Paramount Pictures is moving forward with a sequel to its 2003 romantic comedy hit How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, with original star Kate Hudson attached as a producer on the project, according to sources familiar with the development. The studio has quietly begun assembling the follow-up, though no writer or director is currently attached, and it remains unclear whether Hudson will reprise her role as magazine columnist Andie Anderson or if Matthew McConaughey will return as advertising executive Benjamin Barry.
The news comes more than two decades after the original film became a surprise box-office success and a durable cable and streaming staple. Directed by Donald Petrie, the picture centered on a battle of wills between its two leads: Andie, a writer for a women’s magazine, takes on an assignment to document how she can drive a man away within ten days, while Ben, a smooth-talking ad man, wagers he can make any woman fall for him in the same timeframe. Neither knows the other’s true agenda, and the resulting romantic fireworks fuel a comedy of mutual manipulation and unexpected affection.
The original film, released on February 7, 2003, ran 116 minutes and was categorized as both comedy and romance. Its ensemble cast 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 in an early career role as Michelle Rubin. Critical reception at the time was mixed, but audiences embraced the picture’s chemistry-driven charm, and it has since earned a devoted following, reflected in its steady TMDb rating of 6.866 out of 10.
Hudson’s Dual Role Signals a New Direction
Hudson’s involvement as a producer marks a significant shift in her relationship with the property. At the time of the original, she was a rising star fresh off her Oscar-nominated turn in Almost Famous, but she has since built a robust producing career alongside her acting work. Her production company, which has developed projects across film and television, gives her a substantial hand in shaping creative decisions rather than simply signing on as talent. That added layer of control could influence how the sequel is developed, potentially leaning into a more character-driven story or expanding the world of the original rather than simply repeating its premise.
The question of whether Hudson will also star in the sequel remains open. Sources indicate that negotiations for her to appear on camera have not been finalized, and the project is in its earliest stages. Paramount has not issued an official statement, and no production timeline has been announced. Given that the original film’s appeal rested heavily on the sparring dynamic between Hudson and McConaughey, the absence of either performer would fundamentally reshape the project’s tone and marketing angle.
McConaughey’s participation is equally uncertain. The actor, who has pivoted toward more dramatic roles and authored a bestselling memoir, has shown selective interest in revisiting his romantic comedy heyday. He has occasionally expressed fondness for How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days in interviews, but has also noted the difficulty of recapturing lightning in a bottle. Whether the sequel would attempt to reunite the pair, follow them into middle age, or introduce a new generation of characters is a creative question that studio executives and producers will need to resolve as the project moves forward.
The Legacy of a Modern Rom-Com Touchstone
The original film’s enduring popularity owes much to its premise, which feels tailor-made for endless reruns and streaming marathons. The ticking clock structure - ten days, two competing goals, one inevitable collision - gives the script a natural engine for comedy and near-miss revelations. Andie and Ben’s deceptions escalate in tandem, with each believing they are winning while unwittingly falling for the other, a dynamic that has aged better than many of its contemporaries.
Part of its staying power also stems from its status as a time capsule of early-2000s fashion, music, and workplace culture. From Andie’s glossy magazine office to Ben’s high-stakes ad agency pitch for a diamond-encrusted watch campaign, the film captures a specific era of corporate polish and aspirational style. A sequel would face the challenge of honoring that aesthetic while updating the world for a contemporary audience.
Sequels to beloved romantic comedies have historically been tricky. Most attempts to revisit beloved pairings have struggled to justify their existence, often rehashing familiar conflicts without the same spark. However, Hudson’s producing role suggests a thoughtful approach, and the sheer affection audiences still hold for these characters could provide a strong foundation. With no release date attached, the project remains in development, but the news alone has generated considerable buzz among fans of the original.
For now, Paramount appears content to move deliberately, allowing Hudson and her team to develop a take that feels worthy of the original’s legacy. Whether that means a return to New York, a fresh setting, or a story that explores what happens after the ten days are over, the sequel has a built-in audience ready to see these characters again.
Source: Variety
