MANILA, Philippines—Director Will Gluck seized the opportunity with “Anyone But You” to craft a romantic comedy that stands out as one of the funniest in recent memory. According to Gluck, the comedic chemistry between Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell, playing Bea and Ben, respectively, is nothing short of magical on the big screen.
In the film, Sweeney (from “Euphoria”) and Powell (“Top Gun: Maverick”) portray romantic adversaries forced to set aside personal vendettas and feign a head-over-heels romance to maintain peace at Bea’s sister’s wedding. The star-studded cast also includes Alexandra Shipp, Darren Barnet, Hadley Robinson, Dermot Mulroney, Rachel Griffiths, Michelle Hurd, Bryan Brown, and GaTa.
Image Courtesy of Columbia Pictures.
Explaining the plot, Sweeney shares, “As much as Bea hates Ben, and vice versa, it’s important to Bea not to wreck her sister’s wedding. So, she hatches her plan: these two people who actually hate each other will pretend to like each other. But as she and Ben are drawn together, they start to actually love each other, but can’t admit it to themselves.”
Image Courtesy of Columbia Pictures.
The film doesn’t shy away from hilariously complicated situations. Sweeney jokingly wonders if Gluck reveled in concocting the amusing challenges for the characters, but she admits, “On the other hand, it was all incredibly funny. So we did it. You’re welcome, Will.”
Powell expresses his excitement for viewers to see Sweeney in this romantic comedy, praising her vulnerability and honesty that breathe life into the genre. According to him, “Without that current of humanity running through this genre, it would fall flat. But this movie sings (literally and figuratively) because Sydney can stand in front of a camera and offer up her heart in a way that feels heroic.”
Sweeney reciprocates the praise, describing Powell as the ideal acting partner. As the film’s executive producer, she credits the writers for creating a relatable narrative: “Bea and Ben have a connection that is so real, deep, and immediate that they are going to do everything they can to deny it – until they can’t anymore.”
“Anyone But You” is set to hit cinemas on January 17, promising audiences a delightful blend of romance and comedy.