The 2025 reboot of ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ has stirred conversations with its unexpected twist ending. Director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson shares insights into the film’s conclusion and character motivations.
Understanding the Twist Ending of ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ (2025)
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!
The 2025 reboot of I Know What You Did Last Summer has hit theaters, and director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson is addressing the film’s controversial twist ending.
In this iteration, akin to the original 1997 film, a group of friends is haunted by a stalker who is aware of a horrific incident from their past.
Robinson acknowledged that she anticipated mixed reactions to the film’s conclusion.
Keep reading to discover more…
The Shocking Revelation
In the 2025 movie, one of the killers is revealed to be Ray Bronson, a character originally portrayed by Freddie Prinze Jr. in the first film. His motive stems from anger over the town’s efforts to erase the 1997 massacre in favor of tourism, compelling him to remind everyone of the fisherman’s murderous rampage by assisting his employee Stevie (Sarah Pidgeon) in avenging her friends involved in a deadly car accident.
Julie James (Jennifer Love Hewitt), now a psychology professor and Ray’s ex-wife, confronts him at the film’s climax. Just as Ray is about to kill Julie, he is shot from behind with a harpoon gun by Ava (Chase Sui Wonders).
Director’s Perspective
“Do I think people might not like it? Sure,” Jennifer confessed to People. “But for me, it was always about taking a risk. If not everyone enjoys it, that’s okay. We need more films that spark debate on the ride home.”
Freddie shared that he and the director discussed the reasons behind Ray’s transformation into a killer, exploring how trauma impacts individuals differently. “It can make you or break you. What happens if it breaks you? How do you respond to situations? Some viewers may react strongly, but I had to create this character because I believe in his choices, regardless of others’ expectations.”
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“I appreciate what they’ve done with Ray. Jen Robinson and co-writer Sam Lansky invested significant effort into developing Ray and Julie, making them pivotal to the film. Audiences will see who Ray was, who he is now, and what transpired in between,” Freddie added.
Reflections on the Twist
Jennifer also expressed initial surprise at the twist but later found it logical. “If you analyze his character throughout the films, it makes sense. He was always a troubled, dark kid uncertain about his place in Southport and burdened by his past.”
“Though I was initially shocked by the twist,” she continued, “upon reflection, it felt coherent. When Julie realizes this in the film, I aimed to portray her reaction subtly, allowing viewers to question why she wasn’t shocked.”
“The idea of how the traumatic event affected both Julie and Ray in contrasting ways fascinated me,” she noted.
“I appreciated the arc of ‘you die a hero or live long enough to become the villain.’ I believe that unresolved trauma—especially in men who avoid confronting their emotions—can profoundly alter a person in ways they might not recognize.”
“This concept intrigued me. I approached Sony with my vision, and they agreed. I pitched the character’s journey to Freddie, and he was on board, leading us to bring this story to life.”
Don’t miss the incredible end credits scene that will leave you wanting more.
