More than 25 years ago, Sarah Michelle Gellar took on the role of Helen Shivers in I Know What You Did Last Summer. Helen was a beauty queen and one of several high school students who got caught up in a dark secret that eventually led to their deaths.
In the movie, Helen met a violent end at the hands (or rather, the hook) of a masked killer. This intense scene has remained memorable for fans, who often bring up Helen’s tragic fate when discussing the most shocking moments in 90s horror films.
With a reboot of the popular slasher film on the way, fans are curious if there’s a chance Helen could return, especially since Gellar’s husband, Freddie Prinze Jr., who starred in the original, is reprising his role. Some fans are even hoping that Gellar and Prinze might once again share the screen. But Gellar has already shut down any hope of her character’s comeback.
In a recent conversation with People, Gellar made it clear that Helen Shivers is not coming back. “I am dead,” Gellar said, leaving no room for doubt about her character’s fate. While her character may not be returning, Gellar still has a connection to the reboot.
Not only is her husband involved, but the film’s director, Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, is one of Gellar’s close friends. The two have previously worked together on the 2022 film Do Revenge, further strengthening their bond.
“My best friend [Jennifer Kaytin Robinson] is directing it, so we joke that I have an unofficial job, which is I am continuity,” Gellar shared. She went on to explain that she often helps her friend by making sure the details in the movie remain consistent with the original story.
Still from the movie (Peacock)
“I’m always the one telling her, ‘Well, that would happen, or that wouldn’t happen with those characters,’ so I do have kind of an unofficial job title,” she explained. Even though Helen won’t be returning, Gellar is fully supportive of the new film and plans to be involved behind the scenes. She said she would be there for her husband and her best friend every step of the way.
Gellar is excited for the film’s release and has already confirmed that she’ll be attending the premiere. “My husband is in the movie, my best friend wrote and directed it, [so] I think there’s a pretty good chance I will go to that premiere,” she said with a smile.
The reboot is described as part sequel, part reboot, and will introduce a new chapter in the slasher film series. The original movie was directed by Danny Cannon, and while specific plot details for the reboot haven’t been shared, it’s confirmed that Prinze’s character will return.
There’s also speculation that Jennifer Love Hewitt, another original star, could possibly make an appearance. Even though nothing has been confirmed about her involvement, the film will tie back to the original story in some way.
The cast for the upcoming movie includes several rising stars, such as Jonah Hauer-King (The Little Mermaid), Chase Sui Wonders (Bodies Bodies Bodies), Madelyn Cline (Outer Banks), Sarah Pidgeon (The Wilds), and Tyriq Withers (Atlanta). Gellar had nothing but praise for the young cast and is looking forward to seeing their performances.
“Jen’s put together such an amazing cast, and I’m so happy and excited for all of them. I will be there with moral support behind the camera,” she said, showing her full support for the project.
The reboot of I Know What You Did Last Summer is set to hit theaters on July 18, 2025. Until then, fans can rewatch the original film on Peacock and enjoy the nostalgia as they await the new installment.
Ella Purnell has been shining brightly in recent years. From her fantastic role as mean-girl Jackie Taylor in Showtime’s survival thriller Yellowjackets to her praised voice performance in Netflix’s Arcane, Purnell has shown incredible talent.
She also starred in Prime Video’s Fallout, holding her own against Walton Goggins’ Ghoul. It’s clear that Purnell has no intention of slowing down, and audiences are loving every moment of it.
Her latest project, Sweetpea, is set to air on Starz. The show, adapted by Kirstie Swain from the popular book series, allows Purnell to find a new kind of character. She plays Rhiannon Lewis, a shy and overlooked woman who unexpectedly finds herself taking control of her life, even if it involves committing a few murders along the way.
Rhiannon Lewis, played by Purnell, lives a quiet and overlooked life. She is constantly ignored by those around her, from her co-workers to the cashier at the grocery store. Strangers on the street don’t seem to notice her either, often bumping into her without even an apology. This has been the story of her life since high school, where she was cruelly bullied by a group of girls.
The bullying was so severe that Rhiannon pulled out most of her hair. Although her hair eventually grew back, the emotional damage remained. She never fully recovered her confidence and now lives a mundane life, taking care of her sick father and working a thankless job at the front desk of a local newspaper. However, Rhiannon often fantasizes about getting revenge, keeping a mental list of people she would love to kill.
At first, these thoughts seem harmless. Many people have dark thoughts during difficult times but don’t act on them. But for Rhiannon, a series of unfortunate events begins to push her toward actual violence. It all starts with the death of her father, which sends her into a spiral.
Things only get worse when Julia Blenkinsopp, Rhiannon’s biggest enemy from high school, re-enters her life at the worst possible moment. This combination of events causes Rhiannon to snap, leading her to make some shocking decisions.
Still from the movie (Starz)
Rhiannon is stretched to her emotional and mental limits. After a night out, she lashes out in a fit of rage, attacking an unsuspecting stranger. The violence changes her in ways she never expected. This act of bloodshed becomes a turning point in Rhiannon’s life. It gives her a newfound sense of confidence and power. At work, she starts standing up for herself.
She even demands and secures a promotion from her boss, played by Jeremy Swift, moving up from front-desk duties to a junior reporter position. She no longer lets people walk all over her. On public transportation, for example, she makes sure manspreaders are uncomfortable, something she never would have done before.
This new attitude is directly tied to her violent outburst. Although the murder was impulsive, it gives her the courage to make changes in her life that were long overdue. Rhiannon starts thriving in her new reality, but it comes with a price. For the first time in a long while, people begin to notice her, which isn’t necessarily a good thing for someone with something to hide.
As a police detective, played by Leah Harvey, begins investigating the murder, Rhiannon realizes she needs to stay ahead of the game. The more confident and successful she becomes, the more danger she faces.
In Sweetpea, Purnell’s character is often overlooked by those around her, but viewers get an intimate look at her thoughts and emotions. Through Rhiannon’s voiceover narration, audiences gain insight into how she processes her experiences and why she feels invisible. The bullying she endured as a teenager has left deep emotional scars, and she has learned to shrink herself to avoid more pain. Her inner light, once bright, has dimmed due to years of mistreatment.
Purnell plays this complexity beautifully. At the beginning of the series, Rhiannon is quiet and submissive, avoiding conflict at all costs. But once she unleashes her anger, her transformation is remarkable. She blossoms into a more confident version of herself, unapologetic in her pursuit of what she wants.
Whether she is demanding a promotion or hooking up with a romantic interest she was too shy to approach before, Rhiannon’s change is evident. In one memorable scene, after surprising her new love interest at work, she grabs his face and makes sure he looks at her during their intimate encounter. It’s a powerful moment that shows how far she has come in asserting herself.
Purnell’s portrayal of Rhiannon is multi-layered, and she takes advantage of every opportunity to showcase the character’s range. Rhiannon’s emotions swing from calm and composed to wild and furious, often within the same scene. This emotional depth makes her character one of the most compelling parts of the show.
Still from the movie (Starz)
However, not all aspects of Sweetpea are as strong as Purnell’s performance. The supporting cast, while entertaining, sometimes feels underdeveloped. Jeremy Swift’s portrayal of Rhiannon’s boss is amusing, but it doesn’t stray far from the type of character he played in Ted Lasso.
In Sweetpea, Swift plays an oblivious and mildly sexist boss who refers to Rhiannon by a diminutive nickname, echoing the title of the series. Although Swift’s performance is solid, it doesn’t offer anything new.
Bridgerton’s Calam Lynch plays AJ, Rhiannon’s new co-worker, and potential romantic interest. Lynch brings a sweet and sheepish quality to the role, making it easy for viewers to root for their budding relationship. However, this subplot doesn’t feel as fleshed out as it could be.
On the other hand, Nicôle Lecky, who plays Julia Blenkinsopp, Rhiannon’s high school bully, adds more depth to the series. When Rhiannon and Julia are forced to interact again, the tension between them is palpable. Their shared history forces Rhiannon to confront the unresolved pain from her past, which complicates her journey toward self-empowerment.
The show also introduces Leah Harvey’s detective character, who is investigating the murders Rhiannon is involved in. Midway through the season, the show shifts focus to the detective’s perspective, suggesting that Rhiannon and the detective have more in common than it initially seems. While this shift in viewpoint adds a new layer to the story, some viewers might find themselves longing for the series to return to Rhiannon’s narrative, as Purnell’s performance is the standout.
As the show progresses, the outcome of Rhiannon’s story remains uncertain. Sweetpea leaves viewers on a cliffhanger, with Rhiannon’s fate hanging in the balance. The twist is both shocking and sets the stage for a dramatic and likely bloody finale.
While many shows in this genre struggle to maintain momentum, Sweetpea manages to keep audiences hooked, thanks in large part to Purnell’s magnetic performance.
Even with its minor flaws, Sweetpea proves to be an addictive watch. The series blends dark humor, psychological drama, and elements of a crime thriller into a unique and engaging package. Purnell’s ability to portray a complex character like Rhiannon makes this series worth watching, and fans will likely be eager to see where her character’s journey leads next.
The show is a testament to Ella Purnell’s incredible range as an actress. Whether she is portraying a meek and timid wallflower or a woman on a violent quest for self-empowerment, Purnell delivers a performance that will leave a lasting impression. Sweetpea may not be perfect, but it succeeds in keeping viewers entertained and intrigued, with plenty of surprises along the way.
