Freddie Prinze Jr. has shared his thoughts on how the horror landscape shifted dramatically with the release of James Wan’s Saw in 2004. The actor, known for his role as Ray Bronson in I Know What You Did Last Summer, believes that Saw transformed the way audiences reacted to the slasher genre, particularly after the impact of films like Scream in the 1990s.
In a recent interview with Extra, Prinze Jr. reflected on the cyclical evolution of horror films. “Every 10 years, horror films kind of evolve, right?” he remarked. “And it happens much more quickly than comedies or dramas or action movies or anything like that. And we had just come from a time when horror movies weren’t really being respected.”
The Shift in Horror Cinema
The 1990s saw a resurgence in the slasher genre, largely credited to Wes Craven’s Scream, which revitalized interest with its meta-commentary and innovative storytelling. Prinze Jr. noted that Craven’s work reminded audiences and filmmakers alike of the potential within horror, even when working with a modest budget. “It took Wes to come in and kind of remind people… ‘Look what you can do with a low budget but a great script that’s character-driven with wonderful set pieces,’” he said.
Following Scream, studios began to take more risks, exploring diverse scripts and ideas. However, the release of Saw marked a turning point. “All of a sudden Saw came out, which makes our movies not scary anymore… and kids are like, ‘Well, now I’ve seen this, so now your movie’s funny,’” Prinze Jr. explained.
Impact of Parody and the Legacy of Horror
The early 2000s also witnessed the rise of the Scary Movie franchise, which parodied popular horror films, including I Know What You Did Last Summer. Although Prinze Jr. hasn’t watched these parody films, Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, the writer and director for the upcoming sequel, is an avid fan. She expressed her hope that the new Scary Movie reboot would include nods to her work.
The original I Know What You Did Last Summer, based on Lois Duncan’s 1973 novel, premiered in 1997 and was followed by a sequel and a TV series. Now, the franchise is poised for a revival with a new legacy sequel featuring original stars Jennifer Love Hewitt and Prinze Jr.
Reimagining the Franchise
Director Robinson has promised a more intense experience with the new installment. In a conversation with PEOPLE, she revealed that the horror elements have been “ratcheted up to a hundred,” describing the film as “much more brutal” than its predecessors. “There’s definitely more methodology to every kill in this movie, unlike the first, which is kind of just him [the killer] stalking them and going after them,” she explained.
“There’s not a lot of gore or blood or violence in the first one. There certainly is in this one.” — Jennifer Kaytin Robinson
Robinson has also aimed to make the film accessible to both longtime fans and newcomers. “We very purposefully wanted to make this movie both for fans of the original who are coming to this and excited about the Easter eggs but also for a new audience that can find I Know and almost watch the first one like a prequel,” she stated.
Looking Ahead
As the horror genre continues to evolve, the influence of films like Saw and Scream remains significant. Prinze Jr.’s reflections highlight the dynamic nature of horror cinema, where shifts in audience expectations and creative storytelling drive the genre forward. With the upcoming I Know What You Did Last Summer sequel, audiences can anticipate a blend of nostalgia and innovation, promising a thrilling experience for both old and new fans alike.
The revival of this beloved franchise underscores the enduring appeal of horror and its ability to adapt and captivate audiences across generations. As filmmakers continue to push boundaries, the genre’s future looks as intriguing and unpredictable as ever.
