10 Things I Hate About You trilogy in the works, but fans call it 'disrespectful' cash grab: 'Disservice to Heath Ledger '

Time of India

08-05-2025

Director Gil Junger is working on a follow-up to 10 Things I Hate About You, with a whole trilogy concept in mind. The first movie is titled 10 Things I Hate About Dating, and if it moves forward, it could be followed by 10 Things I Hate About Marriage and 10 Things I Hate About Kids. Right now, only the dating-themed sequel is confirmed to be in development, but the idea of expanding the story has already stirred mixed reactions.
Director Gil Junger shares early details and a Heath Ledger tribute
In a recent interview with People, Junger shared that he's co-writing the script with Naya Elle James. The project is still in its early stages and hasn't been greenlit yet, but Junger says it's actively being developed as a feature film. While casting hasn't been decided, he's open to bringing back familiar faces like Julia Stiles and Larry Miller. When asked about a tribute to Heath Ledger, who passed away in 2008, he said he hadn't thought about it until that moment but added, 'He deserves to be loved.'
The original film became a cult favorite
10 Things I Hate About You still| Credit: X
10 Things I Hate About You hit theaters in 1999 and quickly gained a loyal following. Its clever take on The Taming of the Shrew, mixed with standout performances from Ledger, Stiles, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and others, helped cement its status as a teen classic. The film's charm, humour, and emotional moments have kept it relevant over the years and led to a short-lived TV spin-off in 2009.
Fans feel the sequel might do more harm than good
Despite the nostalgia, many fans are skeptical about the new project. Some believe it could take away from what made the original so special, especially with Heath Ledger no longer here to be part of it. Ledger passed away in 2008 at the age of 28.
One user wrote, "This is a disrespect to Heath Ledger's memory, and these three sequels are pointless" and another mentioned, "Ugh…what a disservice for Heath Ledger. No one can top him or the story."
Ugh…what a disservice for Heath Ledger. No one can top him or the story. — Stacie (@StacieATyler) May 7, 2025
A third fan noted, "I get the nostalgia factor, but three sequels without Heath Ledger feels like a stretch. The original's charm was its cast and story. hard to recapture that magic decades later."
I get the nostalgia factor, but three sequels without Heath Ledger feels like a stretch. The original's charm was its cast and story . hard to recapture that magic decades later. — WisdomOrWhatever (@wisdomorwhtevr) May 7, 2025
One critic argued, "WTF??? Why?!? No sequels are needed. Dear Hollywood, I'm so sorry that you are running out of ideas. Perhaps you should look to new and upcoming talented writers, directors, actors, and visionaries to usher in a new era of entertainment for the masses. What you're doing just isn't working anymore, and the public is completely over sequels, prequels, and reboots. Please stop. You're wasting time and money and sacrificing the dreams of creative minds everywhere when you just pump this crap out."
wtf??? Why?!? No sequels are needed. Dear Hollywood,
I'm so sorry that you are running out of ideas. Perhaps you should look to new and upcoming talented writers, directors, actors and visionaries to usher in a new era of entertainment for the masses. What you're doing just… — 🪐Celestial Blue💚🥰🧘‍♀️🦋👽 (@CelestialBlueRa) May 7, 2025
For the unversed, 10 Things I Hate About You is inspired by William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew.
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