More than 26 years after the iconic romantic comedy 10 Things I Hate About You made its debut in 1999, director Gil Junger has exciting updates regarding its highly anticipated sequel and potential follow-up films. The original film follows the charming journey of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who plays Cameron, a high school student determined to win over his crush, Bianca. However, to achieve his romantic goals, Cameron must first find a suitable partner for Bianca’s older sister, Kat, portrayed by Julia Stiles, who is known for her strong-willed and anti-social demeanor. The film received widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences, prompting many fans to inquire about the future direction of this beloved franchise. After more than two decades of speculation, Junger is ready to provide some clarity on what fans can expect next.
As the excitement builds, Junger has revealed that he is in the process of crafting the screenplay for the 10 Things I Hate About You sequel in collaboration with Naya Elle James. This upcoming film is intended to be the inaugural installment of a planned trilogy, which aims to revisit the themes and characters that resonated with audiences in the original film. In a fitting tribute, Junger confirmed that the sequel will pay homage to the late Heath Ledger, who played a pivotal role in the original movie and left a lasting legacy in the film industry.
Exciting Details: Gil Junger Reveals Plans for a Heath Ledger Tribute in the 10 Things I Hate About You Sequel
In a recent conversation with PEOPLE, Junger expressed his enthusiasm for the sequel, stating, “10 Things I Hate About Dating is definitively in the works as a feature film. We’re developing it right now.” Alongside Junger and James, the original film’s producer Andrew Lazar will also reprise his role for this new project, ensuring that the sequel maintains the same spirit and quality that fans loved in the 1999 classic. The film is set to deliver a fresh take on romance while exploring the complexities of modern dating.
Similar to its predecessor, which cleverly adapted Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, the upcoming 10 Things I Hate About Dating will draw inspiration from Molière’s classic play, The Misanthrope, originally written in 1666. This adaptation promises to blend timeless themes of love, misunderstanding, and personal growth with contemporary humor and relatability, ensuring that both new viewers and returning fans find something to connect with.
When asked about the potential tribute to Heath Ledger, who tragically passed away in 2008, Junger responded with heartfelt sincerity, “I think that’s a beautiful idea, and the answer is now going to be yes. … He deserves to be loved.” This acknowledgment of Ledger’s impact on the film serves not only as a tribute but also as a reminder of the lasting influence he had on the film and its audience.
In addition to 10 Things I Hate About Dating, Junger has ambitious plans to expand the franchise further with two additional films titled 10 Things I Hate About Marriage and 10 Things I Hate About Kids. These future installments are expected to explore the evolving dynamics of relationships and family life, keeping in line with the humorous yet poignant storytelling that fans have come to expect.
