Every time we watch ’10 Things I Hate About You’, we can’t help but fall for Heath Ledger‘s Patrick Verona all over again. Ledger is known as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors. But before all that, Hollywood fell for him as the effortlessly charming and iconic rom-com lead.
However, landing the role was no easy feat. More than 250 actors auditioned for the role of Patrick. Yet, everything changed the moment Heath Ledger walked into the room and instantly stole the role.
Heath Ledger Won Everyone Over The Moment He Entered
Junger said his first impression was immediate. “I thought to myself, ‘If this guy can read, I’m going to cast him.'” Before Ledger had even begun his audition, the director was already convinced there was something special about him.
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Looking back, Junger described his first impression of Ledger as seeing “a f**king movie star.” He knew from then that he had found the perfect person to play the role of Patrick Verona in his film.
The One Thing That Sealed The Deal For Heath Ledger
Even though Junger was already sold on Ledger’s screen presence, he wanted to see whether the young actor could think on his feet. After barely getting through the first page of the audition, the director suddenly stopped him.
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Ledger was worried, thinking something had gone wrong. But Junger assured him, “No, no, no. This is a very good thing. I think you’re a very talented guy, and I just want to improv with you for a little.” Junger tested Ledger’s ability to “shift attitudes” and “play off some humour.”
In only 45 seconds, he was already sold on Ledger’s charms. The audition ended in less than a couple of minutes. At the end, the actor had a reaction on his face that Junger could only describe as “Dude, I just flew here from Australia. You’re spending two minutes with me for a 16-hour flight?”
But as soon as Ledger walked out of the room, Junger and the casting team had made their decision. Their search was officially over, and they never doubted that choice. Because Heath Ledger was the kind of actor who “could sell anything”.
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