Unleashing the '90s Rom-Com Sequel: "10 Things I Hate About Dating"
Succession plan underway - Work in progress on the sequel's script.
Gil Junger, the mastermind behind the timeless teen comedy "10 Things I Hate About You", has somehow managed to resurrect the cherished classic - this time with a heartfelt homage to the late Heath Ledger, who played the charismatic lead in the original.
In an explosive interview with "People", the 70-year-old director spilled the beans about a sequel, tentatively titled "10 Things I Hate About Dating", with none other than Andrew Lazar (59), the original producer, on board. This first installment kicks off a three-part series, followed by "10 Things I Hate About Marriage" and "10 Things I Hate About Kids". Junger and Lazar have enough madcap ideas to keep us chortling for years to come.
"10 Things I Hate About You" revolved around the life of the intelligent and rebellious loner Kat Stratford (Julia Stiles) and her world being turned upside down by the arrival of the eccentric Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger). Just like the movie was a fresh retelling of Shakespeare's comedy "The Taming of the Shrew", the new film will honor Molière's classic play "Tartuffe", first penned in 1666.
Julia Stiles Returns to the Fray
Though the script is still in its infancy, the director's heart belongs to Julia. "I'd absolutely love to work with her again", he avers, referring to Julia Stiles' powerful portrayal of Kat Stratford, a role that has resonated deeply with legions of women.
Heath Ledger, tragically lost to us at 28, will be fondly remembered in "10 Things I Hate About Dating". When pressed about a possible tribute to the beloved actor, Junger grins, "You better believe it. He's an essential part of our story."
Key Players and Project Overview
- Project: "10 Things I Hate About Dating"
- Director: Gil Junger
- Original Producer: Andrew Lazar
- Writer: Naya Elle James
- Inspiration: Molière's "Tartuffe"
- Target Audience: Thirty-somethings navigating modern adult relationships
- Plot: Exploring dating in adulthood with the same comedic and emotional depth as the original[1][5]
- Casting: Plans to include original cast members in cameos or significant roles, with Julia Stiles and Larry Miller under consideration[5]
- Tribute to Heath Ledger: The sequel will pay a touching tribute to the late actor, recognizing his significant role in the original film's success[1][5]
- Trilogy:
- "10 Things I Hate About Dating"
- "10 Things I Hate About Marriage"
- "10 Things I Hate About Kids"[1][5], addressing different stages of life and maintaining the romantic and comedic elements that made the original such a hit.
- "I'm not gonna be able to do this" - Gil Junger, faced with the challenges of directing the sequel to his beloved film "10 Things I Hate About You", titled "10 Things I Hate About Dating".
- "The sequel, '10 Things I Hate About Dating', is a heartfelt homage to the late Heath Ledger" - a tribute fans of the original movie will appreciate.
- "Julia Stiles Returns to the Fray" - Stiles, who powerfully portrayed Kat Stratford in the 1999 film, is the director's top choice for the sequel.
- "Exploring dating in adulthood with the same comedic and emotional depth as the original" - The "10 Things I Hate About Dating" trilogy aims to maintain the romantic and comedic elements that made the original such a hit, setting their sights on thirty-somethings navigating modern adult relationships in the entertainment world of movies-and-tv, celebrities, and romance.
