Los Angeles, CA – Actor Glen Powell recently revealed that the flirty behavior he displayed with his “Anyone But You” co-star Sydney Sweeney last year was all part of a marketing strategy. Powell shared that he and Sweeney deliberately amped up their on-screen chemistry to engage fans and promote their hit 2023 rom-com.
In an interview with The New York Times, Powell explained, “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.” The actors’ playful dynamic during interviews and promotional videos for the film, now available on Netflix, fueled rumors of a real-life romance.
Despite the speculation, Powell had recently split from his girlfriend, model Gigi Paris, while Sweeney is engaged to Jonathan Davino. The pair’s antics led to online gossip and engagement from fans who eagerly followed their interactions both on and off screen.
Sweeney, who also served as an executive producer on “Anyone But You,” was actively involved in shaping the film’s marketing strategy. She shared with The New York Times, “I was on every call. I was in text group chats. I was probably keeping everybody over at Sony marketing and distribution awake at night because I couldn’t stop with ideas.”
“Anyone But You,” loosely inspired by Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” follows the story of Bea (Sweeney), a prospective lawyer, and Ben (Powell), a former Goldman Sachs employee, as they navigate a pretend relationship at a destination wedding.
During her hosting gig on “Saturday Night Live” in March, Sweeney playfully addressed the rumors surrounding her supposed affair with Powell. Jokingly acknowledging her fiancé’s presence on set, the cameras amusingly cut to Powell instead, causing a light-hearted moment between the cast.
Powell also made a humorous appearance in the show’s final sketch, portraying a boss entangled in an affair with his employee, played by Sweeney. The actors’ playful dynamics and chemistry continued to captivate audiences both on and off screen, solidifying their status as fan-favorite duo.
Overall, Powell and Sweeney’s orchestrated promotional tactics for “Anyone But You” proved successful in engaging fans and generating buzz around the film, ultimately contributing to its success. Their on-screen charm and off-screen camaraderie continue to resonate with audiences, showcasing the power of chemistry in capturing viewers’ attention.