Julia Stiles, known for her roles in "Save the Last Dance" and "10 Things I Hate About You," is set to compete in the upcoming 35th season of "Dancing With the Stars." The new season is scheduled to premiere on September 15 on ABC and Disney+.
Stiles, who has three children, previously expressed her enthusiasm for the show in a February 2025 interview with People magazine, referring to it as her "Monday Night Football." She noted that while discussions about her joining the show had occurred, her residence in New York City presented logistical challenges.
Stiles's acting career gained significant traction in the early 2000s with roles in films such as "O" (2001), "Mona Lisa Smile" (2003), "The Prince & Me" (2004), and "The Omen" (2006). She also appeared in the "Bourne" film franchise alongside Matt Damon and in "Silver Linings Playbook" (2012).
She is most recognized for her role as Sara in the 2001 dance film "Save the Last Dance," where she portrayed a young woman pursuing her aspirations at Juilliard while navigating a relationship in Chicago. Another notable early role was in the 1999 cult classic "10 Things I Hate About You" opposite the late Heath Ledger.
Other previously confirmed contestants for "Dancing With the Stars" Season 35 include "Summer House" personality Ciara Miller and "Love Island" alum Maura Higgins. "The Savannah Bananas" star Jackson Olson and Jimmy Kimmel's longtime sidekick, Guillermo Rodriguez, have also been announced as participants.
Rumors suggest that Sarah Jane Nader, Tatyana Ali, Tyler Cameron, and Jenna Dewan may also join the cast. Sarah Jane Nader's sister, Brooks Nader, previously competed in Season 33.
The full cast list for "Dancing With the Stars" Season 35, featuring both celebrity contestants and professional dancers, is expected to be revealed on September 2 during an appearance on "Good Morning America."
Returning to the judging panel for the season will be Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli. The series, which premiered in 2005, has seen a resurgence in viewership in recent seasons, with Robert Irwin, son of the late Steve Irwin, winning the previous season, Season 34.