Two and a half decades after the seminal classic, 10 Things I Hate About Youis 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...