The original “I Know What You Did Last Summer” (1997) emerged as a key example of 90s horror. It was part of a surge in teen slasher films and included a top-tier cast featuring Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Freddie Prinze Jr., and Ryan Phillippe. With the eagerly awaited 2025 reboot of “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” fans of thelong-running horror franchiseare excited to see how the latest movie reinterprets the tale. The atmosphere and suspense will remain equally chilling, but a fresh set of characters are involved in a familiar threat, with the new release striving to appeal to both dedicated horror enthusiasts and those new to the genre.
This movie brought together a major hidden secret, a mysterious knife-wielding murderer, and an extremely eerie ambiance. Theunyielding tension and remarkable backdrop of this filmIt became a box office success and a Halloween classic. Even though the latest film will likely introduce some new aspects, the filming location continues to play a vital role in the story. For movie lovers and horror fans curious about where “I Know What You Did Last Summer” was shot, here’s what we have learned.
Where has “I Know What You Did Last Summer” been shot?
The original movie “I Know What You Did Last Summer” was mainly shot in Southport, North Carolina. This quaint coastal town had a mysterious appeal that was enhanced by its foggy streets, old piers, and historical significance. Southport provided an atmospheric setting that added to the film’s suspense. Scenes featuring fishing boats, late-night pursuits, and confrontations at the docks were all filmed on-site. Notable locations such as the Southport Yacht Basin and Fort Fisher contributed to the film’s somber visuals.per Town of Southport NC. Since that time, the location has transformed into a small horror attraction for enthusiasts. However, the nearby city of Wilmington, North Carolina, also functioned as a filming center, especially for interior shots and some studio production.
2021’s Prime Video Show Shot in Hawaii
Fans of the franchise are aware of the daring choice to launch an Amazon Prime series in 2021. Despite the show being brief and ending after just one season, it had a distinctive charm. Unlike the misty piers of North Carolina, this contemporary version was shot entirely in Hawaii,as IMDb reports. This contributed to establishing a fresh visual image for the franchise.
The show was filmed on the island of Oahu, where impressive coastal and jungle scenes created a varied but eerie ambiance. Although specific filming locations for this series haven’t been emphasized, spots such as Kualoa Ranch have been well-known for other productions, enhancing their appeal to tourists. Kualoa Ranch is a famous site that appeared in the popular movie “Jurassic Park.” The series brought in a new cast and narrative. Therefore, the shift in setting, from a small town to a tropical environment, helped set it apart from the original version.
In 2025, ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ Brings the Story to Australia
A small filming location that contributed to the production of the new movie was Los Angeles, California. This region provided some of the most well-managed environments for intricate interior scenes and nighttime filming. Many of the intense and confrontational sequences (as well as tight-space chases) were shot on soundstages and real sets. The scenes taking place on campus were filmed between February and March 2025 at UCLA.As Friends Group Name states, production in Los Angeles concluded on March 13, 2025, with the campus greens.
Here’s what is known about the primary filming site for the latest version of “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” which came out on July 18:
Maximize Your Time in New South Wales
Key Scenes:The new film was primarily shot in New South Wales, Australia. A wide range of scenes were filmed across various parts of Sydney, the capital city of New South Wales. It could be an enjoyable challenge for fans to identify all these locations. In general, outdoor sequences were filmed here because New South Wales stood in for the imaginary town of Southport.
Best Time to Visit:The optimal time to explore New South Wales is from December through February. The climate is mild and perfect for outdoor adventures. That said, this period is also the height of the tourist season, meaning travelers should be prepared for larger crowds and increased costs.
Transportation Options:Numerous travel choices are available for those in New South Wales. Trains, buses, ferries, and the light rail are frequently used in the region. However, typically, individuals rely on ride-hailing services or regional bus companies to move around.
Most of the production for the 2025 version of “I Know What You Did Last Summer” took place in Sydney, Australia. The choice of locations in Australia aimed to recreate the mysterious atmosphere of the original 1997 film. Watson’s Bay, a coastal suburb of Sydney, served as a key filming spot. The old piers, rugged shorelines, and hidden streets in this area provided a perfect visual representation of the first movie.
Filming took place in coastal and small-town settings, leading to the use of numerous other locations.As Soap Central reports, the regions of Paddington, White Bay, Watson’s Bay, and Breakfast Point played a key role in producing some thrilling moments. Newport Beach also contributed to the scene featuring bloody footprints. Overall, this part of Australia is filled with memories of the hook-wielding killer pursuing and trapping the group, who are fleeing from their pasts.
Things to Do:The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and Museum of Modern Art Australiaboth are excellent methods to discover the culture of New South Wales without the jump scares and tension.
Where to Eat:The Restaurant Hubertis an upscale, premium French restaurant with excellent reviews. Alternatively, for a more relaxed meal, visitors can trySOUL Dining, which provides reasonably priced contemporary Korean dining.
Where to Stay:There are numerous lodging choices spread across the city of Sydney. For a more upscale experience, theFour Seasons Hotel Sydneyis an excellent choice that is very conveniently situated. For a more affordable getaway, theSydney Boutique Hotelis a well-regarded option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Jennifer Love Hewitt’s age during the production of “I Know What You Did Last Summer”?
According to Screenrant, Jennifer Love Hewitt was only 18 years old during the production of the 1997 movie.
Who was the murderer in the first “I Know What You Did Last Summer”?
In the initial movie, the murderer was Benjamin “Ben” Willis,as Fandom confirms. He was also known as the Fisherman because of his lethal fishing hook. He targeted the teenagers because they struck him with their car the previous summer, thought he was dead, and attempted to conceal the event.
The post How to Visit the Set Sites from ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer,’ Then and Nowwas first published on Travel Noire.