In 2012, a tonally similar follow-up to the film “10 Things I Hate About You” called “10 Things I Hate About Life” was in the works. The movie starred Evan Rachel Wood and Thomas McDonnell as two individuals who meet while in the midst of attempting suicide. The project never reached completion, but the director Gil Junger and producer Andrew Lazar were eager to bring a fresh, young cast to the film. Wood stood out among the actors as she demonstrated exceptional talent, depth, and emotion, similar to Julia Stiles in the original film.
There were six screen tests conducted to find the right match for Wood, and ultimately, Thomas McDonnell was chosen for the role. The chemistry between McDonnell and Wood was described as electric, and Skylar Grey was also cast in a role reminiscent of the band Letters to Cleo, adding a cool, live music presence to the film. However, production came to a halt in February 2013 when the CEO of the U.K.-based company Intandem, which was financing the movie, stepped down. Production delays also occurred as Wood was pregnant at the time and the new Intandem CEO cited her pregnancy as the reason for the delay, promising a September resumption.
Despite the promise of resuming production in September, complications arose. In June 2014, 10 Things Films filed a lawsuit against Wood for breach of contract and demanded $30 million in damages. The lawsuit claimed that Wood, who had received $300,000 for her role, had a change of heart during principal photography, ultimately opting to walk out on the project without any legal justification. Wood’s representative refuted these claims, calling them preposterous and stating that Wood had been ready to return to work in November 2013 when producers assured her they would be ready. However, the producers allegedly failed to get their act together, leading to further delays and production setbacks.
The lawsuit between 10 Things Films and Evan Rachel Wood shed light on the challenges faced during the making of “10 Things I Hate About Life.” The film, which initially showed promise with an exceptional cast and creative team, experienced several setbacks that ultimately led to a legal dispute. Issues such as changes in leadership, pregnancy, and alleged breaches of contract all played a role in the project’s downfall. Despite the initial enthusiasm for the film, it became embroiled in controversy and legal battles, leaving its fate uncertain.
In the aftermath of the legal dispute, the future of “10 Things I Hate About Life” remains uncertain. The once-promising project, which aimed to capture the spirit of the original film while introducing a new cast and storyline, now faces significant challenges. The lawsuit between the producers and Evan Rachel Wood has cast a shadow over the film’s production and raised questions about its completion. As the legal battle plays out, the fate of the sequel and the resolution of the dispute hang in the balance, leaving the fans and those involved in the project in limbo.
Despite the setbacks and challenges faced by “10 Things I Hate About Life,” the film’s brief journey sheds light on the complexities of movie production. From casting decisions to financial issues to personal circumstances, the making of a film can be a turbulent and unpredictable process. While the initial excitement and potential of the project offered hope for a successful follow-up to the original, unforeseen circumstances derailed the production and led to legal action. As the fallout from the lawsuit continues to unfold, the fate of “10 Things I Hate About Life” remains uncertain, leaving a legacy of what could have been.
