Two and a half decades after the seminal classic, 10 Things I Hate About You is getting the sequel treatment. Director Gil Junger will return for a new twist on the concept and, in a conversation with People, acknowledged the elephant in the room. Heath Ledger’s Hollywood career started with the 1999 film, and Junger addressed whether any references would be included in the sequel.

“I think that’s a beautiful idea, and the answer is now going to be yes,” Junger told People. “He deserves to be loved.” 10 Things I Hate About You was Ledger’s first American feature film after making his way through the Australian entertainment industry. The actor quickly rocketed to stardom with features such as A Knight’s Tale and Brokeback Mountain.

It was his unimpeachable role as the Joker in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight, however, that gave him icon status. Ledger’s career was far too short as the actor died shortly after the Batman movie. Awarded an Oscar posthumously, Ledger remains an important figure for many. Though unclear in what capacity Junger will honor the late actor, the filmmaker also expressed interest in reuniting with Julia Stiles in the future, undoubteldy inspiring nostalgia in many fans.

What Will the ‘10 Things I Hate About You’ Sequel Be About?

Gil Junger’s follow-up to 10 Things I Hate About You is still in the works and, as of this writing, in the script phase. However, the director stated that he has plans for a trilogy of films. The first is reportedly entitled 10 Things I Hate About Dating, and this time it will be an adaptation of a different play. 10 Things I Hate About You was a modern retelling of William Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, which was a common trend at the time.

10 Things I Hate About Dating will be adapted from The Misanthrope, the 1666 play by famed French playwright Molière. A social satire, The Misanthrope follows Alceste, a protagonist who is highly critical of everyone around him. He loves Célèmine, though he disparages her tendency to point out flaws behind people’s backs. The play satirizes social behaviors of the time, which would be a perfect setup for another high school film in the 10 Things I Hate About You universe.

Junger plans to follow up the film with 10 Things I Hate About Marriage and 10 Things I Hate About Kids. A clever way to utilize the brand, 10 Things I Hate About Dating could be a return to the Shakespeare comedy that fans have been thirsting for.

The film is still in early development, but fans can watch 10 Things I Hate About You on Disney+.

via Collider