Rachel Griffiths defends Anyone But You’s Sydney Sweeney in Glen Powell rumour

Aussie actor Rachel Griffiths has defended her Anyone But You co-star Sydney Sweeney against Glen Powell hook-up rumours, calling the Hollywood celeb “incredibly focused” and professional.

Rachel Griffiths says it was insulting to Hollywood star Sydney Sweeney that rumours spread she’d hooked up with her Anyone But You co-star Glen Powell.

Griffiths, who plays Sweeney’s mum in the star-studded comedy shot in Sydney, said Sweeney was nothing but professional and focused.

“That was a total press beat up and to be honest, it’s a bit of an insult to her,’’ Griffiths said.

“It kind of goes to tropes of silly young actors. She’s incredibly focused in everything she does and she’s incredibly mindful of every choice she makes. The chemistry with everyone was great, there’s no doubt those two got on and made each other laugh.

Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney attend Anyone But You premiere. Picture: Dia Dipasupil

“She’s engaged (to be married), it was unfortunate, but she took that in her stride too.

“Hats off to her too, she had a laugh about it. It probably didn’t hurt the movie but I’m not saying it was constructive.”

Griffiths attended the Melbourne premiere at Hoyts Melbourne Central on Monday night, on her birthday, along with her two daughters Clementine and Adelaide. Sweeney stepped out at the premiere in Sydney.

The film also features Alexandra Shipp, Dermot Mulroney and Darren Barnet.

“Sydney Sweeney is the most impressive young woman,’’ Griffiths said.

“When I got offered the role I didn’t know too much of Sydney’s work so I googled. I said to my girls ‘do you think I could play her mum?’, they said 100 per cent.

Rachel Griffiths at the Melbourne premiere of Anyone But You. Picture: Tony Lee

“Addy (Adelaide) came up when we went to the Sydney Swans game. I went into the rooms with Sydney and you’ve never seen guys suddenly take their shirts off.

“She’s a really smart girl. She studied business, a beautiful actor and she gets it.

“It was a really fun ensemble. I had a great time with Dermot because I worked with him on My Best Friend’s Wedding. Julia’s guy (Roberts), but in Anyone But You I got the man and we had an absolute ball.”

Griffiths just returned from five months filming in New Zealand on comedy drama Madam, in which she opens a brothel.

Anyone But You is in cinemas on Boxing Day.