I Know What You Did Last Summer Ending & Killer’s Identity Explained

Wondering who the killer is in I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025), how the ending plays out, and whether Julie James makes it out alive? The legacy sequel brings shocking twists, returning characters, and a deadly new mystery that redefines the franchise’s future.

Here’s a full breakdown of the killer reveals, major character fates, and what the ending sets up.

Who are the killers in I Know What You Did Last Summer?

I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) reveals that there are two murderers, Stevie and Ray, in a shocking twist at the end.

Stevie, one of the teens involved in the central cover-up, plots to murder her friends after discovering the victim they accidentally killed was Sam, someone she was secretly close to. Overwhelmed by grief and rage, Stevie seeks revenge on the group, initiating the killing spree.

Freddie Prinze Jr.’s Ray turns out to be Stevie’s accomplice. He initially appears to be a mentor and ally to the teens, but Ava later uncovers his involvement when she notices he shares a wound with the masked killer.

Ray admits he still suffers from PTSD caused by the original murders and resents Southport for moving on. These feelings drive him to join Stevie in punishing the teens. During the final confrontation, Ava seizes the moment and kills Ray with a spear gun while Julie distracts him.

Does Jennifer Love Hewitt’s Julie James die in I Know What You Did Last Summer?

Jennifer Love Hewitt’s character, Julie James, survives in I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025).

She is the last remaining original main character after Ray’s death. Julie plays a crucial role in the film’s climax, confronting both Ray and the trauma from the original killings.

Julie aids Ava during the final fight with Ray and survives her latest encounter with death. Though Stevie is presumed dead earlier in the film, the ending implies she is still alive. Ava tells Danica that Stevie survived, setting up her potential return.

A post-credits scene features Julie visiting Brandy’s character Karla Wilson, warning her about a new threat, and hinting at a sequel. Julie and Karla prepare to uncover the source of the new message, positioning them as central figures in the franchise’s next chapter.