Jennifer Love Hewitt Reflects On Iconic Horror Role In New Interview

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Jennifer Love Hewitt is taking a trip down memory lane and into her scream queen days, with fans voting passionately for it. The actress had a very soul-searching talk with Dread Central for their July online cover issue pertaining to the iconic legacy of Hewitt’s portrayal of Julie James in the 1997 horror film ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer.’ With cover art cleverly alluding to another thriller, the interview created a storm of excitement.

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It takes very little imagination to see in this digital cover great exultation for nostalgic-yet-cool throwback horror aesthetics. On the left half is a monstrous close-up view: Hewitt’s eyes glaring with a familiar intensity, perhaps sacrificing to open slightly in a sharp scream, hand gripping an antique flip phone-a definite call back to the notorious “I KNOW WHAT YOU DID” phone calls in the movie. To the right, a shadowy figure stands, the stitched-level cloak and hook shouting in echo to the exactly villain of the movie. It is an artistic visual love letter to the slasher film that chambered Hewitt as a horror icon.

But there is some funny side: The cover is also tongue in cheek at another project of Hewitt’s. Numerous commentators were quick to point out the similarity with the poster for ‘When a Stranger Calls,’ a 2006 remake featuring Hewitt as the lead herself. A fan wrote, “It’s giving When A Stranger Calls 💕,” while another jibed, “This looks like the cover from ‘When a Stranger Calls,’ and I would love a remake with Jennifer.” Word got around fast about the overlap, and Hortence packed the comments with playful comparisons and hopeful pleas to see Hewitt return to that role.

Not all were quick to catch the reference, however. One user confessed, “I thought this was Sandra Bullock 😅😂,” proving that even legends can sometimes be mistaken for other A-listers given the right lighting.” Another fan looked at it with sentimental value and said, “Your mom would be so proud that you’re being called a legend!” which was truly sweet with Hewitt’s mother having passed away in 2012.

The interview should then wind up to Hewitt opining about the lasting impact of Julie James, what it was like to be pressured into starring in a landmark film, and whether she would be game for a full return to horror (And whether, with endless clamoring for a ‘When a Stranger Calls’ revival, it’s all too much to hope for.)

And naturally- another reminder of sequel origins is rebuked any mention of ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer,’ with one excited commenter intoning, “When is the movie coming out?” to which another replied “The US release date is July 18.” It seems perfectly timed to in Dread Central’s feature to not only get the wind back up for Hewitt but also for the new movie.

Not to mention some overseas love for Hewitt. “Linda maravilhosa uma atriz incrivel,” commented a fan in Portuguese, meaning “Beautiful, wonderful, an incredible actress.” Sometimes admiration needs no translation.

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For die-hard fans of Hewitt’s scream-queen era and for those just now discovering her horror roots, this is the kind of cover story to get behind. A legacy, nostalgia, and an ongoing partner-in-crime with a well-timed flip phone. And now if just someone could take that call for a ‘When a Stranger Calls’ reunion…