Jennifer Love Hewitt Honors Queer Fans for Keeping 'Julie James' Alive in Horror Revival

Jennifer Love Hewitt, celebrated for her portrayal of Julie James in the cult-classic horror franchise "I Know What You Did Last Summer," has expressed heartfelt appreciation for her LGBTQ+ fanbase. As the new chapter in the franchise arrives in theaters this July, Hewitt’s public acknowledgment underscores the deep and lasting relationship between queer audiences and the horror genre .

In recent interviews and social media appearances, Hewitt made it clear that the enduring popularity of Julie James is in large part due to the unwavering enthusiasm of LGBTQ+ fans. “First of all, my deepest gratitude for keeping Julie James alive and well and thriving and celebrated. Oh my gosh, I feel so celebrated and I really, really appreciate it,” Hewitt shared in a video message circulated by Out Magazine, directly addressing her queer supporters .

Horror films have long held a special place in LGBTQ+ communities, offering stories of survival, transformation, and resistance that resonate deeply with queer audiences. Hewitt, reflecting on her decades-long association with the role, acknowledged this unique bond. “I really feel like they are the reason why Julie James has achieved iconic status in this world. And I’m so deeply grateful,” she told Dread Central in an in-depth July cover story. She went on to say that the return of Julie James—and the very existence of the franchise’s latest sequel—would not have been possible without the vocal and creative support of LGBTQ+ fans .

The actress’s words come at a time of renewed interest in the intersection of queer culture and mainstream media, particularly in genres like horror where LGBTQ+ visibility has historically been both subtextual and, increasingly, explicit. Social media platforms erupted with excitement as fans celebrated Hewitt’s return, with hashtags like #JulieJamesReturns and fan art flourishing in anticipation of the July 18 release .

Julie James, first introduced to audiences in the late 1990s, has become more than just a "final girl"—she’s a symbol of resilience, survival, and self-acceptance. For many LGBTQ+ fans, the character’s journey through fear, isolation, and ultimate empowerment mirrors their own experiences. This connection has only deepened as the franchise has grown, with Hewitt’s own journey as an actress and public figure paralleling the evolution of queer representation in Hollywood.

Hewitt’s candid and celebratory attitude toward her queer fanbase stands out in an industry where acknowledgment of LGBTQ+ support is not always forthcoming. “Thank you guys so much for celebrating Julie and the movie and everything. I really appreciate it,” she said in a recent interview, reiterating her appreciation for the community that has championed her work from the very beginning .

The return of Julie James in 2025’s "I Know What You Did Last Summer" serves as a testament to the power of community-driven storytelling. Hewitt herself notes that the franchise’s survival—and her own enduring legacy as Julie—are thanks to queer fans who have kept the story alive through decades of sequels, reboots, and cultural shifts .

This moment also highlights a broader trend in entertainment, with LGBTQ+ audiences increasingly recognized as tastemakers and cultural stewards. As Hewitt steps back into Julie’s shoes, she does so with a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude—ready, as she puts it, to celebrate the character and the vibrant, diverse audience that has given her story new life .

For LGBTQ+ moviegoers, Hewitt’s return is not just a nostalgic event but a celebration of the ways in which queer communities continue to shape and sustain the stories that matter most.