Anyone But You: Unexpected Delay in Online Streaming Release

In a surprising turn of events, fans of the surprise hit rom-com, 'Anyone But You,' will need to mark a new date on their calendars for its online debut. The film, a recent crowd-pleaser by Sony Pictures, stars 'Top Gun: Maverick' prodigy Glen Powell alongside 'Euphoria' sensation Sydney Sweeney, making a splash among cinema-goers with its A-list ensemble.

Despite an underwhelming response from critics, who left the movie with a modest 52% approval on Rotten Tomatoes, the feature has not only survived but thrived, with its popularity continually surging. Its appeal proved strong enough to surpass the initial Box Office projections, particularly after a lukewarm reception at its initial release in December 2023.

As 'Anyone But You' continued to defy the odds, reaching over $150 million in global ticket sales on a lean production budget of $25 million, the anticipated home entertainment release faced a setback. Originally, Amazon indicated a February 27 release date for the Blu-ray, but this has now slipped to March 12. This shift implies a corresponding delay for the online streaming version, which typically precedes the Blu-ray by a fortnight.

This setback aligns somewhat paradoxically with the film's sustained cinematic presence. Over a month past its premiere, it’s still drawing audiences to theaters — a likely contributor to the postponement of its digital arrival. The success is such that Sony has seized the opportunity to prolong its theatrical run with the introduction of 'The Valentine Encore' edition. This version, scheduled for a timely release just ahead of Valentine's Day on February 9, is expected to entice fans with the promise of exclusive, unseen content.

For Sony Pictures, the delay is a calculated move as they look to maximize the film's profitability. Relying on robust word-of-mouth and a continued strive for robust box office numbers, the production house intends to ride the wave of its theatrical success before transitioning 'Anyone But You' to home screens.

The film's prolonged box office residence, in conjunction with the special re-release, illustrates the increasingly complex strategies studios are employing in the digital era to optimize returns. While some may view the delayed streaming availability as an inconvenience, it establishes a clear testament to Sony's confidence in the enduring appeal of 'Anyone But You'.

For ardent supporters eager to revisit the charm of 'Anyone But You' from the comfort of their homes, patience is the prevailing virtue as no official online release date has been declared. Yet, with its highly anticipated Blu-ray on the horizon, coupled with its strong performance, it’s clear that ‘Anyone But You’ has carved out its niche in today's cinematic landscape.