Cast chemistry is, of course, evident throughout the film, particularly between main couple Kat (Stiles) and Patrick (Ledger). Still, multiple sources have reported that off-screen, Stiles had eyes for another co-star: Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
Junger revealed in 2021 that the couple were “very, very attracted to each other” and “had been together for a minute or ten.” But according to the New Zealand Herald, in a special DVD release, other cast members identified Stiles and Ledger as the secret couple.
For their part, Stiles and Gordon-Levitt have been hiding the truth. Stiles has admitted there have been cast connections, but she has declined to reveal any names for the official record, arguing it just happens.
“You bring some young people together, you have a lot of fun,” she explained. “We were at a time in our lives when we were still open and uncensored and uninhibited — it was fun.”
While Stiles and Ledger may not have had a summer fling, Stiles looks back on her time with him with fondness. After production wrapped, the late star even left her a note to remember him.
“I dug up this old note he wrote on that hotel letterhead,” Stiles later recalled. it was so cute I nearly cried. That was his suicide note to me.”