In the realm of Hollywood, romantic comedies have long been a staple genre that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. From the charming performances of Matthew McConaughey and Tom Hanks to the iconic roles played by Heath Ledger and Hugh Grant, the rom-com landscape of the ’80s, ’90s, and early aughts was dominated by these A-list actors. Films like “You’ve Got Mail,” “Notting Hill,” and “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” were box office hits that solidified the leading men as the ultimate knights in shining armor.
However, the 2010s brought about a decline in the popularity of romantic comedies. Raunchy sex comedies took center stage, leaving earnest love stories behind. The genre that was once celebrated became a target for parody, and serious actors shied away from rom-com roles. Despite a few standout hits like Emma Stone’s “Easy A” and “Crazy, Stupid, Love” featuring Ryan Gosling, the landscape was filled with low-budget attempts that failed to make an impact.
It wasn’t until 2018 that a new romantic hero emerged in the form of Glen Powell. His breakout performance in the Netflix rom-com “Set It Up” opposite Zoey Deutch garnered critical acclaim and set the stage for his continued success in the genre. Powell’s role in “Anyone But You,” a modern adaptation of “Much Ado About Nothing,” became a box office sensation, surpassing previous Shakespeare adaptations in popularity. His subsequent films, “Hit Man” and “Twisters,” further solidified his status as a rom-com leading man.
Powell attributes the success of rom-coms to the elements of fun and chemistry between the actors. His on-screen chemistry with leading ladies like Sydney Sweeney, Adria Arjona, and Daisy Edgar-Jones has been a major factor in his appeal to audiences. Other actors, inspired by Powell’s success, have also embraced rom-com roles, revitalizing the genre.
RenĂ©e Zellweger’s return as Bridget Jones in “Mad About the Boy” featured Chiwetel Ejiofor and Leo Woodall as her love interests, showcasing the star power of today’s actors in romantic comedies. Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans’ roles in Celine Song’s “Materialists” have sparked online conversations about the complex love triangle depicted in the film.
Younger stars like Tom Blyth and Dylan O’Brien have also expressed interest in rom-com roles, eager to be part of the genre’s resurgence. With a renewed interest in love stories and escapism, Hollywood has embraced romantic comedies once again, offering a diverse range of stories that cater to different experiences of love.
Whether it’s the influence of actors like Powell and Gosling, the adaptation of beloved books for the screen, or simply a desire for heartwarming stories, the resurgence of rom-coms is a welcome development in the film industry. Love remains a universal experience, and rom-coms continue to capture the essence of human connection in a lighthearted and entertaining way. As audiences embrace these stories, the future of romantic comedies looks bright, with a new generation of actors ready to carry on the tradition of on-screen romance.
