“Anyone But You” is a 2023 romantic comedy directed by Will Gluck, starring Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell in lead roles. The film is a contemporary adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, reimagining the classic story with a fresh, modern twist.
Plot Summary
The movie follows Bea (Sydney Sweeney) and Ben (Glen Powell), two seemingly perfect strangers who experience instant chemistry during their first meeting. However, after an unexpectedly bad turn of events, their attraction quickly fizzles out, leaving them with a bitter taste for each other. Fate intervenes when they find themselves at a lavish destination wedding in Australia, forced to interact despite their mutual dislike. In an attempt to navigate the awkward social setting and deal with meddling friends and family, they reluctantly agree to pretend to be a couple. As they fake their romance, they begin to uncover genuine feelings for each other, leading to comedic situations, heartfelt moments, and unexpected revelations.
Cast & Characters
- Sydney Sweeney as Bea, a strong-willed and independent woman navigating the complexities of romance.
- Glen Powell as Ben, a charming yet stubborn man who struggles to admit his true emotions.
- Alexandra Shipp, GaTa, Hadley Robinson, Michelle Hurd, Dermot Mulroney, Darren Barnet, Bryan Brown, and Rachel Griffiths complete the ensemble cast, adding layers of humor and drama to the story.
Production & Release
Filming took place in picturesque locations across Sydney, Australia, including the iconic Sydney Opera House, Bondi’s Marks Park, and Palm Beach. The film premiered at AMC Lincoln Square Theater in New York City on December 11, 2023, before being widely released in theaters on December 22, 2023.
Despite initial skepticism about the romantic comedy genre’s box office potential, Anyone But You became a massive commercial success, grossing over $220 million worldwide. It was praised for its witty dialogue, on-screen chemistry between Sweeney and Powell, and its ability to revive the classic rom-com format for modern audiences.
Where to Watch
As of February 2025, Anyone But You is available for streaming on Netflix.
