Is ‘10 Things I Hate About You’ Getting a Sequel?

It’s been 25 years since “10 Things I Hate About You” gave us iconic one-liners, high school angst, and Heath Ledger serenading Julia Stiles with “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” from the bleachers. Now (brace yourselves) it seems like a follow-up film might actually be happening. Full ‘90’s nostalgia? Right here.

Buena Vista/Getty

In an exclusive with People, director Gil Junger confirmed that a new movie titled “10 Things I Hate About Dating” is in development, with hopes of turning it into a full franchise. Think: dating, marriage, and kids; but through the same sharp, emotionally grounded lens that made the original such a teen classic. The best part? Junger’s aiming to include original cast members (hi Julia Stiles and Larry Miller), and yes, there’s even a tribute to Heath Ledger in the works.

From Teen Drama to Grown-Up Chaos

So what’s “10 Things I Hate About Dating” actually about? Junger told People that this new chapter is inspired by Molière’s “The Misanthrope,” which is basically French-lit speak for “a guy who has zero patience for other people’s nonsense.” Unlike the original, which reimagined Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” this story shifts into adulthood; focusing on modern dating struggles in your 30s and beyond. AKA: dating apps, ghosting, and that weird gray area where you’re not sure if it’s a date or just “hanging out.”

Junger is co-writing the script with Naya Elle James, and longtime producer Andrew Lazar is back on board. According to Junger, this new film is just the first in a planned trilogy: the follow-ups would be “10 Things I Hate About Marriage” and “10 Things I Hate About Kids.” Yep, we’re potentially getting a full cinematic universe based on all the messy stages of modern relationships and we’re here for it.

A Touching Tribute to Heath Ledger

Of course, no return to this world would be complete without acknowledging the late Heath Ledger, who played the effortlessly cool Patrick Verona. Junger revealed that Ledger had once expressed interest in doing a sequel called “10 Things I Hate About Me” before his untimely death in 2008. While that version never happened, “10 Things I Hate About Dating” will include a tribute to Ledger. As Junger put it, “He deserves to be loved,” per People.

It’s a sweet and thoughtful nod to the actor who helped turn a ‘90s teen rom-com into a cult classic. And if this new film captures even a fraction of the heart, humor, and emotional punch of the original, it’ll be worth the wait.

Buena Vista/Getty

The Bottom Line

This film’s cultural footprint has been huge… so much so that it even spawned a TV series of the same name that, while short-lived, managed to capture the same witty banter and high school drama that made the movie a classic. Looks like “10 Things I Hate About You” just won’t quit!

So, are we getting the nostalgia-fueled sequel we didn’t know we needed? It sure looks like it. Fans will just have to stay tuned to see what really happens.