The romantic comedy Anyone But You turned out to be one of the surprise box office hits of late 2023 and early 2024. Now talk is swirling around a possible sequel after Sydney Sweeney, the movie’s star, commented on the development in a recent interview. The original film brought together a winning mix of modern comedy and classic inspiration, and many fans have been waiting for word on whether the story will pick up again. Here’s the latest on Anyone But You 2 following Sweeney’s intriguing update.
The first film starred Sweeney and Glen Powell as Bea and Ben, former lovers forced to pretend to date during a destination wedding. Despite early doubts about its financial traction, the movie quickly gained momentum, becoming a sleeper hit. Interest has only grown since Sweeney revealed in an Empire magazine interview that the possibility of a sequel is not entirely ruled out. Her comments have left fans excited for more news about a return to the big screen for the popular characters.
Anyone But You Recap
Anyone But You, released in December 2023, was directed by Will Gluck and co-written by Gluck and Ilana Wolpert. The movie offered a contemporary spin on William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” casting Sweeney and Powell as exes who must team up for appearances’ sake at a lavish wedding set in Australia. Their fake romance takes comical and sometimes heartfelt turns, reflecting the enduring appeal of romantic comedies with a twist.
The setting – a stunning, sun-soaked wedding – provided the perfect backdrop for spirited arguments and reluctant teamwork. Supporting characters added further chaos and fun, with family members, jealous exes, and unpredictable friends. The script used modern humor and relatable relationship issues, making the dynamic between Bea and Ben especially engaging.
Much of the movie’s charm came from the chemistry between Sweeney and Powell, who navigated love-hate banter, awkward situations, and emotional revelations. Their performances found a balance between sharp comedy and softer, romantic moments. The movie’s playful tone, rooted in Shakespeare, resonated with viewers seeking familiar yet updated romantic comedy storytelling.
As the relationship between the lead characters unfolded, themes of forgiveness, second chances, and self-discovery came into focus. The narrative’s feel-good arc and comedic mishaps contributed to its popularity beyond its initial release window.
Box Office and Critical Response
When Anyone But You made its debut over Christmas 2023, it entered a competitive market and opened at number four, pulling in $6 million in its first weekend against a $25 million budget. That underwhelming start didn’t last. Thanks to strong word-of-mouth, repeat viewings, and social media buzz, the film’s box office fortunes soared in the following weeks. It ultimately grossed more than $220 million globally, making it a standout sleeper hit for Sony Pictures.
Critical response was initially mixed, but audiences responded enthusiastically to the leads’ on-screen chemistry. Many reviewers highlighted Sweeney and Powell’s comedic timing, while praising the movie’s breezy tone and witty dialogue. The fresh take on the fake relationship trope and Shakespearean elements also earned points for creativity and entertainment value.
Also Read
The Accountant 2 Surpasses Ben Affleck’s Early Films at the Global Box Office
On top of financial success, the film found a solid foothold in digital rentals, streaming platforms, and international markets. Its popularity grew in part because of an active online fan community, which shared clips and memorable lines across platforms. Fans pointed to the film’s ability to spark laughter and deliver emotional moments as big reasons for its staying power.
The strong showing at the box office has made the notion of a sequel more viable. Sony and the filmmakers have certainly noticed that audience demand is high for more romantic adventures in the same universe. If a second installment is greenlit, it will have high expectations and a solid foundation to build on.
Sydney Sweeney Talks Sequel Possibility
Sydney Sweeney, who played Bea, spoke to Empire magazine while filming the third season of Euphoria. In the feature, she offered the most recent update on the status of Anyone But You 2. When asked if a sequel was happening, Sweeney replied, “Ummmmm! You’ll just have to wait and see. It’s not a no, and it’s not a yes. It’s a, ‘I don’t have an answer that I can say for you.'”
This cryptic but hopeful answer quickly sparked speculation among fans. The lack of a firm denial suggests the possibility of a sequel remains on the table. Sweeney’s remarks do not confirm development, but they also avoid closing the door. This is typical for actors when negotiations or early story discussions are underway but not finalized.
Also Read
Dacre Montgomery Sets Sights on The Engagement Party With Major Star Power
Industry insiders believe Sweeney’s comments indicate there is at least some interest from the film’s creative team and studio in continuing the story. Her position as both star and producer means she would likely be involved in any sequel decision. Previous interviews and public appearances have shown Sweeney’s enthusiasm for her character and the project.
Fans have been closely tracking interviews, press clips, and social media posts for any hints about a potential follow-up. Every vague answer or subtle hint from Sweeney or her co-stars gains traction across online forums and entertainment news outlets, fueling speculation.
Status of Anyone But You 2
As of May 2025, there is no official announcement confirming Anyone But You 2. The project is not included on Sony’s publicly released slate, and neither director Will Gluck nor co-writer Ilana Wolpert has commented on script development or production dates. However, Sweeney’s statements suggest talks may be occurring behind the scenes.
Sequels to romantic comedies with unexpected box office legs can take time to materialize. Studios often weigh potential casting, timing, and market trends before moving forward. Given Anyone But You‘s sharp climb in popularity and critical reassessment as a standout rom-com, it would not be surprising if development is taking place quietly while contracts and creative directions are sorted out.
Also Read
Russell Crowe’s Robin Hood Finds New Life on Streaming Despite Rough Reviews
Industry experts note that scheduling could be a hurdle. Both Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell have busy filming calendars, as do director Gluck and potential returning cast. The fastest timeline for production would likely push release into late 2026 or later, assuming development begins in the next year. Fans hoping for a quick turnaround should prepare for updates but might need to wait for solid news.
Viewers are encouraged to follow official sources, as announcements about greenlights and production tend to be handled by the studio or the major stars themselves – often via social media or entertainment outlets like Deadline and Variety.
Cast and Crew Updates
If Anyone But You 2 moves forward, Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell would almost certainly be at the top of the studio’s list to return, reprising their roles as Bea and Ben. The original’s supporting cast was key to its comedic energy, so fans hope familiar faces like Alexandra Shipp, GaTa, and Dermot Mulroney could come back as well.
Director Will Gluck has a long history with romantic comedies, including previous hits like Easy A and Friends with Benefits, making him a logical choice to return at the helm. Gluck’s collaboration with screenwriter Ilana Wolpert was well received, and their comedic vision played a significant role in the film’s success. If a sequel is made, continuity in writing and direction would likely help ensure it fits the tone and quality of the first film.
Also Read
Ms. Marvel and The Last of Us Stars Join Forces for AI Sci-Fi Horror Othermor
Sweeney has recently expanded her producing career, working on other projects across genres. If she produces a sequel, it could further solidify her behind-the-scenes influence in Hollywood. Glen Powell’s increasing profile – thanks to films like Top Gun: Maverick and Anyone But You – means his involvement would generate additional buzz for a follow-up.
Other notable cast members, such as Rachel Griffiths and Michelle Hurd, may also return. Casting news will be closely watched if the sequel is confirmed, as chemistry and ensemble performances were key strengths of the original movie.
Potential Plot Directions
Many fans are speculating about what a second film could explore. Since the first movie played with the fake dating trope and a destination wedding setting, a sequel could flip expectations by depicting Bea and Ben’s relationship after pretending to be together or focusing on another major life event – such as a proposal, family gathering, or another wedding.
Writers may look to Shakespeare once more for inspiration, perhaps adapting aspects of his other works or revisiting “Much Ado About Nothing” with new complications or misunderstandings. The comedic potential in upending established relationships gives room for creative twists.
Also Read
Ralph Fiennes Steals the Spotlight in New 28 Years Later Image
Fans have floated ideas ranging from the couple facing challenges living together, dealing with long-distance issues, or even planning their own wedding – faced with new characters who stir the pot. Other possibilities include more screen time for side characters who added humor and drama to the original film.
Should the story shift focus, introducing rivals, exes, or eccentric relatives could generate new comedy and conflict in keeping with the first movie’s spirit. The film’s writers have yet to reveal any specifics, but interviews and speculation point to a plot full of both romance and the unexpected.
Fans’ Reaction to Sequel Rumors
The buzz surrounding Sweeney’s comments about Anyone But You 2 has only intensified since her Empire interview. Fans have launched hashtags and social media campaigns hoping to encourage the studio to greenlight a sequel. Twitter and TikTok are filled with fan edits, speculative casting discussions, and wish lists for the next chapter.
The affection for Bea and Ben’s story is clear in meme culture, comment threads, and reaction videos. A significant portion of the audience discovered the film after its theatrical run through streaming, boosting its second-wave popularity and introducing more voices into the conversation about its future.
Also Read
Alan Ritchson’s Action Thriller ‘Runner’ Faces Setback After Dan Spilo Fired
Some fans remain cautious, remembering that not all romantic comedy sequels recapture the magic of the original. However, the creative involvement of Sweeney and the positive energy from cast interactions on press tours have given supporters optimism. People also point out that modern sequels, when given time to develop, can bring new layers of complexity and humor.
What’s Next for the Franchise?
For now, the future of Anyone But You 2 remains uncertain but promising. The success of the original film and ongoing interest from both fans and cast make it a likely candidate for a sequel if contract and schedule details can be resolved. Sony Pictures is keeping details close to the vest, but has a track record of extending successful rom-coms.
Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell’s increasing stardom adds momentum to the project. With the global romantic comedy market stronger than it’s been in years, studios are more willing to revisit popular franchises. If the sequel goes into production, fans can expect updates about casting, release dates, and plot details through official channels and entertainment media.
Until then, anticipation stays high as audiences rewatch the original film and share hopes for where the story could go next. Updates are likely to arrive in incremental pieces, but it is clear that the appetite for more Bea and Ben has not faded.
