Sony Motion Picture Group Chairman, Tom Rothman, has many reasons to celebrate this weekend. With four Golden Globe nominations for films like “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” and “No Hard Feelings,” Sony is riding high. However, it is the success of the romantic comedy “Anyone But You” that has everyone talking. The film, starring Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell, saw a remarkable 9% increase in its third weekend at the box office, which is virtually unheard of for a title in the post-holiday season. Grossing a total of $43.7M domestically and $58.4M worldwide, “Anyone But You” has defied expectations and brought romantic comedies back to the big screen.
For years, romantic comedies have been relegated to the realm of streaming services, with major studios showing little interest in producing them. However, Rothman believes that the audience for romantic comedies never truly disappeared, but rather studios stopped believing in their potential. With “Anyone But You,” he has proven that audiences still have an appetite for these heartwarming tales. Rothman asserts, “If you build it, they will come.” The success of the film showcases the enduring appeal of the genre and validates its place in theaters.
The rise of superhero movies from both Marvel and DC has dominated the box office in recent years. However, with lackluster performances from these franchises in the fourth quarter of the previous year, some in the industry have suggested that superhero fatigue has set in. Rothman dismisses this cynical theory, pointing to the success of “Spider-Man: Across the Universe” as proof that audiences still gravitate towards superhero stories done right. The film grossed $381.3M domestically and $690.5M worldwide, emphasizing the importance of delivering high-quality content to meet the standards of discerning moviegoers.
Rothman recognizes that today’s audiences have higher standards than ever before. To capture their attention and get them into theaters, films must be nothing short of excellent. This sentiment reflects the growing appetite for quality storytelling and compelling narratives. Discerning moviegoers want to be engaged and emotionally invested in the films they watch. Rothman’s dedication to delivering exceptional content has paid off with the success of “Anyone But You” and the continued popularity of other Sony productions.
Sony Motion Picture Group Chairman, Tom Rothman, has reason to celebrate amidst the success of several films, including the unexpected triumph of the romantic comedy “Anyone But You.” This achievement marks a renaissance for the genre and challenges the notion that romantic comedies are no longer viable in theaters. With superhero fatigue being called into question and the demands of audiences growing, Rothman emphasizes the need for exceptional storytelling and high-quality content to thrive in the competitive landscape of the film industry. As Sony continues to produce outstanding films, the future looks bright for both the studio and moviegoers alike.