I Know What You Did Last Summer Goes Full MCU With Its Cameos

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Spoilers ahead for 2025’sI Know What You Did Last Summer.

In essence, while slasher and superhero films may appear dissimilar on the surface – one characterized by gore and the other devoid of much bloodshed – they share more similarities than one might initially think, especially with both genres evolving into long-running franchises over decades. The mythology surrounding slasher films is as fragmented as any Marvel or DC creation, yet equally filled with hidden references and Easter eggs. There have been instances where characters from different slasher series have intersected (such as Scream 2 being played on TV in Halloween H20, or Freddy vs. Jason), and there’s an unspoken understanding that these characters are never truly gone forever. Films like A Nightmare on Elm Street 4 may not have explicitly stated “Freddy Krueger will return in The Dream Child,” but the implication was certainly there. More recently, the influence of the Marvel cinematic universe has become increasingly apparent in slasher films. This can be seen in the updated Scream franchise of the 2020s and its adoption of common MCU elements: protective plot armor for beloved characters, an overuse of questionable CGI effects, and the reintroduction of familiar faces, even if their characters have perished. Just as Marvel brought Robert Downey Jr. back, Scream 7 has found a way to resurrect Matthew Lillard.

It’s no wonder that, following the trend of the MCU, post-credits scenes have made their way into slasher films as well. For instance, the Scream series started incorporating these scenes, with Mindy (Jasmin Savoy Brown) humorously pointing out that not all movies need such scenes. In contrast, the 2025 I Know What You Did Last Summer offers a genuine teaser of what’s to come by bringing back Brandy Norwood as Karla from I Still Know What You Did Last Summer. Freddie Prinze Jr.’s character Ray previously hinted that the 1998 Bahamas-set sequel is considered canon. As Karla and her husband watch a news report about Julie James (Jennifer Love Hewitt) surviving another massacre, they joke about how everyone seems to be trying to kill her, expressing hope that she’s receiving therapy.

Initially, the appearance of a reference that appears to be a light jab at a criticized sequel might seem innocuous. However, when Julie arrives at Karla’s doorstep and shows her a photograph with both their faces, except Karla’s has been crossed out, the situation takes on a more serious tone. The ominous message attached, “THIS ISN’T OVER,” intensifies this feeling. Instead of being startled, Karla is prompted to act swiftly – she’s eager to confront the Fisherman once more.

It’s uncertain if the potential follow-up of IKWYDLS featuring JLH and Brandy will indeed occur, with them hunting down another murderer. If it does, would the title remain I Still Know What You Did Last Summer? That’s a mystery. However, the inclusion of this mid-credit scene is a strong indication of how slasher series are now similar to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Your response might be influenced by your feelings towards Marvel films and also the intended tone of this scene. Since this new IKWYDLS appears more witty and self-referential than its predecessors, and since the credits scene reintroduces a character from an absurd film (“Ben’s son!”), it seems somewhat humorous. Yet, there’s a possibility that the upcoming movie will stick to its word. In contrast to Julie’s claim in this film that “nostalgia’s overrated,” the theater audience seemed to enjoy the Brandy scene quite a lot, suggesting they value nostalgia.

In my opinion,

I must say, the thunderous applause Sarah Michelle Gellar received when she made a cameo as Helen Shivers, the saddest Fisherman victim from the original IKWYDLS, truly resonated with me. As Danica (Madelyn Cline), who shares similarities with Helen in being a Croaker Queen and facing torment by a Fisherman for her role in covering up vehicular manslaughter, dreams of her predecessor, it’s evident that Gellar’s performance is exceptional.

Helen appears young and vibrant, thanks to the digital-effects team who have delivered some of the most convincing de-aging effects I’ve ever seen on screen. In a brief appearance, Gellar outshines Skeet Ulrich in recent Scream movies. Interestingly, Helen isn’t a force ghost or an angelic vision, making her even more terrifying than she would have been in real life. With a chilling line, “I didn’t want to die either, but we did a bad thing, and when you do something bad, you need to pay,” she snarls as her face transforms and she attacks Ava with a hook.

Essentially, this scene feels like enjoyable fan service for SMG fans who felt she wasn’t utilized enough on Dexter: Original Sin, and it carries a hint of the MCU style, known for its tendency to keep characters alive and catering to fans’ desires. While this isn’t inherently problematic in a film as entertaining as IKWYDLS, it does underscore a troubling trend that by 2025, all genres seem to prioritize intellectual properties (IP) above all else.

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2025-07-18 21:54