### Glen Powell Defends "Affair" Rumor with Sydney Sweeney as Movie Promotion Strategy

In an unexpected twist, the romantic comedy "Anyone But You," released in 2023, became a major hit at the box office. This success came despite less-than-favorable reviews from critics. Much of the film's popularity has been credited to the undeniable chemistry between its stars, Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney. The on-screen and off-screen chemistry between the two was so compelling that it sparked rumors of a real-life affair during the movie's press tour.

However, it has since been revealed that these affair rumors were baseless. Powell has admitted that he and Sweeney leaned into the gossip to stir interest in "Anyone But You." According to Powell, the reason the pair appeared so friendly and close is that they have a genuine friendship. While some people may see this kind of promotion strategy as deceitful, Powell disagrees, describing it as a part of show business.

Talking to Vanity Fair, Powell shed light on how celebrity interactions, often seen by the public as spontaneous, are typically planned promotional events. He referenced an instance where he and country singer Luke Combs shared a stage and a beer, clarifying that though this was orchestrated for promotional purposes, the enjoyment was real. In Powell's view, just because an event is planned doesn't mean it lacks authenticity.

Discussing his dynamic with Sweeney, Powell drew parallels with famous Hollywood pairs like George Clooney and Julia Roberts, who have captivated audiences across multiple films. While Powell and Sweeney were not romantically involved, their close friendship made the affair rumors plausible. Powell notes that their authentic bond translated well on screen, amplifying the film's appeal.

There's even speculation that Powell and Sweeney could team up again for future projects. Should that happen, they'll need to come up with a fresh angle to capture public interest in the same way their "affair" rumors did for "Anyone But You."