It’s hard to believe it’s already been two years since we first heard the opening notes of Natasha Bedingfield’s “Unwritten” echoing through cinema speakers. Released on December 22, 2023, Anyone But You, starring Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell, arrived with plenty of tabloid buzz but modest expectations.
However, what started as a $6 million opening weekend blossomed into a massive $220 million global success. As we celebrate its second anniversary, we’re revisiting the lightning-in-a-bottle connection between Bea and Ben—and the off-screen “relationship” that had the entire internet talking.
The Chemistry That Fooled the World
The massive success of Anyone But You wasn’t just due to the script; it was fueled by the intense, palpable chemistry between Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell. Throughout the film’s production and press tour, the pair displayed a level of playful affection and “red carpet heat” that sparked a million headlines.
Fans were convinced the two were a real-life couple, especially following Powell’s split from Gigi Paris during the film’s rollout. However, the stars eventually pulled back the curtain, revealing it was all part of a masterclass in movie marketing. Sweeney, who also served as an executive producer, later admitted they leaned into the dating rumors to build hype for the film. “It was a marketing strategy,” she told Variety. “Glen and I don’t really care. We have so much fun together, and we respect each other so much.”
The “Sleeper Hit” That Defied the Odds
When the film premiered, the romantic comedy was largely considered a “streaming only” category. Yet, thanks to that “Are they or aren’t they?” intrigue, the film saw an incredibly rare box office multiplier. Audiences flocked to theaters not just to see a movie, but to witness the sparks fly between two of Hollywood’s fastest-rising stars.
The “Unwritten” Resurgence
Aside from the romance, the film is remembered for the massive cultural revival of Natasha Bedingfield’s “Unwritten.” Used as a “serenity song” for Powell’s character, Ben, the track became a viral sensation on TikTok. To this day, the sight of a helicopter over the Sydney Opera House is synonymous with that early 2000s anthem.