Okay, brace yourselves, because 10 Things I Hate About You—you know, the 1999 rom-com that gave us Heath Ledger singing “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” and Julia Stiles as the ultimate feminist icon Kat Stratford—is getting three sequels. Yes, you read that right: a whole trilogy! Titled 10 Things I Hate About Dating, 10 Things I Hate About Marriage, and 10 Things I Hate About Kids, these films are about to bring back all the witty banter and heart-melting moments we’ve been craving. As someone who’s watched the original more times than I can count, here’s why I’m both freaking out and cautiously optimistic about this news.
A Trilogy That Follows Life’s Big Moments
Let’s start with the basics. Gil Junger, the director who made the original so unforgettable, is back in the driver’s seat, teaming up with producer Andrew Lazar (who also worked on the ’99 classic) to make this happen. The first movie, 10 Things I Hate About Dating, is already in the works, with Junger and co-writer Naya Elle James hammering out the script. The other two—10 Things I Hate About Marriage and 10 Things I Hate About Kids—will come later, each one diving into a different stage of life and love.
From what’s been shared so far, these won’t be direct sequels with Kat and Patrick (sadly, no Stratford sisters reunion). Instead, they’re more like spiritual successors, keeping the vibe of the original while exploring new characters and stories. Think of it like how the first movie took Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew and turned it into a high school love story—now, 10 Things I Hate About Dating is pulling from Molière’s The Misanthrope to tackle modern dating. The titles alone suggest we’re in for a journey through relationships, from swiping on apps to navigating parenthood, all with that sharp, funny edge we loved in the original.
A Heartfelt Tribute to Heath Ledger
Here’s where I got a little choked up. Heath Ledger’s Patrick Verona was the heartthrob of our dreams—those curls, that smirk, that serenade! His passing in 2008 left a huge void, and any 10 Things project without him feels bittersweet. But when Junger was asked if the sequels would honor Ledger, he didn’t hesitate. “I think that’s a beautiful idea, and the answer is now going to be yes,” he told Variety. “He deserves to be loved.”
I’m not sure how they’ll do it—maybe a subtle nod, a character inspired by Patrick, or even a dedication in the credits—but knowing they’re committed to celebrating Ledger’s legacy makes this feel so special. It’s a reminder of how much he brought to the original and why we’re still quoting “I hate the way you drive my car” all these years later.
Why This Isn’t Just a Nostalgia Grab (I Hope)
I’ll be honest: when I first heard about this, I was worried it might be another Hollywood cash-in. The original 10 Things is practically perfect, with its 71% Rotten Tomatoes score and a cult following that’s only grown stronger. Plus, there was a failed attempt at a sequel before. Back in 2012, Junger tried making 10 Things I Hate About Life with Evan Rachel Wood, but it was a totally different story about two people dealing with some heavy stuff. Production fell apart, and it never saw the light of day. Ouch.
But this trilogy feels different. For one, Junger’s sticking closer to the rom-com roots that made the first film a hit. The focus on dating, marriage, and kids screams universal appeal, and I can already imagine the relatable laughs (and maybe some tears). Plus, the timing feels right. The rom-com genre is having a moment—think Anyone But You or The Idea of You—and with 10 Things hitting its 25th anniversary last year, there’s a wave of nostalgia to ride. Oh, and did you hear? There’s a 10 Things Broadway musical in the works with music by Carly Rae Jepsen. Like, could this get any cooler?
What I’m Hoping For (and What Could Go Wrong)
So, what can we expect? No casting news or release dates yet, but I’m crossing my fingers for a fresh, charismatic cast—maybe some up-and-comers who’ll become the next Julia Stiles or Joseph Gordon-Levitt. I’m also hoping for those little 10 Things touches: a killer soundtrack, clever one-liners, and at least one epic romantic gesture. (Give me a modern-day equivalent of Patrick’s stadium serenade, please!)
But there’s a flip side. Without the original cast, some fans might feel let down. And let’s be real—rom-coms are tricky. They need the right mix of humor, heart, and chemistry, or they fall flat. Junger’s got to nail the tone to avoid repeating the 10 Things I Hate About Life disaster. Plus, living up to the original’s legacy is a tall order. That movie wasn’t just a teen flick; it was a cultural moment.
Why I’m Rooting for This Trilogy
Despite the risks, I’m all in for this. 10 Things I Hate About You wasn’t just a movie I watched—it was a movie I felt. It taught me it’s okay to be a little prickly like Kat, to fall hard like Bianca, or to take a chance like Patrick. The idea of three new stories that carry that same spirit, tackling the messy, hilarious, beautiful parts of life, has me buzzing with excitement.
Junger’s passion for the project is infectious, and with Andrew Lazar on board, I’m hopeful they’ll deliver something that feels fresh but familiar. Whether it’s a nod to Heath Ledger that makes us tear up or a new love story that has us swooning, I’m ready to fall in love with 10 Things all over again.
Source: People.com
