No More Hush-Hush: Glen Powell Confirms He Used His “Chemistry” With Sweeney To Sell The Film

In the world of Hollywood publicity, few things stir public intrigue quite like on-screen chemistry bleeding into real life. That’s exactly what happened with Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney, co-stars of the 2023 romantic comedy Anyone But You. For months, rumors swirled around the pair’s off-screen relationship, coinciding with Powell’s highly publicized breakup from longtime girlfriend Gigi Paris.

Now, in his first in-depth interview since the controversy erupted, Glen Powell is breaking his silence—not only on the breakup, but also on the carefully orchestrated publicity surrounding the film. Both Powell and Sweeney have now admitted that they intentionally leaned into romance rumors and their “chemistry” to help promote their rom-com, which became a surprise hit.

A Calculated Romance—or Just Good Marketing?

Speculation about a possible off-screen romance between Glen Powell, 36, and Sydney Sweeney, 27, reached a fever pitch during the press tour for Anyone But You. The film, shot in Australia, was marketed heavily on the believable connection between its stars, whose flirtatious interviews and playful red carpet interactions kept fans and media guessing about the nature of their relationship.

Now, both actors have acknowledged that they consciously played up their connection. In a revealing interview, Powell said that the pair knew the rumors could fuel curiosity and engagement around the movie.

“We leaned into it,” he admitted. “There’s a chemistry that we knew was marketable, and it helped get people talking about the film. That was the goal.”

Sydney Sweeney previously echoed similar sentiments, saying in an interview that they were simply “doing what needed to be done to sell a rom-com.” She emphasized that both she and Powell are professionals who understand the power of public perception—and in this case, they used it to their advantage.

The Fallout: Glen Powell’s Breakup with Gigi Paris

However, the real-life consequences of that strategy were more complicated than a box office boost. As romance rumors intensified, Powell’s three-year relationship with model Gigi Paris, 32, came to an abrupt end in early 2023. The timing, for many fans, seemed too close to be coincidental.

After months of silence, Paris recently opened up on the Too Much podcast with host Emma Klipstein. Speaking candidly, she described how blindsided she felt during the breakup and how the public speculation made her feel like she was being “fed to the dogs.”

“It was just, ‘This is what I have to do for my job,’” Paris said, referencing Powell’s involvement in the publicity campaign. “I could either pretend I was okay with it and let people speculate, or I could walk away.”

According to Paris, what hurt the most was the lack of respect and acknowledgment, especially after being in a relationship that included talks of “forever.” Her decision to leave, she said, wasn’t easy—but she felt she had no other option.

“I just wanted respect,” she added. “Don’t make a fool out of someone you’ve been with for years. Just have some decency.”

Glen Powell Responds: “Relationships Are Hard”

In his recent GQ interview, Glen Powell responded diplomatically to Paris’s remarks. While not denying her experience, he maintained a respectful tone and acknowledged the emotional complexity of breakups.

“I will always have nothing but love for her and respect for her,” Powell said. “Everybody’s always going to have their own narrative on things, and she’s welcome to it.”

He added that relationships are complicated, especially when they end under public scrutiny. “When two people break up, they each go to their own brunch and tell their own story,” he said, drawing attention to the subjective nature of public perception.

Powell did not directly deny or confirm whether the rumors with Sydney Sweeney had played a role in the breakup, but the implication was clear: he understands how the situation looked, even if his intentions weren’t malicious.

Sydney Sweeney’s Role and Her Own Breakup

Adding fuel to the fire was Sydney Sweeney’s own relationship status. She had been engaged to film producer Jonathan Davino, but in the months surrounding the Anyone But You press tour, reports emerged that the engagement had quietly ended.

Sweeney later confirmed she was single. Around the same time, she was seen attending Glen Powell’s sister’s wedding, which only heightened speculation about their closeness.

Despite public assumptions, Powell’s mother publicly stated that Sweeney and Powell were “definitely not together,” claiming she was simply a family friend. But for many fans, the optics told a different story.

The actors’ playful banter, viral interviews, and public appearances kept the rumor mill churning, even after they both stated that there was no romantic relationship.

Fame, Pressure, and Tom Cruise’s Advice

With the pressures of fame increasing, Glen Powell shared how he’s learned to cope with the noise, often turning to a surprising source for guidance—Tom Cruise.

Powell, who co-starred with Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick, said Cruise gave him crucial advice about navigating the spotlight.

“He basically said, ‘Hey, it’s going to get really, really loud. It’s your job to just turn the volume down. Just remember you have your hand on that switch,’” Powell recalled.

The advice stuck with him. “Turning down the noise and trusting your own gut has been a real godsend,” he added, reflecting on the rollercoaster of the last year.

Marketing or Manipulation?

The case of Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney raises a broader question about where the line lies between savvy marketing and emotional manipulation. While fans were undeniably entertained by the gossip and speculation, some critics argue that using relationship rumors for promotion blurs ethical boundaries—especially when real-life partners are affected.

Both Powell and Sweeney have emphasized that they were just doing their jobs—selling a romantic film by highlighting the charm and chemistry that made it successful. But for Gigi Paris, the experience was a reminder of how easily people can become collateral damage in Hollywood’s image machine.

What’s Next for Glen Powell?

Glen Powell’s career shows no sign of slowing down. After his star-making turn in Top Gun: Maverick and the success of Anyone But You, he’s currently riding a wave of momentum. His latest film, Hit Man, has received strong critical acclaim, and he’s being hailed as one of the few actors who can seamlessly balance action, drama, and comedy.

But as he moves forward, it’s clear that he’s become more cautious—both in how he handles his personal life and in the public narratives surrounding it.

For now, Powell remains single and focused on his work. Whether or not he and Sydney Sweeney were ever romantically involved, the impact of their carefully curated chemistry has already left a lasting mark—not only on box office numbers but also on the people closest to them.