Production and Release Facts
Ten Things I Hate About You is a 1999 American romantic comedy film directed by Gil Junger and written by Karen McCullah and Kirsten Smith. The screenplay was adapted from William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew. The film was produced by Andrew Lazar and executive produced by Scott Kroopf and Tom Sherak. It was distributed by Buena Vista Pictures Distribution, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. The principal photography began in 1998, and the film premiered in the United States on March 31, 1999. The movie was filmed primarily in the Seattle metropolitan area, with location shooting at Stadium High School in Tacoma, Washington. The production budget was reported at $16 million by industry sources and tracking firms. The film's marketing campaign emphasized its modern high school setting and Shakespearean source material. The release strategy targeted teen audiences during the spring season, positioning it as a mid-budget romantic comedy for the period. The movie received a PG-13 rating from the Motion Picture Association of America for teen party elements, language, and some sexual references. The film's theatrical release was supported by television promotions and print advertising in youth-focused publications.
The film's box office performance was tracked by Comscore and reported by outlets including Forbes, which noted its commercial success in the teen comedy segment. Ten Things I Hate About You earned approximately $38.3 million in the United States and Canada, according to The Numbers and box office tracking services. International box office receipts brought the worldwide total to around $53.5 million, making it a financial success relative to its production budget. The film's revenue was driven primarily by weekend openings in North American theaters during its first two weeks. Theatrical exhibition was handled by Buena Vista Pictures Distribution across the United States and select international markets. The movie remained in theaters for multiple months, benefiting from positive word of mouth among teenage audiences. Home media distribution followed through Touchstone Home Entertainment, a Disney subsidiary, on VHS and DVD formats. The home video release contributed additional revenue streams for the production and distribution companies. The film's financial performance is often cited in industry analyses of successful teen-oriented romantic comedies from the late 1990s. Data on box office figures and production costs is available from public sources such as The Numbers and Forbes.
Cast and Characters
The lead roles in Ten Things I Hate About You were played by Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger. Stiles portrayed Kat Stratford, the strong-willed older sister in the modern adaptation. Ledger played Patrick Verona, the rebellious love interest hired to date Kat. Joseph Gordon-Levitt played Cameron, the shy freshman who orchestrates the central dating scheme. Larisa Oleynik played Bianca Stratford, the popular younger sister whose dating restrictions drive the plot. David Krumholtz played Cameron's loyal friend Joey. Andrew Keegan played Joey, the arrogant boyfriend of Bianca. Larry Miller portrayed Walter Stratford, the protective father who forbids Bianca from dating until Kat is also in a relationship. Andrew Divoff played Mr. Stratford's strict counterpart in the school setting. The cast also included several supporting actors who contributed to the high school ensemble. The performances were noted by critics for their chemistry and comedic timing. The film marked a significant early role for Heath Ledger, who later became known for other major film projects. Julia Stiles went on to a sustained career in film and television following the release of this movie.
The casting process for the film involved auditions across the United States, with producers seeking actors who could balance comedy and romance. The selection of Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger was confirmed by studio announcements and entertainment industry reports. The actors' ages at the time of filming aligned with the high school characters they portrayed. The ensemble cast included both established young actors and relative newcomers to film. The characters were written to represent different social groups within a typical American high school. The film