Anyone But You Part 2: The Ultimate Rom-Com Sequel Preview

The romantic comedy Anyone But You took the world by storm in 2023, blending witty banter, sizzling chemistry, and a modern twist on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. Starring Sydney Sweeney as Bea and Glen Powell as Ben, the film followed two singles whose fiery first date fizzled out, only to be reignited through a fake relationship at a lavish Australian wedding. With its picturesque Sydney backdrop, laugh-out-loud moments, and a surprising $220 million global box office haul, the movie proved rom-coms are far from dead. Now, whispers of Anyone But You Part 2 hitting Netflix have fans buzzing with anticipation. Promising more fake dating chaos, heart-stopping airport drama, and romance that pushes all the right buttons, this sequel is poised to deliver unhinged moments that will keep viewers glued to their screens. Here’s why this follow-up is shaping up to be the rom-com event of the year.

A Quick Recap: The Magic of the Original

Before diving into the sequel, let’s revisit what made Anyone But You a standout. Bea, a law student, and Ben, a finance bro, meet in a charming Boston coffee shop, sparking instant chemistry. Their perfect date ends in a misunderstanding, leaving them at odds. Months later, they’re thrown together at a mutual friend’s wedding in Australia, where their mutual disdain frustrates everyone around them. To keep the peace—and to dodge their exes—they agree to pretend to be a couple. What follows is a rollercoaster of comedic mishaps, from a Titanic-inspired boat fall to heartfelt confessions, all set against stunning Australian landscapes. The film’s mix of raunchy humor, emotional depth, and a killer soundtrack won over audiences, even if critics were split, giving it a 54% on Rotten Tomatoes compared to an 87% audience score.

The success wasn’t just financial. The undeniable chemistry between Sweeney and Powell sparked real-life romance rumors, which the stars playfully leaned into during press tours. Their charm, combined with director Will Gluck’s knack for updating classic rom-com tropes, made the film a cultural moment. It even got a Valentine’s Day re-release in 2024 with extra footage, cementing its status as a modern classic. So, what could a sequel possibly add to this winning formula? Let’s break it down.

What We Know About Anyone But You Part 2

As of now, no official announcement has confirmed Anyone But You Part 2, but the original’s massive success and fan demand make a sequel highly plausible. The provided premise suggests the story picks up with Bea and Ben navigating the aftermath of their Australian adventure. The fake dating chaos that defined their first outing is back, but this time, it’s dialed up with more stakes, more tension, and moments that promise to be delightfully unhinged. Airport drama—a staple of rom-coms—seems to play a central role, hinting at high-stakes chases, emotional farewells, or chaotic reunions. And, of course, the romance is set to be hotter and messier than ever.

The sequel is rumored to stream on Netflix, following the original’s debut on the platform in April 2024, where it quickly became the most-watched movie in the U.S. for a day. Given Netflix’s dominance in the rom-com space—think The Kissing Booth or To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before—it’s the perfect home for a sequel aiming to capture the same magic. While plot details are scarce, the focus on “more tension, more romance” suggests a story that tests Bea and Ben’s relationship in fresh, unpredictable ways. Will they face new misunderstandings? External pressures? Or perhaps a new setting that throws them into chaos? Let’s explore some possibilities.

The Setup: Where Could the Story Go?

Imagine this: Bea and Ben, now tentatively together after their Australian escapades, are trying to make their relationship work in the real world. Bea, having dropped out of law school, is carving her own path, perhaps pursuing a passion project or a new career. Ben, still in finance, is juggling his high-pressure job and his commitment to Bea. Their relationship, born from pretense, is still fragile, and old insecurities bubble up. Enter a new catalyst: a major life event, like a friend’s engagement party, a career opportunity abroad, or even a family crisis, that forces them to confront their feelings head-on.

The fake dating trope could return in a clever twist. Maybe Bea and Ben, facing skepticism from friends or family about their whirlwind romance, decide to double down on their “perfect couple” act to prove everyone wrong. Or perhaps they’re roped into a scheme to help a friend—like Claudia or Pete from the original—by pretending to be something they’re not. This setup would naturally lead to comedic misunderstandings, awkward situations, and moments where their true feelings shine through. Picture Bea and Ben stuck in a glamorous but chaotic international setting—say, a European city or a tropical resort—where their charade spirals out of control.

The airport drama is where things get juicy. Rom-coms love airports for their emotional weight: think Love Actually’s tearful reunions or Sleepless in Seattle’s near-misses. In Anyone But You Part 2, an airport could be the stage for a climactic moment. Maybe Bea, chasing a dream opportunity, is about to board a flight, and Ben has to race through the terminal to stop her. Or perhaps a mix-up strands them in an unfamiliar city, forcing them to confront their issues amidst lost luggage and missed connections. The tension of these scenes, paired with the humor of their bickering, would keep audiences on edge.

Cranking Up the Romance and Tension

The original film thrived on Bea and Ben’s enemies-to-lovers dynamic, and the sequel seems poised to amplify this. Their relationship, now past the “fake” phase, would face real-world challenges. Trust issues could arise—perhaps Ben’s ex, Margaret, reappears, stirring jealousy, or Bea’s parents meddle again, questioning her choices. The tension wouldn’t just be romantic; it could also be personal. Bea’s decision to leave law school was a bold move, and the sequel could explore her struggle to find her place, while Ben grapples with balancing ambition and love.

The romance, however, is the heart of the story. Sweeney and Powell’s chemistry was the original’s secret weapon, and fans will expect even steamier, more heartfelt moments. Picture a scene where Bea and Ben, caught in a rainstorm, share a raw, unscripted confession. Or a quiet moment where they sneak away from a chaotic event to reconnect, reminding us why they fell for each other. The sequel could also lean into physical comedy, like the original’s boat scene, with absurd situations that push them closer together.

Unhinged Moments to Watch For

The promise of “unhinged moments” suggests the sequel won’t play it safe. Rom-coms often shine when they embrace the absurd, and Anyone But You Part 2 could deliver with over-the-top scenarios. Imagine Bea and Ben accidentally crashing a high-profile event while pretending to be someone else, leading to a chain of hilarious mishaps. Or a wild chase through a bustling airport, complete with mistaken identities and impromptu karaoke to win over a gate agent. These moments would balance the emotional stakes with the lighthearted chaos that made the original so fun.

The supporting cast could also add to the madness. Characters like Claudia (Alexandra Shipp), Pete (GaTa), or Bea’s sister Halle (Hadley Robinson) could return, bringing their own quirks and drama. New characters—a meddling boss, a charming rival, or a wacky local—could shake things up, pushing Bea and Ben to their limits. The sequel’s setting, whether it’s a new city or a return to Australia, would provide fresh opportunities for visual gags and romantic escapades.

Why This Sequel Matters

Anyone But You was hailed as a rom-com renaissance, proving the genre still has legs in theaters and on streaming platforms. Its success showed audiences crave stories about real connection, free from the digital noise of smartphones and social media. The sequel has a chance to build on this, exploring modern relationships with humor and heart. By tackling themes like vulnerability, trust, and chasing dreams, it could resonate with viewers navigating their own messy love stories.

Netflix, with its knack for delivering bingeable rom-coms, is the ideal platform to amplify the sequel’s reach. The original’s streaming debut saw it dominate charts, and a follow-up could do the same, especially with Sweeney and Powell’s star power at an all-time high. Sweeney, fresh off roles in Euphoria and Immaculate, and Powell, riding the wave of Twisters and Hit Man, are poised to make this a must-watch event.

What to Expect When It Drops

While no release date is confirmed, the buzz around Anyone But You Part 2 suggests Netflix is eager to capitalize on the original’s momentum. Fans can expect a polished production, with Will Gluck likely returning to helm the project, given his track record. The script would need to balance nostalgia for the original with fresh twists to keep the story engaging. A killer soundtrack, stunning visuals, and a mix of raunchy and heartfelt moments will be key to recapturing the magic.

For now, fans can rewatch the original on Netflix or Prime Video to get in the mood. Keep an eye out for official announcements, as casting news or a teaser trailer could drop any day. Until then, the promise of more Bea and Ben—complete with fake dating chaos, airport drama, and swoon-worthy romance—has us counting down the days.

Final Thoughts

Anyone But You Part 2 is shaping up to be a deliciously chaotic addition to the rom-com canon. With its blend of tension, romance, and unhinged moments, it’s poised to deliver everything fans loved about the original, plus a few surprises. Whether you’re Team Bea, Team Ben, or just here for the laughs, this sequel promises to be a wild ride. So, grab your popcorn, clear your Netflix queue, and get ready for a love story that’s anything but predictable.