arquette.

As a result, the Scream franchise has become a staple of the genre, beloved by both die-hard horror enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. The series is notable for its meta-commentary on horror films, distinctive masked villains, and unique blend of horror and comedy. For fans of the Scream franchise, here are other equally terrifying films that have spawned their own franchises and garnered millions of fans. 

I Know What You Did Last Summer 

The first installment in the I Know What You Did Last Summer film series, released in 1997, was directed by Jim Gillespie and written by Kevin Williamson (who also wrote the Scream films). Based on Lois Duncan’s 1973 novel of the same name, the film stars Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, and Jennifer Love Hewitt in the original film about four high school buddies. After a night of graduation celebrations, one hits a pedestrian on a dark, winding road. Concerned about the possible fallout, they hastily dispose of the body and agree to forget what happened. 

However, when they start getting weird notes the following summer, it becomes clear that someone is aware of their secret. I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998) and I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer (2006) are continuations of the original film. The sequels included many of the same actors and continued the story in the same tense fashion as the original. However, none of the original actors returned for the third installment, though it maintained the series’ pattern of combining teen drama with suspenseful horror. The franchise’s TV show debuted on Amazon Prime in October 2021, demonstrating the concept’s continued viability.

A Nightmare on Elm Street

The 1984 Wes Craven picture A Nightmare on Elm Street launched a successful horror franchise. The original picture stands out among its peers because of its novel premise, memorable antagonist, and deft combination of horror and psychological thriller elements. Freddy Krueger, portrayed by Robert Englund, is one of the most iconic horror movie villains. Krueger is a child murderer who was burned to death by the parents of his victims and now haunts the nightmares of the children of Elm Street. 

With a charred face, a dusty fedora, a red and green striped sweater, and a glove armed with razor-sharp blades, his signature appearance has become a recognizable icon of horror. Numerous sequels to A Nightmare on Elm Street explored Freddy Krueger’s origins and the legends surrounding his abilities in greater depth than the first film. Among the best is A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, which many viewers consider the series’ pinnacle due to its unique dream sequences and in-depth examination of the franchise’s characters and themes. 

Candyman

The original Candyman movie was released in 1992, directed by Bernard Rose, and based on Clive Barker’s short story The Forbidden. The franchise is known for its blend of horror and social commentary and its chilling antagonist, the Candyman himself. In the first Candyman, graduate student Helen Lyle (played by Virginia Madsen) examines urban legends for her thesis. She comes upon the story of Candyman (played by Tony Todd), a mysterious killer that haunts a Chicago slum area. 

Candyman, legend has it, was the son of an enslaved person who fell in love with a white woman. Upon discovering their relationship, a lynch mob bathed him in honey and let bees sting him to death. Now, legend has it that Candyman will materialize and kill whoever says his name five times in front of a mirror. The film’s blend of otherworldly horror and real-world concerns, like racism and classism, makes it stand out from other entries in the horror genre. Instead of being a generic monster, Candyman represents the suffering of African Americans throughout history. 

Halloween

John Carpenter’s 1978 film Halloween is a horror genre classic. The film has significantly impacted the evolution of the horror genre, especially the slasher subgenre, thanks to its minimalistic aesthetic, tense narrative, and memorable antagonist. Halloween revolves around Michael Myers, a six-year-old boy who murders his older sister on Halloween night. After spending 15 years in a mental institution, Myers escapes and returns to his hometown of Haddonfield, Illinois, where he begins stalking a group of teens, including Laurie Strode, played by Jamie Lee Curtis in her feature picture debut. 

One of the most scary villains in horror, Myers wears a pallid, soulless mask and is an unrelenting, seemingly unstoppable force. His complete, unadulterated wickedness is amplified by the fact that he acts without any discernible motive. Halloween generated multiple sequels, remakes, and reboots, many of which continued Michael Myers and Laurie Strode’s feud. 

Friday the Thirteenth

The first Friday the 13th film, directed by Sean S. Cunningham in 1980, kicked off a successful horror franchise. The Friday the 13th franchise has considerably impacted the horror subgenre with its trademark hockey mask killer, Jason Voorhees, and its campy, often horrific, slasher aspects. The original Friday the 13th occurs at Camp Crystal Lake, a haunted summer camp. The film follows a group of counselors preparing for the camp’s reopening, unaware that an unseen killer is hunting them. 

Despite his iconic status, Jason Voorhees doesn’t become a major player in the franchise until subsequent installments. In the original film, the killer is Pamela Voorhees, Jason’s vindictive mother, who blames her son’s apparent drowning on the camp counselors. Even in Friday the 13th Part 2, Jason isn’t the main villain, and he doesn’t start wearing his iconic hockey mask until Friday the 13th Part III. The franchise is infamous for its high body count and gory death scenes. While this sparked debate and bad reviews from critics, it also helped the films gain a cult following among horror fans.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 

In 1974, Tobe Hooper directed The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, a movie that pushed the boundaries of horror with its visceral and intense depiction of terror. The plot revolves around friends traveling to rural Texas to check on one of their family’s historic homesteads. There, they come into a family of cannibals led by the terrifying Leatherface, who terrorizes the party with his characteristic weapon, a roaring chainsaw.

Leatherface, who wears a human skin mask, is one of the most horrifying villains in horror film history. Although the film was billed as based on an actual event, it is only partially inspired by the atrocities of real-life serial killer Ed Gein, who also wore his victims’ skin. This connection to real-life events increased the film’s shock effect upon release. The film spawned a franchise, with sequels, prequels, remakes, and reboots all contributing to the Texas Chainsaw Massacre mystique. However, none have quite matched the raw terror of the original film. 

Child’s Play

The 1988 Tom Holland film Child’s Play launched a successful horror franchise. Chucky, a doll possessed by the soul of a serial killer, is one of the most known horror movie icons since his introduction in the first film. In Child’s Play, a little boy named Andy Barclay is the focus after he is given a “Good Guy” doll for his birthday. Andy and his mom have no idea that the doll is possessed by the ghost of serial killer Charles Lee Ray or the “Lakeshore Strangler.” Before his death, Ray used voodoo magic to transfer his soul into the doll.

Brad Dourif’s outstanding voice performance as Chucky is one of the film’s notable elements. His eerie voice brings the murderous doll to life, making Chucky both horrifying and darkly hilarious. Child’s Play spawned a franchise with multiple sequels and a 2019 remake, each presenting a fresh perspective on the Chucky character and history. The franchise is notable for its blend of horror and dark humor, particularly in the later chapters, which lean into Chucky’s darkly funny side.

Psycho 

Directed by the master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock, Psycho is a horror genre classic. It was released in 1960 but has become a cinematic classic thanks to its groundbreaking story and performances. The story follows Marion Crane (Janet Leigh), a thieving secretary on the run from her boss, who checks into the remote Bates Motel. There, she meets the motel’s proprietor, the strange but seemingly harmless Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins). However, as the plot unfolds, Crane’s stay at the motel takes a chilling turn, leading to one of the most famous sequences in film history — the shower scene.

The film’s narrative structure was innovative in abandoning convention by killing off the film’s apparent protagonist. The film’s pervasive dread can be attributed to Hitchcock’s expert use of suspense and deception and Bernard Herrmann’s legendary, nerve-wracking music. One of Hitchcock’s best pictures and a masterpiece of horror cinema, Psycho was a box office success despite negative reviews and controversy surrounding its subject matter upon its initial release. Numerous following horror films and psychological thrillers can be traced back to it as an inspiration. More than that, Psycho has created a franchise that includes sequels, a prequel, a remake, and the TV series Bates Motel, which explores Norman Bates’s origins.

Saw

Saw is a horror film that launched the “torture porn” subgenre into mainstream cinema. The 2004 picture, directed by James Wan and written by Leigh Whannell, stands out for its powerful moments of psychological terror and creative, grisly traps. Saw depicts the Jigsaw Killer, the film’s primary antagonist, engaging in a sadistic game. Jigsaw, unlike most slasher villains, does not directly murder his victims. 

On the contrary, he sets them complicated, lethal traps, or “games,” in which they must inflict great suffering on themselves or make unbelievable sacrifices to stay alive. If his victims are lucky enough to survive, he uses these games to teach them valuable lessons about life and death. Saw was financially successful, spawning a series of follow-ups and offshoots. Each installment provides more context for Jigsaw’s character arc and introduces sophisticated new traps. Although the subsequent films have varied in quality, the impact and originality of the first picture is undisputed.

Wrong Turn

The Wrong Turn franchise began with the 2003 film Wrong Turn, directed by Rob Schmidt and written by Alan B. McElroy. It is notable for its gruesome portrayal of rural terror and survival horror. The story centers around a group of six young people — Chris Flynn, Jessie Burlingame, Carly, Scott, Evan, and Francine — who, while on a road trip through West Virginia, make a wrong turn (hence the title) and find themselves stranded in the remote wilderness. 

When they learn that they are not alone and that a pack of vicious cannibals is pursuing them, the real nightmare begins. Wrong Turn harkens back to the “hillbilly horror” flicks of the past. The suspense and mood of the picture are its strongest points. West Virginia’s deep, lonely forests create a claustrophobic and unsettling setting for the film’s tragic events. 

Over 25 years after slasher spectacle I Know What You Did Last Summer established itself as a strong cult classic which continues to live on in horror infamy, genre fanatics were over the moon earlier this year when it was announced that a fresh-faced sequel would finally be happening. Of course, it’s yet to be fully confirmed as to whether or not the hotly-anticipated follow-up is going to follow in similar footsteps as the ‘97 original, but there’s certainly no denying that horror die-hards will be lining up outside megaplexes anyway.

In the past, legacy sequels such as the rebooted Halloween trilogy and Candyman (2021) have earned considerable favor amongst critics and audiences alike — although Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022) definitely didn’t do its particular franchise any huge favors. Nevertheless, the anticipation surrounding the slasher sequel has led to a plethora of questions that have yet to be completely answered — all the way from its potential cast to the crew hard at work behind-the-scenes.

Which stars could return?

 Part of the reason the horror film became such a mega-hit was due to its strong lineup of notable stars — namely, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Ryan Phillippe — which helped elevate the feature to the soaring heights of modern pop culture. But as enthralling as the cast and the characters they portrayed were, it’s not yet known if any of the original stars plan on returning for the sequel. 

That being said, Gellar did recently address the sequel in an interview, insisting that it’s “interesting” that one of her best friends is directing the follow-up. Furthermore, Gellar explained to said friend (more on them in a moment) that since her character is dead, it might be difficult to make a comeback — although that never stopped a horror character from returning before. And despite Phillippe’s character also being dead, he too didn’t shoot down participating in the project.

Who is writing and directing?

As it stands, Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (screenwriter of Thor: Love and Thunder and director of Do Revenge) is set to helm the much-anticipated horror sequel, with Robinson being the aforementioned best friend that Gellar mentioned in her recent interview. On that same note, writer Leah McKendrick is now attached to pen the screenplay for the feature, with Neal H. Moritz in discussions to return as producer.

As previously mentioned, discussions are currently taking place for Prinze Jr. and Hewitt to be involved in the sequel, although latest reports have suggested that conversations and further details about the project are being kept under wraps. Nevertheless, our excitement for the I Know What You Did Last Summer sequel has yet to waver at all.

Slither in for another Fear-tastic Friday, all you ghouls, goblins, and ghosts! At this point in time, it’s safe to say that the colossal horror genre is crawling with a slew of eyebrow-raising goodies even far before the Halloween season. As always, all of these jaw-dropping treasures will be carefully examined in today’s daily horror roundup right here at We Got This Covered. From a long-awaited Blumhouse horror to a bone-chilling Stephen King suddenly looming on the horizon, there’s a wealth of content to keep your eyes peeled for — and we’re not even halfway to spooky season yet.

So, before you start planning your summer drive-ins to experience a few cinematic horrors, follow along as we dissect the latest updates in the spooky world.

Another Stephen King adaptation is on the way, and we’re absolutely ready

If projects like Welcome to Derry and The Boogeyman weren’t enough, then horror die-hards will be completely enthralled to learn that a fresh-faced Stephen King adaptation is on the way. And, luckily for fans, the flick, The Monkey, has already scooped up Insidious director James Wan to produce. Truth be told, just the mere mention of these two names next to each other is enough of a reason to be hyped — with the film’s bone-chilling premise serving as the cherry on top.

It’s still a complete travesty that we were robbed of an iconic final girl

During the height of the slasher trend, 1997’s I Know What You Did Last Summer electrified the genre and introduced audiences to a blood-stained extravaganza. And while there’s no discounting that the slasher flick welcomed a variety of scintillating characters, there’s one character in particular that stands the test of time — and that would be Helen Shivers (Sarah Michelle Gellar). Nearly 30 years later, the entire fandom is still mourning her loss, with many expressing that she should have been the undisputed final girl.

The resounding disappointment for the new Exorcist sequel is truly frightening

Without a doubt, the OG Exorcist film from the ‘70s is an organic piece of cinema that should very well be hanging in The Louvre at this point. That being said, David Gordon Green’s once-anticipated sequel hasn’t exactly matched similar hype — and that film has yet to even hit theaters. After early screenings in NYC, viewers were apparently not thrilled with the supernatural horror, with many scratching their heads and wondering why a sequel was even necessary in the first place. Not a good look, that’s for sure.

Crawl back in here on Monday, King kids, for a brand-new horror roundup.

From Halloween’s Laurie Strode to Ready or Not’s Grace Le Domas, the ever-popular horror genre has introduced thrill-seeking audiences to a plethora of memorable final girls. And while the majority of these familiar faces are etched in horror history and continue to be ired, let us not forget a handful of iconic characters that weren’t able to enjoy their moment in the spotlight as their film’s final girl. This is precisely the case for Helen Shivers from 1997’s slasher spectacle I Know What You Did Last Summer.

Portrayed by the ridiculously talented Sarah Michelle Gellar, Shivers was arguably the most iconic and memorable character from the film, although her tragic demise towards the ending minutes completely snatched her capability of becoming a final girl. This realization continues to creep into horror fanatics’ minds, with one over on Twitter taking a moment to ponder what could have been. You can check out the post for yourself down below:

Interestingly enough, 1997 proved to be an extremely difficult year for Gellar in horror films — with her character Cici Cooper in Scream 2 being tragically murdered as well. But despite her characters being killed off in separate movies, horror die-hards still have Gellar’s characters — Helen Shivers, in particular — in their hearts over 26 years after IKWYDLS first released in theaters.

Who knows? With an official legacy sequel already dotted on all of our radars, there’s no discounting that Gellar could either make a flashback appearance or return to the franchise in a completely different light. Either way, we’ll be seated for the blood-stained sequel when it’s ready to spread its wings.

In a bit of an awkward moment for the studio behind the planned sequel to I Know What You Did Last Summer, the film’s supposed returning star Freddie Prinze Jr. poured some cold water on the prospect of following up the fan-favorite cult horror classic. 

Prinze Jr. revealed that Original Film somewhat jumped the gun when the production studio announced a sequel which would see himself and his co-star Jennifer Love Hewitt reprise their roles was in the works. He told ComicBook:

“Original Films announced that Love and I were doing it. But they haven’t offered me anything. I sat and met with the director after they made that announcement, which I shouldn’t have done by the way. But it happens in our business all the time. I sat with the director, and she pitched me a cool idea. But we’ll see like that. I haven’t read any script and I haven’t received any offer. I’m just being all cards on the table. I don’t believe in being coy and keeping these silly Hollywood secrets anymore. I’m 47 years old. I don’t have time for that. The men in my family don’t live that long.” 

It seems then that the communication pipeline has broken down at some point between the star and the studio. While a continuation of I Know What You Did Last Summer still seems likely, a question mark looms as to whether one of its original stars will return.

The whole fiasco reminds us of the Alpine Formula 1 team prematurely announcing Oscar Piastri’s appointment to their team last year, only for the driver himself to debunk the press release, and announce he will be driving for McLaren instead. We digress, but both instances are amusing PR disasters.

It also seems that Freddie Prinze Jr. wasn’t the only one blindsided by the announcement – another star of the film also had no idea that it was happening prior to the studio’s reveal.