I Know What You Did Last Summer (franchise)

(Redirected from Ben Willis (character))

I Know What You Did Last Summer is an American horror media franchise owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment, and consisting of three slasher films and one television series based on the 1973 novel by Lois Duncan. The first installment was written by Kevin Williamson, directed by Jim Gillespie, and released in 1997.

I Know What You Did Last Summer
Official franchise logo
Created byLois Duncan
Original workI Know What You Did Last Summer (1973)
OwnerSony Pictures Entertainment
Years1997–present
Films and television
Film(s)
Television series
Direct-to-video

The first two installments star Jennifer Love Hewitt, Freddie Prinze Jr. and Muse Watson. Co-starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, in addition, the supporting cast includes: Johnny Galecki in the first film, with Brandy, Mekhi Phifer and Matthew Settle in the second film.

Novel

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In 1973, Lois Duncan's I Know What You Did Last Summer was published. It was republished as a tie-in to the film in 1997 and once again in 2018 with some of its content modernized. The film adaptation reenvisioned the story of the novel as a violent slasher film, as opposed to the slow-burn mystery nature of the novel.

Films

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Films U.S. release date Director Screenwriter(s) Story by Producer(s)
I Know What You Did Last Summer October 17, 1997 (1997-10-17) Jim Gillespie Kevin Williamson Erik Feig, Neal H. Moritz and Stokely Chaffin
I Still Know What You Did Last Summer November 13, 1998 (1998-11-13) Danny Cannon Trey Callaway Erik Feig, Neal H. Moritz, Stokely Chaffin, Jose Ludlow and William S. Beasley
I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer August 15, 2006 (2006-08-15) Sylvain White Michael D. Weiss Erik Feig and Neal H. Moritz
Untitled fourth film July 18, 2025 (2025-07-18) Jennifer Kaytin Robinson Jennifer Kaytin Robinson & Sam Lansky
and Leah McKendrick
Jennifer Kaytin Robinson & Leah McKendrick Neal H. Moritz

I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)

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After an accident on a winding road, four teens make the fatal mistake of dumping their victim's body into the sea. But exactly one year later, a mysterious fisherman begins stalking the friends.

I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998)

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The murderous fisherman with a hook stalks the two surviving teens, Julie James and Ray Bronson who left him for dead. Despite Julie's warnings, her friends do not believe her until it is too late, and the fisherman begins a second murder spree at a posh island resort in the Bahamas.

I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer (2006)

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A group of teenagers in Colorado find themselves being stalked and killed one by one by a mysterious figure with a hook, exactly one year after they covered up a friend's accidental death.

Untitled fourth film (2025)

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In September 2014, Sony Pictures revealed plans to remake the film, with Mike Flanagan and Jeff Howard writing the script. The film was a high priority and was initially set for release in 2016. The project required an estimated budget of $15–20 million.[1][2] Flanagan confirmed that his new iteration of the franchise would be a reboot and not include elements of the 1973 novel nor of the 1997 feature film.[3] The project was ultimately never made and was subsequently canceled.[4]

In February 2023, after years of remaining in development hell, a legacy sequel was announced to be in development with Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. in negotiations to reprise their respective roles. Jennifer Kaytin Robinson will direct the film from a script written by Leah McKendrick, based on an original story co-written by Robinson and McKendrick, with Neal H. Moritz serving as a producer. The plot is said to be similar in approach to Scream (2022), in which characters from the original film are included in a story featuring a younger cast.[5] Later in March, however, Prinze Jr. stated that he had not yet signed on to reprise his co-starring role.[6][7][8] In December, Hewitt stated that she would definitely reprise her lead role.[9][10]

In March 2024, McKendrick revealed that the influence of social media would factor into the film's plot.[11] In May, the untitled film was officially slated for a July 18, 2025, release date. Under Jennifer Kaytin Robinson's direction, from a script co-written by Kaytin Robinson and Sam Lansky, from a previous draft by Leah McKendrick, and based on the original story co-authored by Kaytin Robinson and McKendrick; Freddie Prinze Jr. was still in negotiations to reprise his starring role, while an ensemble cast was set to factor into the plot. The project will be a joint-venture production between Sony Pictures, Columbia Pictures, and Original Film; while Columbia Pictures will handle distribution.[12]

In July 2024, Camila Mendes, Madelyn Cline, Sarah Pidgeon, Tyriq Withers and Jonah Hauer-King were cast to star in the film.[13] A week later, it was confirmed that the film would continue the story from the second film.[14] In September, Mendes left the film due to scheduling conflicts,[15] Chase Sui Wonders joined the cast,[16] and Prinze Jr. was confirmed.[17] In October, Billy Campbell was added to the cast.[18] The castings of Nicholas Alexander Chavez, Gabbriette, Austin Nichols and Lola Tung were announced the following month.[19]

Television

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Series Season Episodes First released Last released Showrunner(s) Network(s)
I Know What You Did Last Summer 1 8 October 15, 2021 November 12, 2021 Sara Goodman Amazon Prime Video

I Know What You Did Last Summer (2021)

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Amazon Studios acquired the rights in July 2019 to develop a television series adaptation with Neal H. Moritz and James Wan producing.[20][21] Craig Macneill directed the pilot episode, written by Sara Goodman.[22] Madison Iseman, Brianne Tju, Ezekiel Goodman, Ashley Moore, Sebastian Amoruso, Fiona Rene, Cassie Beck, Brooke Bloom, and Bill Heck star in the series.[23] It was released on October 15, 2021.

Principal cast

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List indicators

This section includes characters who will appear or have appeared in more than two films in the series.

  • An empty, dark grey cell indicates the character was not in the film, or that the character's official presence has not yet been confirmed.
  •  P indicates an appearance in onscreen photographs.
Characters Films Television series
I Know What You Did Last Summer I Still Know What You Did Last Summer I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer Untitled fourth film I Know What You Did Last Summer
1997 1998 2006 2025 2021
Ben Willis
The Fisherman
Muse Watson Don Shanks TBA
Julie James Jennifer Love Hewitt Mentioned  
Ray Bronson Freddie Prinze Jr. Freddie Prinze Jr.  
Helen Shivers Sarah Michelle Gellar Sarah Michelle GellarP  
Barry Cox Ryan Phillippe Mentioned  
Karla Wilson   Brandy Norwood TBA  
Tyrell Martin   Mekhi Phifer  
Will Benson   Matthew Settle  
Amber Williams   Brooke Nevin  
Colby Patterson   David Paetkau  
Zoe Warner   Torrey DeVitto  
Lance Jones   Ben Easter  
TBA Madelyn Cline
Chase Sui Wonders
Sarah Pidgeon
Tyriq Withers
Jonah Hauer-King
Billy Campbell
Nicholas Alexander Chavez
Gabbriette
Austin Nichols
Lola Tung
Lennon Grant / Alison Grant   Madison Iseman
Margot Gilbert   Brianne Tju
Dylan Skanlon   Ezekiel Goodman
Riley Thacker   Ashley Moore
Johnny Lahela   Sebastian Amoruso
Oficial Lyla Kalei   Fiona Rene
Courtney   Cassie Beck
Clara   Brooke Bloom
Bruce Grant   Bill Heck

Additional crew and production details

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Film Crew/detail
Composer(s) Cinematographer(s) Editor(s) Production companies Distributing companies Running time
I Know What You Did Last Summer John Debney Denis Crossan Steve Mirkovich Mandalay Entertainment Columbia Pictures 1 hr 41 mins
I Still Know What You Did Last Summer John Frizzell Vernon Layton Peck Prior 1 hr 40 mins
I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer Justin Burnett Stephen M. Katz David Checel Mandalay Entertainment,
Original Film,
Destination Films
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment 1 hr 32 mins
I Know What You Did Last Summer
(TV series)
Drum & Lace,
and Ian Hultquist
Anka Malatynska & Shawn Mauer Ray Daniels, Trevor Baker, Jo Francis, Monica Daniel, Marc Pollon, and Christopher M. Meagher Mandalay Television,
Original Film,
Destination Films,
Sony Pictures Television Studios,
Atomic Monster,
Amazon Studios,
Off Center Inc.
Sony Pictures Television,
Amazon Prime Video
6 hrs 20 mins
(8 episodes)

Reception

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Box office performance

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Film Box office gross Budget Reference
North America Other territories Worldwide
I Know What You Did Last Summer $72,586,134 $53,000,000 $125,586,134 $17 million [24][25]
I Still Know What You Did Last Summer $40,002,112 $44,000,000 $84,002,112 $24 million [26][27]
Total $112,588,246 $97,000,000 $209,588,246 $41,000,000

Critical and public response

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Title Rotten Tomatoes Metacritic CinemaScore[28]
I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) 46% (78 reviews)[29] 52 (17 reviews)[30] B-
I Still Know What You Did Last Summer 7% (58 reviews)[31] 21 (19 reviews)[32] B
I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer 0% (7 reviews)[33]
I Know What You Did Last Summer (The Series) 41% (46 reviews)[34] 45 (4 reviews)[35]

Music

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Title U.S. release date Length Performed by Label
I Know What You Did Last Summer: The Album October 7, 1997 53:40 Various Artists Columbia Records
I Know What You Did Last Summer: Original Motion Picture Score October 7, 1997 50:44 John Debney Super Tracks
I Still Know What You Did Last Summer: Music from the Motion Picture November 17, 1998 50:57 Various Artists 143 Records and
Warner Bros. Records
I Know What You Did Last Summer: Music from the Amazon Series October 15, 2021 56:44 Drum, Lace & Ian Hultquist Madison Gate Records

Novelization

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In 1998, a paperback release of the screenplay for I Still Know What You Did Last Summer was published by Pocket Books.[ISBN missing]

References

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  1. ^ Miska, Brad (September 15, 2014). "'I Know What You Did Last Summer'... and It Was a Remake". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved September 15, 2014.
  2. ^ Thurman, Trace (April 7, 2016). "[Interview] 'Hush' Director Mike Flanagan and Actress Kate Siegel On Their New Thriller!". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved April 7, 2016.
  3. ^ Squires, John (June 26, 2017). "What's Going On With the 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' Remake?". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved June 26, 2017.
  4. ^ Jenkins, Jason (January 15, 2021). "Writer Jeffrey Howard Revisits His and Mike Flanagan's 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' [Phantom Limbs]". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
  5. ^ Kroll, Justin (February 6, 2023). "'I Know What You Did Last Summer' Sequel In Works At Sony With Jennifer Kaytin Robinson Directing; Jennifer Love Hewitt And Freddie Prinze Jr. In Talks To Return". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
  6. ^ Squires, John (March 13, 2023). "'I Know What You Did Last Summer' – Freddie Prinze Jr. Updates on His Involvement in New Sequel". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
  7. ^ Perry, Spencer (March 21, 2023). "Freddie Prinze Jr Breaks Silence on I Know What You Did Last Summer Sequel Plans (Exclusive)". ComicBook.com. Retrieved March 21, 2023.
  8. ^ Tinoco, Armando (July 30, 2024). "Freddie Prinze Jr. On Returning For 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' Reboot: "Both Sides Are Trying To Make It Work"". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  9. ^ Squires, John (December 8, 2023). "Jennifer Love Hewitt Says She Would "100%" Return for 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' Sequel". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
  10. ^ Squires, John (March 18, 2023). "'I Know What You Did Last Summer' – Jennifer Love Hewitt "Can't Confirm But Won't Deny" She's Back for Sequel". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved March 18, 2023.
  11. ^ Squires, John (March 6, 2024). "'I Know What You Did Last Summer' Writer Teases Upcoming Sequel; A Slasher for the Social Media Age?". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  12. ^ Grobar, Matt (May 16, 2024). "Sony Dates 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' For Summer 2025". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 16, 2024. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
  13. ^ Gajewski, Ryan; Kit, Borys (July 22, 2024). "'I Know What You Did Last Summer' Reboot to Star Camila Mendes, Madelyn Cline (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved July 22, 2024.
  14. ^ Gajewski, Ryan (July 31, 2024). "Brandy Wasn't Aware of 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' Reboot: "I Need Them to Give Me a Call"". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  15. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (September 4, 2024). "Camila Mendes Exits Sony's 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' Reboot". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 4, 2024.
  16. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (September 6, 2024). "Chase Sui Wonders In Talks For Sony's 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' Reboot – The Dish". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
  17. ^ Cordero, Rosy (September 23, 2024). "Freddie Prinze Jr. Officially Joins Sony's 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' Sequel Film". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 23, 2024.
  18. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (October 7, 2024). "Billy Campbell Joins Sony's 'I Know What You Did Last Summer'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  19. ^ Kroll, Justin (November 7, 2024). "I Know What You Did Last Summer: Lola Tung, Nicholas Alexander Chavez, Austin Nichols And Gabbriette Join New Sequel". Deadline Hollywood. United States: Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on November 7, 2024. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
  20. ^ N'Duka, Amanda (July 26, 2019). "James Wan Directing 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' Pilot for Amazon!". Bloody Disgusting. Archived from the original on July 27, 2019. Retrieved July 27, 2019.
  21. ^ Squires, John (October 14, 2020). "Amazon Orders Up "I Know What You Did Last Summer" Television Series from Producer James Wan!". Bloody Disgusting. Archived from the original on October 15, 2020. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
  22. ^ Otterson, Joe (December 9, 2020). "'I Know What You Did Last Summer' Series at Amazon Taps Craig Macneill to Direct Pilot (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
  23. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (January 11, 2021). "'I Know What You Did Last Summer': Madison Iseman Among Nine Cast In Amazon's YA Horror Series". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 12, 2021.
  24. ^ "I Know What You Did Last Summer". Box Office Mojo. IMDb. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  25. ^ "I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) - Financial Information". The Numbers. Nash Information Services, LLC. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  26. ^ "I Still Know What You Did Last Summer". Box Office Mojo. IMDb. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  27. ^ "I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998) - Financial Information". The Numbers. Nash Information Services, LLC. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  28. ^ "CinemaScore". CinemaScore. Archived from the original on April 13, 2022. Retrieved April 16, 2022.
  29. ^ "I Know What You Did Last Summer". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on January 4, 2020. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
  30. ^ "I Know What You Did Last Summer". Metacritic. Archived from the original on November 7, 2018. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  31. ^ "I Still Know What You Did Last Summer". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on November 29, 2017. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  32. ^ "I Still Know What You Did Last Summer". Metacritic. Archived from the original on April 24, 2018. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  33. ^ "I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on December 3, 2017. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
  34. ^ "I Know What You Did Last Summer: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
  35. ^ "I Know What You Did Last Summer: Season 1". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved October 14, 2021.