Bad boy Patrick Verona in 10 Things I Hate About You was his breakthrough role.
And as the film celebrates its 20th year anniversary, director Gil Junger has opened up about being immediately intrigued by the late Heath Ledger's audition and his 'palpable sexuality.'
Speaking with the New York Times on Sunday, the 64-year-old revealed that as long as Ledger could read, he knew by just his energy he'd be the lead.
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He just knew! 10 Things I Hate About You director Gil Junger revealed on Sunday that he knew he would be casting Heath Ledger immediately by the energy and 'palpable sexuality' he had during the audition
'Heath walked in, and I thought to myself, if this guy can read, I'm going to cast him,' he recalled.
'There was an energy to him, a sexuality that was palpable.'
The director added that he got Heath to read the first page and stopped him midway to try some improvising with him instead.
Remembering Heath: The film's director Gil Junger has opened up about being immediately intrigued by the late Heath Ledger's audition and his 'palpable sexuality'
Cast: Joseph Gordon Levitt, Larisa Oleynik, Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, Andrew Keegan, Gabrielle Union, David Krumholtz and Susan May Pratt all starred in the 20-year-old teen flick
'I just wanted to see how fast his mind would adapt, comedically. After 35 seconds, I said, 'OK. Fantastic.' But I could tell he was nervous that he blew it, because the audition was so quick, and I said, 'No, no. You're a very talented guy, and I appreciate you coming in.'
And just like that, the Australian heartthrob had secured the role, with Gil also adding to the publication he said: 'The instant the door closed, I turned to the women in the room and said, "Ladies, I have never wanted to sleep with a man, but if I had to sleep with a man, that would be the man. Please cast him immediately".'
Earlier in the month, Heath's co-star Andrew Keegan told a hilarious anecdote of their first encounter during a cast reunion in Los Angeles.
'We were in this hotel in Tacoma, Washington, I think we were coming back from rehearsals because he came late,' he said. 'At that time there was no internet, I didn't really look, I think I probably
