The ’90s are making a huge comeback, and Jennifer Love Hewitt is proving it at the premiere of I Know What You Did Last Summer at the United Theater on Broadway in Los Angeles on July 14. The 46-year-old actress was a vision in all-black, making a stunning appearance that had fans buzzing with excitement.
A Show-Stopping Look on the Red Carpet
Hewitt turned heads in an ankle-length, form-fitting Rachel Gilbert Embellished dress, which featured 3-D jeweled beading that created an eye-catching effect. Her black pumps, which had textured silver accents, complemented the glamorous look.
But it wasn’t just her dress that had everyone talking—Hewitt showed off bold ginger-toned tresses that contrasted beautifully with her usual brunette look.
She paired her new hair color with a smokey eye makeup look and adorned her hands with multiple rings. On one wrist, mixed-metal bracelets added a touch of elegance to her red-carpet ensemble.
The Return of Julie James
The long-awaited sequel to I Know What You Did Last Summer picks up after the events of the 1998 movie I Still Know What You Did Last Summer. In the film, Hewitt reprises her role as Julie James, the good-girl character who has never been able to escape her haunting past.
The new movie, which opens in theaters on July 18, follows five friends who, after causing a deadly car accident, make a pact to cover it up. However, a year later, they are forced to confront their past when a mysterious figure begins stalking them with revenge on their mind. The storyline brings in survivors from the Southport Massacre of 1997 to help face the truth.
The film marks the 28th anniversary since Hewitt first stepped onto the red carpet for the Hollywood premiere of the original I Know What You Did Last Summer at the GCC Galaxy Theatre on October 8, 1997. At that time, the actress sported a sleek black and floral strapless mini dress with strappy sandals and a grunge-inspired makeup look.
Nostalgia, Anxiety, and a New Chapter
While Hewitt looked at ease on the red carpet, she admitted to feeling some anxiety before filming the new installment. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, she revealed, “I had total anxiety for 48 hours before [filming] because I was like, ‘Can I do this? Am I going to pull this off?’ It’s a lot of pressure.”
Despite the nerves, Hewitt gave her “stamp of approval” on how her character has evolved over the past 28 years. She also shared her gratitude for being invited back, saying, “As a female in Hollywood, in your 40s, sometimes you can feel forgotten about,” adding that she felt “honored” to be part of the new chapter.
A Heartfelt Reunion with Freddie Prinze Jr.
Hewitt’s return to the I Know What You Did Last Summer franchise also brought her back together with costar Freddie Prinze Jr. In the new film, Prinze Jr. reprises his role as Ray Bronson, Julie’s love interest.
The two will help guide a new generation of teens, played by rising stars like Chase Sui Wonders, Madelyn Cline, Sarah Pidgeon, Jonah Hauer-King, and Tyriq Withers.
Hewitt was full of praise for the new cast, calling them “phenomenal” and describing her role as more of a “proud mom,” encouraging the fresh faces to make the movie their own.
Nostalgic Easter Eggs and Twists Ahead
Despite the time that has passed since the original film, fans can expect plenty of nostalgia in the new I Know What You Did Last Summer movie. Hewitt teased in April, “There’s lots of twists and turns. I don’t think people are going to expect anything that’s coming.
It’s a really fun ride.” She also hinted at some ’90s callbacks and Easter eggs that fans will love, making it a must-see for both new viewers and long-time fans of the franchise.