Jennifer Love Hewitt thanks LGBTQ+ fans for 'keeping Julie James alive'

Out: This new I Know What You Did Last Summer movie has some fun with Gen Z slang. Was there a term in the script that cracked you up or confused you? Is there any Gen Z phrase that you're secretly using and loving now?

Jennifer Love Hewitt: I have an 11-year-old daughter and a 10-year-old son, so I'm pretty up on things. I'm cooler than people think that I am. I think one of my favorite lines in the movie was, "This place is so beautiful, I could die." I just loved it because it's so true… And about to happen.

Is there a message you'd like to share directly with your LGBTQ+ fans who have supported you through the years?

Oh my gosh! First of all, my deepest gratitude for keeping Julie James alive, well, thriving, and celebrated. I feel so celebrated, and I cannot thank you enough. I would want to share, especially in this climate we're in, that you're loved. You are celebrated, not for who people want you to be, but for who you are. I am here, and I am always celebrating you the way that you celebrate me. I hope you feel my love.

What does it mean to you, personally, to be embraced as a 'scream queen queer icon'? How do you feel about your connection with LGBTQ+ audiences?

I mean, it's the greatest compliment in the entire world. I love to see people celebrating that Julie James is coming back. They are the loudest and greatest fans ever. I just really appreciate it.

Your 'What are you waiting for?!' scream is forever iconic. Do you remember filming that moment? Did you expect it to become such a defining 'scream queen' scene?

I scream it at my children to finish their homework (laughs). I have to be honest. [While filming,] I was like, 'Why am I screaming in the street, turning around?' and 'Can they see down my shirt?' The camera angle was high!

It was really great. At 18, I was in my head about it. But when I saw it for the first time in theaters, I liked the moment. It has literally followed me my whole life.

You once popped up on Boy Meets World as Jennifer Love Fefferman, which was hilarious and meta. Do you still get fans bringing up that cameo?

I actually get that moment in my career as much as I get Julie James. The last name gets me because I don't understand it (laughs). It was hilarious, and I had a blast.

Brandy makes a post-credits appearance in the film, so we're excited for a chance to see you and Karla Wilson team up. Any word on a green light for a sequel? And what's the best part about working with Brandy?

There has been no word on that yet, but I'm there. I would totally do a sequel, especially with Brandy. I think I just want people to know that she is as much an icon to me as she is to you.

Seeing her again… First of all, she looks incredible. She's gorge, and looks amazing. That character is so special to Julie and who she is, because it's Karla who accepts Julie. It's important for her to have that person. It was just so awesome.

Brandy is hitting the road for a tour! Do you have a favorite Brandy song?

So, my first order of business when I saw her again was to secure tickets, and could it be opening night? I also told her that I would throw my bra on stage and she was weirded out by that, but whatever (laughs). I want all of the songs, and I also told her that. And then I said, if she needed a backup singer, that she should feel free to pull me up.

As a certified 'final girl,' what's one thing you should absolutely never do when being chased by a slasher?

I don't understand why we run into places where there are no other people. Like, why don't we run into a crowd? Also, you pick up the phone, and you answer the door… What are you doing?! Don't answer the door. Stay in your house!

And call the police. Don't wait when you have a hook stuck in you. Also, stay in the crowds and stop going into the woods.

I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) opens Friday, July 18 in theaters. For tickets and more information, visit the film's official website.