| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Synopsis | “Anyone But You” is a charming rom-com starring Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell, revolving around the endearing journey of Bea and Ben as they navigate love, family, and unexpected encounters on the road to a wedding in Australia. |
| Literary Inspiration | The film draws inspiration from Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” infusing the storyline with subtle nods to the iconic play and showcasing the enduring appeal of Shakespearean themes in modern cinema. |
| Streaming Availability | After a successful theatrical run, “Anyone But You” is now available for streaming on various platforms, including YouTube, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix for subscribers worldwide. |
| Box Office Success | Despite a modest start, “Anyone But You” gained momentum through viral TikTok videos, fueled by rumors of off-screen romance between the lead actors. The film’s global box office earnings exceeded $200 million, surpassing expectations and solidifying its status as a surprise hit. |
| Sequel Speculation | While a sequel hasn’t been officially confirmed, Sydney Sweeney hinted at the possibility during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. However, the studio may explore other original projects featuring Sweeney and Powell, keeping the door open for potential future collaborations beyond the realm of “Anyone But You.” |
“Exciting news for rom-com fans! ‘Anyone But You’ is now available for streaming after its successful theatrical release last December. Starring Sydney Sweeney from ‘Euphoria’ and Glen Powell from ‘Top Gun Maverick’ (though many might recognize Powell from Netflix’s ‘Set It Up’), this R-rated film about enemies-turned-lovers unexpectedly became a box-office hit. Its success was fueled by a clever social media campaign and buzz about possible off-screen romance, though Sweeney denied those rumors. Alongside Sweeney and Powell, the movie features Alexandra Shipp from ‘Barbie,’ Rachel Griffiths from ‘Brothers & Sisters,’ Darren Barnet from ‘Never Have I Ever,’ Michelle Hurd from ‘Star Trek: Picard,’ and rom-com veteran Dermot Mulroney, known for his role in ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ opposite Julia Roberts.”
“Despite the recent focus on franchises and spin-offs in theaters, the romantic comedy genre found success with ‘Anyone But You.’ Director Will Gluck noted that while many rom-coms now premiere on streaming platforms, the communal experience of watching the film in theaters contributed to its popularity. ‘Anyone But You’ became a slow-burning hit as audiences embraced its lighthearted humor and relatable storyline.”
“Adding to its appeal, ‘Anyone But You’ boasts an original script infused with literary nods, particularly drawing from the characters and storyline of ‘Much Ado About Nothing.’ Shakespeare’s enduring popularity, spanning over 400 years, undoubtedly contributes to the film’s allure. Here’s a glimpse into the movie’s gradual ascent over the months, along with the subtle Shakespearean references sprinkled throughout.”
What is the plot of Anyone But You?
“Anyone But You” follows the story of Bea (played by Sydney Sweeney) and Ben (portrayed by Glen Powell). Their adorable encounter begins in a coffee shop, featuring a delightful mix-up with a conscientious employee, ingredients for grilled cheese night, and an unfortunate spill. Despite a disastrous first date, fate brings them together again on their trip to a wedding in Australia, where Ben’s friend and Bea’s sister are getting married. With Bea’s intrusive family and their past flames resurfacing, the pair concocts a plan to feign a romantic relationship, a classic rom-com strategy, to navigate the wedding chaos.”
Is Anyone But You based on a book?
The romantic comedy takes inspiration from Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” where Benedick and Beatrice showcase the enemies-to-lovers theme, a popular trope in romance. Similar to the play, both the movie and the original text feature a romantic pursuit that takes a comedic turn, sparking witty banter between the main characters. The film not only adapts the storyline but also nods to Shakespeare by naming its protagonists after characters from the play. Screenwriter Ilana Wolpert, known for her work on “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” transformed Shakespeare’s classic into a modern romantic comedy.
- “Much Ado About Nothing is my favorite Shakespearean work,” Wolpert shared with her alumni paper. “I found myself revisiting it in school and even during my college studies. The play is rich with farce, humor, and memorable characters. It explores themes of family, friendship, and the dynamics between genders in a witty and engaging way. I’ve always believed it would translate beautifully into a film.”
- Sweeney and producer Jeff Kirschenbaum were impressed with the script and began pitching it to studios, with Sweeney set to portray Bea. “Ilana brought such a fresh, modern take on Shakespeare,” Sweeney expressed to the New York Times. “Reading it felt like diving into a nostalgic early 2000s rom-com. I was drawn in, wanting to experience the rain-kissed moments, to fall in love as I read through the script, and to feel all the emotions – from laughter to tears.”
- Sweeney and Kirschenbaum enlisted Gluck, known for directing Emma Stone in “Easy A” and Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis in “Friends With Benefits.” Gluck took on the role of director after reworking the script. While both Gluck and Wolpert are credited as writers, Shakespeare’s influence is evident throughout the film, subtly woven into the narrative.
- For instance, ScreenRant points out a scene where Bea passes by a mural featuring a line from Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”: “Here’s much to do with hate, but more to do with love.” Later, someone inscribes in the sand the words “Bait the hook well; this fish will bite,” a line from “Much Ado About Nothing,” hinting at characters spreading rumors about Bea and Ben’s feelings.
- Another nod to Shakespeare appears when the camera focuses on a bedside table, revealing a book titled “Men Were Deceivers Ever,” referencing both a novel by Patricia Veryan and a line from Shakespeare’s play. To underscore the connection further, the film’s final montage features Ben and Bea dancing under a large sign that reads “Much Ado About Nothing,” accompanied by Natasha Bedingfield’s 2004 hit single “Unwritten.”
Where can you stream Anyone But You?
“Anyone But You” premiered in theaters on December 22, just in time for the Christmas season. Following its theatrical release, the film became available for rental or purchase on various platforms including YouTube, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video. On March 19, Netflix announced that the movie would be added to its streaming library starting April 23 for all subscribers.
While a release date for Netflix UK is still pending, audiences in the UK can currently rent or buy the film through Prime Video and iTunes.
How did Anyone But You become a box-office hit?
Despite a lackluster start with an $8 million opening weekend and minimal buzz, “Anyone But You” experienced a remarkable turnaround. Initially, director Gluck admitted to keeping his expectations low, but even they were surpassed. The tide turned when TikTok users flooded the platform with reenactments of the film’s credit sequence and snippets of “Unwritten,” a song pivotal to the movie’s narrative.
Rumors of a romance between Powell and Sweeney further fueled interest, with the actors’ playful interactions on the publicity tour adding to the speculation. Despite their denials, the duo’s chemistry captivated audiences, as evidenced by their viral TikTok video, amassing 18 million views compared to the film’s official trailer’s 10 million views.
The surge in attention propelled “Anyone But You” into the top five at the U.S. box office, maintaining its position through January. By February, the film saw a re-release for Valentine’s Day, featuring extra footage. Its global box office earnings surpassed $200 million, a remarkable feat considering its reported $25 million budget, according to Variety.
Will there be a sequel to Anyone But You?
While a sequel to “Anyone But You” hasn’t been officially confirmed, Sydney Sweeney hinted at the possibility during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in February. When asked about the potential for a sequel, Sweeney responded with optimism, suggesting there’s a high chance of it happening.
However, the studio’s perspective on a sequel might differ. Tom Rothman, chairman and chief executive of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, indicated that while they wouldn’t dismiss the idea of a sequel, they might prefer exploring other original projects starring Sweeney and Powell. Rothman emphasized the potential for the duo to become a modern-day Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell or Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, hinting at future collaborations beyond the scope of “Anyone But You.”