Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney brought their charms together in the 2023 rom-com blockbuster, Anyone But You. The project ended up becoming a hot topic thanks to their savvy marketing and the leads’ electrifying chemistry. It is considered a sleeper hit, breaking box-office records, which is uncommon in the genre.
While the latter made her debut in the rom-com genre, Powell is no stranger in the same as his rom-com debut happened with Netflix’s Set It Up, which has a much higher score compared to the theatrical project.
Glen Powell’s Rom-Com Debut, Set It Up is Better Than Anyone But You
While many fans are gushing over the insane chemistry of the leads in the 2023 movie, Anyone But You is still not Glen Powell’s gem in the rom-com genre. Released in 2018, Netflix’s original movie, Set It Up is surely a testament to the actor’s charisma that contributed to making the movie one of the best rom-coms of the last decade.
The Netflix movie follows two overworked and underpaid assistants, Charlie Young (Powell) and Harper Moore (Zoey Deutch), who work in the same building. The duo orchestrates a plan to set up their demanding bosses on dates in New York City.
Directed by Claire Scanlon and written by Katie Silberman, the movie received a positive response from critics and audiences alike. The 2018 movie received a rare 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes, which is spectacular compared to the actor’s new rom-com movie which boosts 56% score.
Many complimented the project for its authenticity and fresh perspective as one critic wrote,
“Set it Up is the perfect example of a broad romantic comedy done right. It adheres to the formula for the most part but isn’t afraid to break it. It has its own style and moves to beat of its own drum.”
Whereas, another praised the project for injecting a fresh yet nostalgic feel to it.
“It exists as a canny tribute to the rom-coms of yesteryear, hitting a sweet, nostalgic feel-good spot.”
Set It Up was highly praised for the actors’ great chemistry which complemented the fresh concept Scanlon brought on-screen. Not to mention, the movie made its place among the best rom-com of the last decade, making it the best rom-com project in Powell’s career as of now. However, Anyone But You let fans witness the Hit Man actor’s skills once again with a new on-screen partner.
Glen Powell Returns to Rom-Com With Anyone But You
Directed and co-written by Will Gluck, with Ilana Wolpert being the other screenwriter, the 2023 movie is loosely based on William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. Given that the theatrical rom-com genre was practically dead before the movie’s release, many speculated that it might not be the best bet.
However, Sweeney and Powell’s social interactions proved to be the best tactic to catch audiences’ attention, which heavily contributed to its success. Apart from being active in every marketing meeting, Sydney Sweeney‘s gushing on-screen romance with Powell sparked affair rumors online, which further helped in the box office.
Powell knew what was cooking up, but he understood the assignment. In a New York Times interview, he shared,
“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.”
The movie surpassed the expectations, grossing over $216 million worldwide. According to Deadline, It is the top-grossing R-rated comedy since 2015 domestically and the highest-grossing R-rated romantic comedy since 2016’s Bridget Jones’s Baby globally.
Both the rom-com movies are available on Netflix.
