The Queer Legacy of “10 Things I Hate About You” and the Excitement Surrounding the Broadway Musical Adaptation

Reflecting back on my teenage years, I can vividly remember the moment I sobbed uncontrollably because my parents insisted I leave for sleep-away camp before I could finish my 15th viewing of 10 Things I Hate About You during the summer after seventh grade. Looking back now, it’s clear that my deep emotional attachment to the film was a sign of my emerging gay identity. After all, in the late ’90s, 10 Things I Hate About You stood out as one of the queerest rom-coms of its time, starring the beloved Heath Ledger opposite Julia Stiles.

While the central romance in the film may have been heterosexual, the movie’s subtext was undeniably queer. Julia Stiles’s character’s interests included reading The Bell Jar, listening to The Raincoats, and applying to Sarah Lawrence—traits that resonated with many queer viewers, including myself.

Recently, the news of a 10 Things I Hate About You Broadway musical adaptation helmed by Lena Dunham and Carly Rae Jepsen has sparked excitement within the LGBTQ+ community. Despite my usual skepticism towards Hollywood reboots, this project feels different. The prospect of a musical adaptation offers a fresh take on the original material, promising to capture the essence of the film while adding new dimensions.

Amidst the current political turmoil in the United States, the idea of a Broadway rom-com may seem trivial. However, the potential of Dunham and Jepsen reigniting the electric chemistry between romantic leads on stage is undeniably appealing. The iconic moments from the film, such as Ledger’s tender gestures towards Stiles, have left an indelible mark on audiences, myself included.

With Dunham’s track record of creating complex, unconventional characters in shows like Girls, there is hope that the Broadway adaptation will stay true to the alt-flavored sex appeal that made the original movie so captivating. The inclusion of musical numbers also opens up new possibilities for exploring themes of love, identity, and acceptance in a fresh and engaging way.

As a fan of the original film and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am eagerly anticipating the Broadway musical adaptation of 10 Things I Hate About You. With Dunham and Jepsen at the helm, I have faith that they will honor the legacy of the film while bringing a new perspective to the story that resonates with audiences old and new.