Julia Stiles Shares Best Memory of Filming 10 Things I Hate About You

As a die-hard fan of ’90s teen movies, I can’t help but feel nostalgic when reflecting on the 20th anniversary of “10 Things I Hate About You.” This film holds a special place in my heart, not only because it’s a classic example of a well-crafted romantic comedy, but also due to the exceptional talent that graced our screens in the form of Heath Ledger.

Julia Stiles didn’t hate filming 10 Things I Hate About You.

Absolutely nowhere near, not even slightly so, not in the slightest bit. To be precise, with a nostalgic heart, she recalls her past while reminiscing about the 1999 movie where she worked with the late Heath Ledger.

She shared with TopMob News during an exclusive chat at the Gotham Awards that it was incredibly enjoyable for her. She couldn’t contain her excitement about being there, and neither could the other performers. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of freedom and joy, as we all laughed on set every single day.

She continued, “It was just such a wonderful fun summer. Such a dream for a senior in high school.”

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the movie, and Julia remains deeply appreciative that it still speaks profoundly to audiences.

25 years on, I’m still over the moon and filled with joy that folks continue to discuss that groundbreaking movie! Playing my debut significant role in it was more than just acting – it resonated deeply within me. It was a character that truly struck a chord in me, and now, learning that audiences are still engaging in conversations about it decades later is the kind of dream every artist yearns for.

Since the release of the movie “10 Things I Hate About You“, which featured Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Julia has from time to time discussed the romantic connection she shared with Heath, her co-star and first on-screen kiss.

In 2014, she shared with Us Weekly about the Australian actor: “He was incredibly kind. He had an immense presence; even at his young age, he was an incredibly potent and delightful individual.

In addition, she expressed her feelings upon discovering he passed away in 2008 at age 28. “Heath and I didn’t maintain contact after our project concluded,” she stated to Australia’s ABC in 2016. “When I received news of his demise, I was deeply saddened, utterly shocked. He was an extraordinary individual, full of energy, particularly during the most promising phase of his life.

Since the release of that timeless teen flick, Julia has maintained a flourishing acting career and recently made her directorial debut with the movie “Wish You Were Here,” which was completed in February.

In her personal sphere, she’s taken on the role of mother to three, including husband Preston Cook. Besides sons Strummer, aged 7, and Arlo, aged 2, the actress from “Save the Last Dance” and Preston have quietly added a third child to their family in 2023, amid her directorial debut.

Earlier this year, Julia shared with The New York Times that she feels much like a mix of various emotions. This is due to the fact that she currently has a 5-month-old baby and is directing her first film for the first time.

As a devoted follower, I’ve noticed that the couple prefers to maintain privacy regarding Julia’s pregnancy and the arrival of their newborn. However, it’s fascinating to see how, in reflecting upon her role as a mother, the Jason Bourne alum has shed light on how this experience has equipped her for her directorial endeavors.

She clarified that it’s crucial to plan ahead by considering potential future outcomes while still staying focused on the current situation. This means excelling in managing time, as well as being attuned to others’ requirements and providing guidance, all while maintaining clear boundaries.

Despite both caring for a newborn and working on a film causing her to be severely sleep-deprived, she also expressed that she felt more invigorated than she had ever been.

In the interim, as we anticipate Julia’s movie “Wish You Were Here,” let’s delve into some exclusive backstage facts about “10 Things I Hate About You.

–Reporting by Emily Curl

During their on-screen courtship, Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger reportedly developed a relationship off-screen. This added authenticity to their romantic storyline, making the film’s love story, much like the star-crossed relationships in “The Notebook” or “Twilight”, all the more compelling.

Moreover, Heath was Julia’s first onscreen kiss.

In a conversation with Us Weekly in 2014, Stiles described his late costar as exceptionally kind. He exuded an incredible strength; at such a young age, he was already a highly influential and delightful individual, recalled Stiles. Working alongside him was an extraordinary experience, he added.

2016 saw Stiles becoming more open with Australia’s ABC. He shared, “After the filming wrapped up, Heath and I lost touch, but when I learned about his passing, I was deeply saddened and utterly shocked. He was an extraordinary individual, full of energy, a true powerhouse, especially during such a pivotal period in his life.

As a die-hard enthusiast, I must confess that the screenplay was masterfully crafted by Kirsten Smith and Karen McCullah Lutz for the first time in cinema. These brilliant wordsmiths later penned the witty scripts for beloved films such as Legally Blonde, Ella Enchanted, She’s the Man, The Ugly Truth, and The House Bunny.

In 2015, McCullah shared that they had always wanted to create a teen movie. When “Clueless” was released, they admired Amy Heckerling for modernizing Jane Austen’s “Emma,” so they decided to attempt something similar. They selected “Taming of the Shrew” as their source material, identified which parts to maintain and update, and planned out how they would approach it. While lounging on a beach in Mexico, they mapped out all the characters and the storyline for their project.

They were long-distance writing partners and would send pages back and forth via express mailing service Airborne.

It’s easy to see where the empowered Kat got her modern-day spirit—and the entire movie got its fresh, witty and whip-smart vibe.

McCullah described their work to BuzzFeed News as “badass and full of mirth.”

Smith stated, “I believe our creation is those brave, witty women characters who, in their self-assuredness, possess a certain level of rebelliousness. They may not realize it, but they are shaping the world in profound ways.

According to Smith, there was a message which read, “‘What’s causing her anger?'” He recounted. To this, McCullah added, “They failed to comprehend that as a teenage girl, sometimes you just feel angry due to all the nonsense you have to endure.

McCullah and Smith hurriedly completed their rewrite of the teen romance screenplay as they learned that Disney’s Touchstone Pictures was planning to produce one. They aimed to submit it first, hoping to surpass another script titled “School Slut” that the studio had already purchased.

Somehow, that one didn’t end up getting made. By Disney.

The title of the victorious film, “10 Things I Hate About You,” on the other hand, drew its inspiration from a genuine list that author McCullah compiled regarding a past high school boyfriend.

She explained during an interview with UCTV that the title was inspired by a journal entry she wrote in high school. At the time, she had a boyfriend named Anthony who often caused her distress. She created a list titled “Things I Dislike About Anthony.” When Kirsten and she decided to write their story, she revisited her high school diaries to refresh her memory of those emotional times. Upon sharing with Kirsten about the list, she responded, “That’s our title.

Furthermore, “Anthony takes great pride in that detail,” McCullah pointed out. “We remain friends to this day. Occasionally, I receive an unexpected call in the dead of night: ‘My nephew doubts the title refers to me. Inform him.’ On these calls, I often respond, ‘Yes, I used to dislike Anthony at school.’

According to producer Andrew Lazar, we encountered numerous actors, but midway through our search, we unexpectedly found a remarkable young woman whom we believed was ideal for the leading part – she was Julia Stiles. From thereon, our focus shifted towards discovering the ideal male actor to star alongside her.

Reflect for a moment on this intriguing scenario: The thought of any other actors stepping into these leading roles seems unimaginable; however, Larisa Oleynik, who was quite popular due to her success on Nickelodeon from “The Secret World of Alex Mac,” actually aspired to portray Kat. This sparked a rumor, since disproven, suggesting that Julie Stiles might have been interested in the role of Bianca.

Whaaat?

In some instances, it wasn’t necessarily Stiles or Ledger who were up for playing Kat and Patrick. In fact, Josh Hartnett and Ashton Kutcher were considered for the role of Patrick. Additionally, Hartnett performed a screen test alongside Eliza Dushku, who had recently gained fame from her character Faith in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Producer Andrew Lazar reminisced that the three prospective leading men were exceptional. He mentioned that they auditioned numerous actors numbering in the hundreds, ultimately narrowing it down to Stiles among them.

According to casting director Marcia Ross, who spoke with The New York Times in 2019, both Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger had an exceptional connection on-screen. She also shared that she was fond of Katie Holmes, who was soon to star in Dawson’s Creek. Another contender for the role was Kate Hudson, but her mother didn’t approve of the script, so she declined the part instead.

Interestingly enough, these names seem quite recognizable. High school had its allure for Hartnett, who was a prominent figure in “The Virgin Suicides,” while Dushku continues to win our applause in “Bring It On.” Additionally, Goldie Hawn recognized the potential in Hudson during “Almost Famous,” a role that earned him an Oscar nomination.

In a conversation with the New York Times, Oleynik revealed that she tried out for both Kat and Bianca right up until the very last moment. She admitted to being deeply invested in landing the role of Kat, to the point where she felt compelled to demonstrate her suitability for the part. By the time auditions for Bianca came around, she was so focused on proving herself that she approached it casually, which likely contributed to her success since she was incredibly relaxed during the process.

It’s hardly surprising that Oleynik appeared suitable for Kat, given that she was the one who ultimately enrolled at Sarah Lawrence College, the dream school of the older Stratford sister, in New York.

In 2006, when I shared my thoughts with Girls’ Life, I proudly declared that attending college was the most rewarding decision I’ve ever made. I had a clear vision: I yearned to immerse myself in academic pursuits for four years, and New York City was where I wanted to achieve this dream. Among the various subjects that captivated me, my favorite were the writing workshops. I delved into poetry classes, honed my skills in playwriting, and explored screenwriting. These creative spaces offered a nurturing environment that fostered both personal growth and productivity. The camaraderie was exceptional; everyone was considerate and humble, recognizing that no one had all the answers.

Regarding Stiles, she shared with Entertainment Weekly, “I was yearning for the role. It was invigorating to encounter a teenage girl who was so spirited. I felt the writers had an amusing skepticism that isn’t often present in typical teen romantic comedies.

As a prospective actor, I often found myself auditioning for roles, particularly in commercials. More often than not, they would inform me that I lacked the required bubbliness and seemed too serious or angry instead. When I came across the character Kat, it felt like a perfect fit because of its similarities to my own personality!

Turns out Joseph Gordon-Levitt and David Krumholtz wanted each other’s parts too!

As a follower who’s always eager to take on challenging roles, I had set my heart on portraying Cameron. However, given my past collaborations with Gil on several TV productions and his confidence in my ability to convincingly embody Michael – the neurotic Jewish character – it seemed more feasible for me. I was aware that Joe also harbored a strong desire to play Michael.

According to Gordon-Levitt himself, he tried out for both Krumholtz’s character and his own role, as he found the former amusing. Later, Gil decided that Gordon-Levitt would portray Cameron instead.

In an interview included in the 10th-anniversary DVD extras, director Gil Junger explained that the character of Patrick Verona required a natural masculinity without affectation, intelligence, detachment, and extraordinary charm. He noted that this was a complex role and they had auditioned countless actors for it.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase it as follows:

According to Ledger, Hamlet was the role he yearned to play above all others, but a strong runner-up for him was Petruchio in “The Taming of the Shrew”. He mentioned that this particular role was the closest experience he’s had so far to playing Petruchio, as he flashed his trademark wide smile.

In a different interview, the 18-year-old shared, “I’ve incorporated elements from Richard Burton’s portrayal of that character in the most famous version of ‘The Taming of the Shrew,’ but my Patrick has a touch of Jack Nicholson’s charm and mischief, seen in his playful expressions.

It remains uncertain how Ledger might have appeared to be someone who would consume a live duck, contrary to one rumor about Patrick. However, when he eventually arrived on set during filming, a week after, the actor was just as enigmatic as he had been fresh from his role in the Australian television series titled “Roar.

In 2015, David Krumholtz wrote for Vulture that we had merely heard tales from the producers regarding a charming and handsome Australian from Perth who sported an endearing smile. We had formed such deep bonds of friendship among ourselves… We were curious about how someone named Heath could possibly fit into our close-knit group. However, it didn’t take us long to realize that having Heath as part of the group made it even stronger.

In the movie “Bring It On” from 2000, Gabrielle Union was nearly a decade older than the actors who portrayed her contemporaries, but her timeless appearance made age seem almost insignificant for this ever-youthful actress.

In an interview with the Times, Union expressed that she was significantly older than some of her fellow cast members who were still in high school. This made her question how much her role resembled her own high school years and if it seemed strange for her to play a 15-year-old character without mentioning her age or referencing Earth Wind & Fire.

Padua High School, in fact, is Stadium High School located in Tacoma, Washington. This public school is situated with a view of Commencement Bay and, surprisingly, was initially planned as a grand hotel. Consequently, it boasts the architectural structure of a French chateau.

Construction began in 1891. The Panic of 1893 sent investors scurrying and the unfinished building was used as a storage facility until a fire gutted the structure in 1898. The Tacoma School District purchased the shell in 1904, local noted architect Frederick Heath finished the job and the school was open for learning in 1906.

The 15,000-capacity Stadium Bowl, where Patrick performed his routine, is a facility jointly used by Stadium High School and Woodrow Wilson High School.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Larisa Oleynik portrayed an on-again, off-again teen couple in the show “3rd Rock From the Sun“. This role helped bridge the gap between child and teen stardom for JGL, a transition he never hesitated to make.

Honestly speaking, I wasn’t keen on making a high school romantic comedy,” Gordon-Levitt shared with the Times. “My preference was for Sundance films. I consider myself fortunate that five years later, I got to work on projects like those. In reality, I was either too green or overly confident at 17.

In a situation where it was apparent that Andrew Keegan was struggling in an area outside his artistic comfort zone, David Krumholtz provided some helpful advice, as he found himself being the unwilling subject of a rather inappropriate sketch on his face. This incident took place when Mike presented his groundbreaking idea to Joey.

In an interview with Huffington Post in 2014, Krumholtz shared that he had to guide Andrew Keegan on how to draw a well-proportioned caricature of a male genitalia on his face. This was an unusual task for him, but he reassured Keegan, who was nervous, saying, “I draw many such figures. Start with the head, then move to the shaft, and don’t forget the balls. Make sure to add some hair on the scrotum.” The result was a well-drawn caricature, a chubby figure that was almost finished.

In 2019, Keegan agreed with what he read in The New York Times, stating, “To be honest, I wasn’t familiar with the process of drawing a caricature on someone’s face, and it seems that David was the one who assisted me creatively with that aspect.

As a connoisseur of holistic living, having established the sanctuary known as Full Circle in the heart of Venice, California, I can confidently say that I feel I’ve done a commendable job in bringing to life the spiritual and wellness ethos that has been part of my journey for many years.

Krumholtz remarked, “It’s still common to hear someone say, ‘Don’t I look like I have a face full of noses?’ In response, I find myself saying, ‘You got me.’ This phrase has stayed with me throughout my life, and it’s amazing.

In a conversation with Broadly, Smith recalled his initial reaction upon seeing Kat’s room for the first time, which was something like, “Why does the room look this way?” He felt displeased about the music, as he had imagined a much harder, riot grrrl soundtrack. However, despite his initial doubts, the collaboration ultimately turned out wonderfully. This experience taught him that, at times, one might hold onto an idealized vision of something, but the magic of collaboration lies in its ability to transform it into something even better than initially envisioned.

A significant change: Initially, Kat and Bianca’s mother was part of the story, but her character has been transformed into an absent parent who left, providing a more realistic backdrop for Kat’s consistent defensive behavior.

At the house party, Stiles’ impromptu, intoxicated dance on a table to Notorious B.I.G.’s “Hypnotize” seemed to have impressed the right people, eventually earning her the part of a ballet dancer with aspirations for Juilliard in Save the Last Dance.

Junger mentioned to the Times that he was considering inviting Paula Abdul to choreograph a particular scene, but Stiles stepped up and offered to take care of it independently.

Stiles admitted he wouldn’t dare do it now, but he’s grateful someone caught it on camera. He enjoys dancing, but performing provocatively on a table was a bit much for him at the time. He was quite innocent back then. It’s also been said that this very act might have helped him secure the role in Save the Last Dance. The director told him he had seen that video, and after realizing Stiles could do hip-hop as well as ballet, he cast him for the part.

As a lifestyle expert, I can share that I personally experienced a film being entirely filmed in the picturesque Seattle-Tacoma region. From the very beginning, with the opening credits showcasing an awe-inspiring aerial view of Kerry Park and Queen Anne Hill, to the stunning 5-bedroom Victorian home on North 28th Street, which exchanged hands for $1.54 million in the vibrant spring of 2018, every scene was meticulously crafted to bring the story to life. Notably, Lake Union plays a significant role as the serene backdrop where Kat and Patrick enjoy their romantic pedal-boating adventures.

Initially, the plan was for Patrick to court Kat using the Partridge Family’s “I Think I Love You.” Later, it changed to the Divinyls’ “I Touch Myself.” However, Ledger pushed for Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons’ “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” during the grand musical number where Patrick serenades Kat with the school marching band backing him up. Moreover, he was given the creative reigns over the scene, which became an instant classic.

In 2017, Smith shared that he was extremely particular about the outfit he wanted to wear. It had to be a specific type of dark shirt with an exact fit, he said to Broadly. Interestingly, when you watch the movie, his attire seems quite ordinary, but learning how meticulously he crafted his costume during his preparation was truly impressive, considering he was just 19 years old at the time.

Was the transformation (change-ups) possibly influenced by Jerry McConnell not serenading Neve Campbell with “I Think I Love You” in Scream 2 in 1997, contrasting Austin Powers’ conquest of fembots with “I Touch Myself” the same year, and perhaps Kat disliking such a choice?

In a single attempt, Stiles delivered an emotionally resonant recital of her poem, with spontaneous tears adding genuine authenticity.

In an interview with Cosmopolitan UK back in 2015, the actress explained that her actions were not deliberate. She admitted that on some level, she understood she was expected to show emotion since during the table read, she had merely recited the poem like it was just any other book.

At the time, I hadn’t anticipated that I would start crying. I can’t quite say what triggered it – maybe it was related to whatever was happening then, or perhaps it was simply the intense emotion of embarking on my first major film production.

The connection between the movie and its title seems slightly off-balance, yet it’s worth noting that “14 Reasons I Dislike You” lacks the same catchy appeal.

In the meantime, Stiles shared with The Times that her response likely stemmed from a mix of happiness as the shoot was wrapping up and sadness, but she also admitted to being extremely vulnerable.

I recall an instance with Heath,” I mentioned, “during a take when they were preparing his reaction shot, he remarked something along the lines of, ‘I don’t need to act because this scene isn’t about me.’ Often, one actor sheds tears in a scene and another might feel compelled to do the same, but he understood the importance of restraint. I found that incredibly admirable.

Hmm.

Cleo’s Letters—a band that played at the club, prom, and closed the movie by performing “I Want You to Want Me” on the roof of Padua High (Kay Hanley and Michael Eisenstein sang “Cruel to Be Kind” with Save Ferris)—can be seen as the primary band for 10 Things I Hate About You. Their performance added significant mainstream popularity to their already notable indie rock reputation. They disbanded in 2000, but later came back together for a reunion tour and released an EP titled Back to Nebraska in 2016.

Indeed, it was undeniably the band composed of singer Hanley, guitarists Eisenstein and Greg McKenna, bassist Scott Riebling, and drummer Jason Sutter who were up on that rooftop.

Hanley recounted the experience to the New York Times, explaining that we were all precariously situated on a tiny rooftop enclosed by chicken wire, with only this barrier preventing us from plummeting into the Puget Sound. He went on to provide Rachael Leigh Cook’s singing voice in Josie and the Pussycats. In the midst of our precarious situation, we began acting as if we were in a music video. Suddenly, we heard the sound of a helicopter hovering overhead, followed by it swooping down towards us. We performed this scene twice, and it was generally believed that the shot would not work and Gil would never have a future in Hollywood due to his reckless spending of nearly half a million dollars on this prohibited shot. However, the final outcome was an iconic scene.

Most TV show adaptations of hit movies don’t work, and the short-lived 2009-’10 sitcom 10 Things I Hate About You on ABC Family (now Freeform) was no exception—but not because it wasn’t good. It’s just that the movie was so good.

In my opinion, as a dedicated follower, the movie holds such a sacred place that altering it for television feels almost blasphemous; however, the TV series titled “10 Things” isn’t abysmal – at times, it can even be enjoyable. Yet, I must admit, it lacks the originality that made the movie so special.

Lindsey Shaw and Ethan Peck (Gregory’s grandson) delivered commendable performances as Kat and Patrick, while Meaghan Martin and Nicholas Baum did admirable jobs portraying Bianca and Cameron. However, since the audience had a stronger affection for the original, comparisons were unavoidable, and those who were more nostalgic than enthusiastic about the remake may not have been fully engaged.

Despite facing challenges due to being a remake, the series managed to garner a loyal fanbase and ran for 20 episodes. Before the final ten episodes aired in spring 2010, Shaw shared with Pop Sugar that “Given its origins as a remake, there were numerous obstacles stacked against us. People aren’t generally eager for remakes because they love the original film. However, we approached this project with the aim of creating something unique and enjoyable, and I believe we achieved that.

Speaking of Peck, who assumed a challenging task by not only taking over a cherished character but also one previously portrayed by a deceased actor, they said, “The pressure was self-imposed, speaking on behalf of ABC Family and the series. We understood that our aim wasn’t to replace anyone or anything. Instead, we approached it with sincere dedication, open hearts, and open minds. I believe this is why we find ourselves in our current successful position.

Following their cancellation, series creator Carter Covington expressed to EW.com that it felt much like a break-up. He likened the situation to being jilted by someone, saying, “You’re left thinking, ‘Hold on a minute. We had something fantastic going on. Why would you leave me?’

Back in 2012, whispers of a sequel to “10 Things I Hate About You” sparked excitement within me, an ardent fan. However, the project that took shape was a spin-off titled “10 Things I Hate About Life,” which unfortunately never made it to our screens. This intriguing production featured the talented actors, Evan Rachel Wood and Thomas McDonnell, portraying characters who found solace in each other amidst their shared struggles with life, as they both contemplated suicide.

However, director Gil Junger, reuniting with producer Andrew Lazar, wasted no time getting started. As they began auditions, Lazar explained to Vumanity, “We aimed for a vibrant, youthful cast,” but it turned out that Evan Rachel Wood, similar to Julia Stiles before her, stood out remarkably among all the other candidates due to her extraordinary talent, depth, and emotional range. Consequently, they decided on her.

Following six auditions to find a suitable co-star for Wood, we ultimately landed an extraordinary individual. Lazar described the dynamic between McDonnell and Wood as “sparking.” Additionally, Skylar Grey was cast in the Letters to Cleo role, bringing a vibrant live-music ambiance to the production.

The manufacturing came to a stop in February 2013, as the CEO from Intandem, the U.K. firm funding the project, chose to resign.

By that time, Wood had already been pregnant with her son who was born in July. However, the new Intandem CEO attributed the production delay to her pregnancy, promising resumption in September. In contrast, a lawsuit filed by 10 Things Films against Wood in June 2014 alleged a breach of contract for $30 million. The suit claimed that Wood was paid $300,000, but after initially agreeing to complete the film during principal photography, she later changed her mind without any legal justification and chose to abandon the project instead.

A rep for Wood called that “preposterous,” stating that Wood was ready to resume work in November 2013, when producers promised they’d be ready, but they “still could not get their act together.”

It’s no secret that everyone associated with 10 Things I Hate About You, along with countless others, would love to have Heath Ledger here for the movie’s 20th anniversary. Unfortunately, he wasn’t present even for its 10th anniversary as he passed away in 2008 due to an accidental overdose of prescription drugs.

Krumholtz shared with the Times that he deeply admired Heath. As time passes and the movie becomes more significant to newer audiences, it becomes increasingly difficult for him to accept that Heath passed away in such a way. If only Heath could have been here for this article, to be acknowledged for his exceptional work in 10 Things I Hate About You, as he put a tremendous amount of effort into that role.

Gabrielle Union recalled that Heath possessed an extraordinary talent: with just a glance, he could make you feel like a royal figure such as Princess Diana. Amidst the bustling Hollywood environment, he had the uncanny ability to make individuals feel unique and acknowledged. This is quite a remarkable gift, one that isn’t often discussed enough.

2024-12-03 16:53

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