Title: I Know What You Did Last Summer Reboot Underperforms at Box Office as Original Cult Classic Maintains Top Spot

I Know What You Did Last Summer Reboot Stumbles at Box Office
By Deirdre Durkan-Simonds for DailyMail.com | Updated: 21:46 BST, 20 July 2025

Sony’s revival of I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) reunited original stars Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jennifer Love Hewitt but failed to recapture the franchise’s success. The horror sequel opened to a lackluster $13 million domestically—the lowest debut in the series’ 28-year history.

Jennifer Love Hewitt reprised her role in the reboot, which struggled against superhero blockbusters.

A Shadow of Its Former Glory
The original 1997 film, a defining teen slasher of the late ’90s, opened to $15.8 million and grossed $125 million worldwide. Its suspenseful plot—four friends stalked by a hook-wielding killer after covering up a fatal accident—became a cultural staple. The 1998 sequel, I Still Know…, earned $84 million globally despite mixed reviews.

The 2025 reboot follows adult survivors dragged back into terror when new teens face similar threats. However, nostalgia couldn’t save it. Sandwiched between DC’s Superman and Marvel’s Fantastic Four: First Steps, the film landed in third place, barely outpacing Smurfs and A24’s divisive Western Eddington.

Critics and Audiences Unimpressed
With a $18 million budget, the film may still turn a profit, but its reception was icy. It holds a 38% Rotten Tomatoes score and a “C+” CinemaScore. Director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson humorously responded to critiques with a single-word tweet: “Camp.”

The reboot’s $13 million opening paled in comparison to the original’s success.

Superman Soars, Smurfs Sputter
Meanwhile, Superman dominated with $57.3 million in its second weekend, surpassing $400 million globally. The film’s steady 54% drop signals strong staying power, bolstering Warner Bros.’ plans for spinoffs like Supergirl and Clayface.

Other newcomers faltered:

• Smurfs, featuring Rihanna’s voice acting, earned $11 million despite its star-studded cast.
• Ari Aster’s Western satire Eddington, starring Joaquin Phoenix, opened to $4.2 million and a “C+” CinemaScore.

Superman’s $57.3 million second weekend cemented its box office dominance.

Legacy vs. Modern Audiences
The I Know… reboot’s struggle highlights the challenges of reviving ’90s franchises. While it nods to loyal fans, its tepid response underscores shifting audience tastes toward superhero epics and original IPs. As Sony regroups, the film’s modest budget offers a silver lining—but for now, the killer’s hook isn’t sharp enough to lure crowds.

Rihanna’s Smurfs reboot failed to enchant audiences, opening at $11 million.

Box office data via Comscore.