How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: 2003 Rom-Com News

Paramount Pictures is moving forward with a sequel to its 2003 romantic comedy hit How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, bringing back the battle-of-the-sexes premise that made the original a fan favorite. The project, which has been in development whispers for months, is now officially greenlit at the studio, with production expected to begin in early 2027. While plot details remain tightly under wraps, sources confirm that the core dynamic - one person trying to drive the other away, the other trying to win them over - will return with a modern twist.

The original film, directed by Donald Petrie and released on February 7, 2003, centered on a high-stakes wager between two New Yorkers. Kate Hudson starred as Andie Anderson, a magazine columnist assigned to write a piece on how to lose a man in just ten days, while Matthew McConaughey played Benjamin Barry, an ad executive who bets he can make any woman fall for him within that same timeframe. Their collision course produced a comedic storm of manipulation, sabotage, and, inevitably, genuine affection. The film ran 116 minutes and earned a TMDb rating of 6.866 out of 10, a solid score that reflects its enduring popularity among rom-com enthusiasts.

The sequel arrives at a moment when the genre has seen a resurgence, with streaming platforms and studios alike leaning into the nostalgia of early-2000s romance. Paramount’s decision to revisit this property suggests a bet on the chemistry that made the original work, though it remains unclear whether Hudson and McConaughey will both reprise their roles. Neither actor has publicly confirmed involvement, but insiders note that early conversations with both parties have been "positive and ongoing." Their return is considered the linchpin of the project, given how central their rapport was to the film's success.

The supporting cast of the original included Adam Goldberg as Tony, Bebe Neuwirth as Lana Jong, Michael Michele as Judy Spears, Shalom Harlow as Judy Green, Robert Klein as Phillip Warren, and Kathryn Hahn as Michelle Rubin. It is unknown which of these characters, if any, will appear in the sequel, but the studio is said to be interested in weaving in familiar faces to create continuity. Hahn, in particular, has seen her profile rise significantly since the original, and her involvement would likely be a draw for audiences who now recognize her from a range of acclaimed comedic roles.

The original film’s premise was deceptively simple: Andie needs to prove she can dump a guy in ten days for her article, while Ben needs to prove he can win a girl in the same period for his advertising campaign. This setup allowed for a series of increasingly absurd romantic fireworks, as each secretly worked against the other while outwardly playing the perfect partner. The title itself became shorthand for a certain kind of playful romantic warfare, and the film’s legacy has endured through cable reruns, streaming rotations, and countless references in pop culture.

For the sequel, the studio is reportedly looking to update the premise for a new era, where dating apps, social media, and evolving gender dynamics complicate the old rules of courtship. The core conflict, however, will stay rooted in the same comedic engine: a clash of wills where neither party knows the full truth of the other’s agenda. One early concept being floated involves a reality-dating show environment, which would allow the filmmakers to comment on modern celebrity and influencer culture while keeping the central romantic tension intact.

Paramount has not yet named a director or screenwriter for the project, though the studio is said to be prioritizing a filmmaker with a strong voice in romantic comedy. Donald Petrie, who helmed the original, has not been attached to the sequel at this stage, but the door is reportedly open for his return. The studio is also considering whether to release the film theatrically or debut it on a streaming platform, with no final decision made. Given the original’s box-office success - it grossed over $100 million worldwide on a modest budget - a theatrical release is viewed as the likely path, but Paramount’s recent slate has shown flexibility in its distribution strategies.

The announcement has already sparked excitement among fans who have long called for a follow-up. Online forums and social media have been buzzing with speculation about what a 2020s version of Andie and Ben might look like, with many hoping the sequel retains the sharp wit and lighthearted tone of the original. Others have questioned whether a sequel is necessary, arguing that the original’s ending wrapped things up neatly. Nevertheless, the studio’s confidence in the property suggests they believe there is more story to tell.

No release date has been set for the sequel, but with production aimed for early 2027, a late 2027 or early 2028 premiere seems plausible. Casting announcements are expected in the coming months, and Paramount is likely to use the film’s long-gestating fan base as a marketing asset, rolling out nostalgic teasers tied to the original’s most iconic moments. For now, audiences can only wait and wonder what new romantic fireworks await Andie and Ben - or whoever steps into their shoes.

Source: Hollywood Reporter