Jennifer Love Hewitt Is Confirmed To Return In The I Know What You Did Last Summer Movie

She Will Reprise Her Iconic 1997 Role

Ever since 2025’s I Know What You Did Last Summer was announced, fans have wondered which actors from the original film, if any, would appear. Both previous sequels to the 1997 slasher garnered negative reviews, but the new movie has viewers cautiously optimistic. Their hope was not unfounded, as Jennifer Love Hewitt has confirmed her return to the reboot: Love Hewitt will return as Julie James. Julie James was the role that solidified Love Hewitt as a scream queen, with horror fanatics remembering her as an iconic final girl. Love Hewitt’s return is a major development in the movie’s favor.

However, reprising one role means Love Hewitt may have to postpone another. I Know What You Did Last Summer announced the start of its production on December 3, while Jennifer Love Hewitt officially confirmed her involvement on December 13, 2025. With 9-1-1 on its winter hiatus to complete the second batch of episodes for season 8, it’s possible scheduling conflicts could arise and prevent Maddie from appearing in every episode. The promo for 9-1-1 season 8, episode 9 reveals a dramatic plot in the midseason premiere, but it suggests a more permanent absence for Maddie in the modern procedural show.

How 9-1-1 Season 8 Can Explain Maddie’s Potential Absence

The Actress Has Missed Episodes Before

Despite the teaser revealing that Maddie will be kidnapped by a serial killer, the ABC procedural has never killed off a main character in its nearly seven-year history. There’s very little chance 9-1-1 breaks that pattern with the pregnant, fan-favorite dispatcher. Plus, with Ryan Guzman’s Eddie already potentially leaving 9-1-1 season 8, it would be difficult for the first responder drama to offer a serious reason for Maddie’s absence within the narrative. If I Know What You Did Last Summer prevents Jennifer Love Hewitt from appearing on set for 9-1-1, there will have to be a more creative explanation.

Still, there are casual ways for 9-1-1 to explain a potential absence. Once Maddie survives her abduction, she may take an extended vacation with Chimney and their daughter, Jee-Yun. One of 9-1-1’s intense disasters could hit and leave her isolated from the main action. Her parents might call Maddie and Buck back to Pennsylvania, or she could be going somewhere special for prenatal care. Simplest of all, 9-1-1 could focus storylines on other characters without Maddie being necessary to the plot. It would be for the best. Julie James and Maddie Buckley are two of Jennifer Love Hewitt’s best roles, and both deserve her full attention.