Rom-Coms Dying? Star Blames Streaming's Budget Cuts

Thomas Brodie-Sangster, known for his role in Love Actually, believes the romantic comedy genre has significantly declined. He suggests that the rise of streaming services has resulted in cheaper, rushed productions, draining the genre of its former charm and quality. This contrasts with the era of 90s rom-coms, which he describes as a simpler, more romantic time when iconic films were crafted.

Brodie-Sangster points to a shift in studio investment, with major funding now directed towards superhero franchises like Marvel and DC, overshadowing romantic comedies. Consequently, rom-coms are often relegated to streaming platforms, impacting their budgets and scale. He notes that recent rom-coms like 'The Materialists' have underperformed financially compared to older hits, while superhero epics achieve massive global earnings.

The actor also feels that contemporary rom-com scripts are hastily written to immediately capture the zeitgeist, often lacking depth or creativity. This pressure to produce quickly for specific release windows can lead to subpar quality. Despite this, Brodie-Sangster cherishes his association with Love Actually and remains hopeful for the genre's potential resurgence.