Book to Screen
‘The Hating Game’ Hits Netflix: 5 Behind-the-Scenes Facts You Probably Didn’t Know
Sally Thorne’s 2016 novel The Hating Game is a quintessential enemies-to-lovers romance novel. Lucy Hutton and Josh Templeman’s evolution from being workplace foes to recognizing their long-simmering feelings for each other captivated millions of readers around the globe. The love for The Hating Game reached Hollywood, and a film adaptation was released in 2021.
Lucy Hale (Pretty Little Liars) and Austin Stowell (NCIS: Origins) became our beloved Lucy and Josh. The rom-com has just landed on Netflix, so if you’re looking for a delightful romance to watch, The Hating Game is at your fingertips. But did you know another actor was originally cast as Josh? Swooon is breaking down behind-the-scenes scoop you need to know about The Hating Game.
1. Austin Stowell wasn’t the original Josh Templeman.
Robbie Amell was actually cast as Josh Templeman when the film was first announced in 2019. The Hating Game was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and when production was ready to start, Amell had to step away from the role due to scheduling conflicts. Stowell took over the role of Josh Templeman, Variety confirmed in 2020.
2. Lucy Hale and Austin Stowell already knew each other.
Hale and Stowell previously worked together on the film Fantasy Island. They first met on a plane as they traveled to Fiji to film the movie. Hale had been cast as Lucy from the start, and Stowell told Young Hollywood that the Pretty Little Liars alum “got to pick her Josh” when production finally got underway.
“I know I would have never been the Josh to your Lucy if it weren’t for you,” Stowell wrote on Instagram in 2021. “You’re a pro to the highest extent when the cameras roll and when the lights go down you’re a loving friend, a hardworking, kind woman, a world class dog mama, and my ride or die Dunkin’ partner for life.”
3. There are a few key changes from the book.
The movie is a pretty faithful adaptation of the novel. For those that read Thorne’s book, you probably noticed the color of Josh’s walls was not robin’s egg blue. In the book, he paints his walls that color to remind him of Lucy’s eyes. Since Hale’s eyes are green, the color of the wall in the film shifted to an emerald shade.
Lucy notable goes off on Josh’s dad at the post-wedding brunch for Josh’s brother and his wife, who also happens to be Josh’s ex. Her standing up for Josh with that dynamic monologue was one of the best parts of the book. In the movie, Lucy defends Josh to his dad at the actual wedding.
Lucy and Josh’s tension ramped up over competing for the same B&G position. In the book, Josh reveals to Lucy that he resigned after the wedding. However, the movie switches the story up, with Lucy still thinking she’s battling Josh for the job when she goes in for her interview.
4. Sally Thorne wrote an epilogue to The Hating Game.
Unfortunately, there’s not a sequel to The Hating Game. However, Thorne did write an epilogue, which is now available in the latest print and e-versions. The epilogue reveals that Josh and Lucy get married!
5. Lucy Hale has already reunited with The Hating Game director.
Hale re-teamed with The Hating Game director Peter Hutchings for the 2023 rom-com Which Brings Me to You. She starred alongside Nat Wolff in a romantic tale about two people who met at a wedding and nearly hook up in the coatroom. Instead of continuing their tryst, they agree to exchange confessions about their past relationships.
The Hating Game, Streaming Now, Netflix
