What Happened to 10 Things I Hate About You?

Released on March 31, 1999, "10 Things I Hate About You" quickly distinguished itself within the burgeoning teen romantic comedy genre of the late 90s. Directed by Gil Junger and written by Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith, the film offered a clever, contemporary adaptation of William Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew," set in an American high school. It garnered generally positive reviews, with critics praising its smart screenplay and the breakthrough performances of its young ensemble cast, particularly Julia Stiles as the rebellious Kat Stratford, Heath Ledger as the enigmatic Patrick Verona, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as the lovestruck Cameron James.

The film's success, grossing over $60 million worldwide on a $13 million budget, was attributed to its ability to blend classic literary themes with relatable teenage angst, humor, and a memorable soundtrack. Its characters, particularly Kat, resonated with audiences for their complexity and refusal to conform to stereotypes, empowering a generation of young women. The iconic scene where Patrick Verona serenades Kat on the bleachers with "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" became a hallmark of romantic comedies.

A key turning point in the film's legacy was the tragic passing of Heath Ledger in January 2008. His performance in "10 Things I Hate About You" is often cited as an early showcase of his immense talent, contributing to the film's enduring re-evaluation and cult status. The film's continued popularity led to a television series adaptation, which premiered on ABC Family in July 2009 and ran for 20 episodes before its cancellation in May 2010.

As of 2026, "10 Things I Hate About You" remains a cultural touchstone, frequently streamed and celebrated on its anniversaries. The enduring appeal of the film was highlighted in May 2025 when director Gil Junger revealed that a sequel trilogy is in active development. The first film in this planned trilogy, tentatively titled "10 Things I Hate About Dating," is set to be a feature film loosely inspired by Molière's 17th-century play "The Misanthrope," targeting an older audience. Subsequent installments are envisioned as "10 Things I Hate About Marriage" and "10 Things I Hate About Kids." Junger expressed interest in having original cast members, such as Julia Stiles and Larry Miller, return for cameos or significant roles, while also planning to honor Heath Ledger's legacy.

Many of the original cast members have continued successful careers. Julia Stiles made her directorial debut with "Wish You Were Here" in 2024 and continues to act. Joseph Gordon-Levitt has transitioned from child star to acclaimed actor and filmmaker, actively involved in projects and advocating for digital rights, with upcoming projects in 2026. Larisa Oleynik has continued acting in TV and theater, with a role announced for 2026 in "POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women" at the Santa Fe Playhouse. David Krumholtz appeared in "Oppenheimer" (2023) and reprised his role in "The Santa Clauses" TV series (2022). Gabrielle Union continues to be a successful actress, starring in series like "Truth Be Told" (2023).