More than 25 years ago, Sarah Michelle Gellar took on the role of Helen Shivers in I Know What You Did Last Summer. Helen was a beauty queen and one of several high school students who got caught up in a dark secret that eventually led to their deaths.
In the movie, Helen met a violent end at the hands (or rather, the hook) of a masked killer. This intense scene has remained memorable for fans, who often bring up Helen’s tragic fate when discussing the most shocking moments in 90s horror films.
With a reboot of the popular slasher film on the way, fans are curious if there’s a chance Helen could return, especially since Gellar’s husband, Freddie Prinze Jr., who starred in the original, is reprising his role. Some fans are even hoping that Gellar and Prinze might once again share the screen. But Gellar has already shut down any hope of her character’s comeback.
In a recent conversation with People, Gellar made it clear that Helen Shivers is not coming back. “I am dead,” Gellar said, leaving no room for doubt about her character’s fate. While her character may not be returning, Gellar still has a connection to the reboot.
Not only is her husband involved, but the film’s director, Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, is one of Gellar’s close friends. The two have previously worked together on the 2022 film Do Revenge, further strengthening their bond.
“My best friend [Jennifer Kaytin Robinson] is directing it, so we joke that I have an unofficial job, which is I am continuity,” Gellar shared. She went on to explain that she often helps her friend by making sure the details in the movie remain consistent with the original story.
“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,” she explained. Even though Helen won’t be returning, Gellar is fully supportive of the new film and plans to be involved behind the scenes. She said she would be there for her husband and her best friend every step of the way.
Gellar is excited for the film’s release and has already confirmed that she’ll be attending the premiere. “My husband is in the movie, my best friend wrote and directed it, [so] I think there’s a pretty good chance I will go to that premiere,” she said with a smile.
The reboot is described as part sequel, part reboot, and will introduce a new chapter in the slasher film series. The original movie was directed by Danny Cannon, and while specific plot details for the reboot haven’t been shared, it’s confirmed that Prinze’s character will return.
There’s also speculation that Jennifer Love Hewitt, another original star, could possibly make an appearance. Even though nothing has been confirmed about her involvement, the film will tie back to the original story in some way.
The cast for the upcoming movie includes several rising stars, such as Jonah Hauer-King (The Little Mermaid), Chase Sui Wonders (Bodies Bodies Bodies), Madelyn Cline (Outer Banks), Sarah Pidgeon (The Wilds), and Tyriq Withers (Atlanta). Gellar had nothing but praise for the young cast and is looking forward to seeing their performances.
“Jen’s put together such an amazing cast, and I’m so happy and excited for all of them. I will be there with moral support behind the camera,” she said, showing her full support for the project.
The reboot of I Know What You Did Last Summer is set to hit theaters on July 18, 2025. Until then, fans can rewatch the original film on Peacock and enjoy the nostalgia as they await the new installment.
