Gil Junger, the mastermind behind the beloved 1999 teen rom-com 10 Things I Hate About You, has big plans for a sequel trilogy that’s sure to excite fans.
The director revealed that he’s co-writing a new script for a film titled 10 Things I Hate About Dating, which will kick off a trilogy of films. The sequels will continue the story with 10 Things I Hate About Marriage and 10 Things I Hate About Kids. While the project hasn’t been officially greenlit yet, Junger, along with co-writer Naya Elle James and original producer Andrew Lazar, is already brainstorming ideas.
The upcoming film will take the focus away from the teenage crowd and instead center on an older cast, shifting the narrative towards more mature themes. In a recent interview, Junger expressed his desire to reunite with 10 Things I Hate About You star Julia Stiles, who played the iconic Kat Stratford. He said, “I would love to work with Julia again. She shaped the lives of millions of women. That Kat character really spoke to young women in a very powerful way.”
While the director hasn’t yet made decisions on the cast, he mentioned the possibility of having cameos or even substantial roles from some of the original cast members. “If it resonates with them, I’d love to bring back some familiar faces,” Junger added, particularly hoping to work with actor Larry Miller again. The film also promises a heartfelt tribute to the late Heath Ledger, whose character, Patrick Verona, left a lasting impression on fans. When asked if there would be any nod to Ledger’s character in 10 Things I Hate About Dating, Junger’s response was touching: “He deserves to be loved,” he said.
Inspired by Molière’s 1666 play The Misanthrope, the upcoming movie will echo the same sharp wit and charm that made the original 10 Things I Hate About You a timeless classic. Junger reflected on the special screening of the 25th anniversary of 10 Things I Hate About You, where he had the opportunity to share the movie with his children. “It was amazing for me,” Junger said, noting that his kids, who weren’t born when the film was released, were able to appreciate its impact.
As fans eagerly await more updates, it’s clear that the magic of 10 Things I Hate About You is far from over. The sequel trilogy promises to bring a fresh perspective while honoring the original’s legacy.
