I Know What You Did Last Summer 2025: Netflix Release and Sequel

Few slasher franchises still manage to make audiences jump the way *I Know What You Did Last Summer* does, even after nearly three decades. The 2025 film, now streaming on Netflix, brought the fisherman’s hook back with a direct sequel that bridges the original 1997 and 1998 films with a brand-new generation.

Original film release year: 1997 ·
Sequel (I Still Know) release year: 1998 ·
Time gap to 2025 film: 27 years after 1998 ·
2025 film streaming platform: Netflix (October 16, 2025) ·
Franchise entries: 4 (3 films + 1 TV series)

The table below maps the franchise release timeline from 1997 to the present.

What’s the correct order of the I Know What You Did Last Summer movies?

The franchise consists of four entries across different decades. The correct viewing order starts with the original 1997 film, moves to the 1998 sequel, then takes a large leap to the 2025 Netflix sequel. The 2022 TV series on Amazon Prime serves as a separate reboot with new characters and storylines.

What is the I Know What You Did Last Summer book about?

Lois Duncan’s 1973 young adult novel tells the story of four teenagers who accidentally hit a pedestrian with their car and decide to cover up the incident. Their pact begins to unravel after they start receiving threatening notes from someone who knows their secret. The novel was published by Penguin & Random House and served as the foundation for the film adaptations.

How does the 2022 TV series fit in?

The 2022 Amazon Prime Video series, titled *I Know What You Did Last Summer*, is a reboot that modernizes the premise. It features eight episodes with a new ensemble cast and a contemporary setting while keeping the core element of a car accident cover-up.

Who was the killer in I Know What You Did Last Summer?

The original film reveals the killer to be Ben Willis, famously known as “the fisherman.” He is the father of a woman who died in a car accident involving the main characters.

What is the killer’s motive?

Ben Willis seeks revenge against the four teenagers for the death of his daughter in a hit-and-run incident. His identity is revealed at the end of the film, and his signature weapon is a large fishing hook.

Was the killer in the original film different from the book?

In Duncan’s 1973 novel, the killer is not a vengeful father but a more anonymous figure driven by the group’s cover-up. This contrast between the story origins creates an interesting change for fans.

Is there a sequel to I Know What You Did Last Summer coming out in 2026?

Reports indicate that a sequel to the 2025 film is in active development for a 2026 release. According to What’s on Netflix, early buzz suggests the story will pick up directly after the events of the 2025 film’s plot. The critical response to the 2025 film will likely influence casting and direction decisions.

What is the expected release date for the 2026 sequel?

No official release date has been announced by Sony Pictures or Netflix for a 2026 sequel. The rumor remains unconfirmed but widely discussed in entertainment circles.

Will the original cast return?

It is currently unclear whether Jennifer Love Hewitt, Freddie Prinze Jr., or Sarah Michelle Gellar would return. Their presence in the 2025 film confirmed their involvement, but contract options are not publicly known.

What is the critical response to the 2025 film?

The 2025 film has received mixed to positive reviews from critics. At the time of writing, it holds a 62% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film’s ability to reconnect the original slasher legacy with a new generation has been a key positive point noted by reviewers.

Summary

The *I Know What You Did Last Summer* franchise has proven that a good slasher formula, when handled as a throwback, can survive a 27-year gap. The 2025 Netflix film successfully connects the 1998-era lore with a modern cast, and early success points toward a 2026 sequel. For horror fans in the U.S., the choice is clear: stream the original films alongside the 2025 entry, or risk missing the hook.

The implication: Sony Pictures has built a bridge between generations, and the franchise’s future hinges on how many viewers walk across it.