Glen Powell’s latest romantic comedy is rewriting the genre’s global playbook, with “Anyone But You” surpassing $220 million at the box office and becoming a top destination for streaming audiences worldwide. Driven by Powell’s charisma and tangible chemistry with Sydney Sweeney, the Glen Powell rom-com streaming success is evident as the film currently climbs the Prime Video charts and continues to generate buzz well after its debut.
A Surprising Smash for Modern Rom-Coms
Released in an era dominated by superhero blockbusters and endless franchise sequels, “Anyone But You” has distinguished itself as a genuine phenomenon. The film, produced for a modest $25 million, quickly amassed $219 million globally and is still growing, highlighting a rare romantic comedy victory at the multiplex and on digital platforms. Glen Powell, addressing the film’s appeal, stated,
“makes people feel love and joy, which is the greatest thing you can do as an actor.”
—Glen Powell, Actor
The film’s immense popularity is no accident, according to recent candid comments Powell made in an interview with the New York Times. The star revealed that the movie’s publicity leaned into the internet-fraught rumors surrounding the relationship between him and co-star Sydney Sweeney, those “fan-fiction-level” speculations fueling excitement. Public curiosity, paired with Powell and Sweeney’s dynamic, elevated the film’s intrigue both on and off the screen.
Harnessing On-Screen Chemistry for Off-Screen Buzz
The marketing strategy didn’t shy away from the public’s hunger for off-screen drama. Powell openly acknowledged the team’s deliberate appeal to viewers’ desires, saying,
“The two things that you have to sell a rom-com are fun and chemistry. Sydney and I have a ton of fun together, and we have a ton of effortless chemistry. That’s people wanting what’s on the screen off the screen, and sometimes you just have to lean into it a bit — and it worked wonderfully. Sydney is very smart.”
—Glen Powell, Actor
This blend of authentic performance and calculated social media engagement helped catapult the film into streaming stardom. The palpable connection between Powell and Sweeney brought enormous energy to the project, attracting both longtime fans of the romantic comedy genre and newer audiences searching for modern love stories with genuine sparkle.
A Fresh Spin on Shakespearean Romance
Directed by Will Gluck of “Easy A” fame, “Anyone But You” offers a sun-soaked twist on Shakespeare’s classic “Much Ado About Nothing.” Set at a vibrant Australian wedding, Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell step into the roles of Bea and Ben — contemporary takes on Beatrice and Benedick — whose feisty rapport and one-night misadventure set the stage for comedic chaos. Tasked with faking a relationship to keep the peace among their circle of friends, the pair’s story unfolds at picturesque beaches and cocktail-fueled parties, crafting memorable moments against Instagram-worthy backdrops.
Powell’s portrayal of Ben nods to classic film archetypes like Notting Hill’s Will Thacker and Top Gun: Maverick’s Hangman, balancing charm and comedic timing. Even with limited dialogue, Powell’s performance resonates, and he consistently emphasizes the value of affecting viewers:
“the greatest thing I can do as an actor,”
—Glen Powell, Actor — a sentiment stemming from the joy the film brings its audience. This shift from action and genre-heavy projects to lighthearted romance has paid off for Powell, inviting viewers to laugh, swoon, and perhaps reconnect with their own love stories.
Streaming Momentum and What Lies Ahead
Now available for viewing on Prime Video, “Anyone But You” shows no signs of slowing down in the streaming space. With its position at #5 and counting, the movie’s viral success is expected to further influence casting and production in future romantic comedies. The work of Will Gluck, combined with the standout performances from Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell, demonstrates the enduring allure of well-executed, heartfelt stories. The triumph of this film signals renewed interest in the genre, reminding Hollywood and global audiences alike that, with the right ingredients, the romantic comedy is far from fading.
