Eternity Director David Freyne Reveals Why Hollywood Doesn’t Make RomComs Anymore

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Throughout Hollywood’s history, romantic comedies have given us some of the most beloved films. Classics like Breakfast at Tiffany’s, When Harry Met Sally, and Pretty Woman were huge hits with both audiences and critics, even earning awards recognition. Lately, though, we haven’t seen many rom-coms in movie theaters. While new ones appear on streaming services frequently, director David Freyne, known for Eternity, hopes to bring the genre back to the big screen.

In a recent interview with ComicBook about his new film, Eternity (releasing November 26th), director Freyne discussed the classic comedies that inspire him, including Billy Wilder’s The Apartment, Ernst Lubitsch’s Heaven Can Wait, and Preston Sturges’ Sullivan’s Travels. He also expressed his confusion and disappointment over the lack of romantic comedies being made today. Freyne believes that a great rom-com offers everything a moviegoing experience should – laughter, tears, and genuine emotion – and he’s puzzled why Hollywood has moved away from the genre. He admires how older films managed to be both hilarious and deeply moving.

Can The Theatrical Rom-Com Make a Comeback?

The decline of romantic comedies in theaters is likely due to changes in the movie industry. Over the past few decades, studios have focused more on large, expensive franchises – movies with sequels, prequels, and remakes based on well-known stories. These big-budget films attract huge audiences and guarantee box office success, making it hard for smaller, mid-budget rom-coms to get noticed. While a few rom-coms have still resonated with audiences recently, they’re much less common than they used to be.

While it seems like things are staying the same at the movies, there are hints of a shift. Superhero films, which dominated for years, saw disappointing results in 2025, suggesting that era might be fading. However, superhero movies won’t disappear completely, and audiences are clearly interested in other kinds of films. 2025 was a great year for horror, and anime films proved to be very popular. Studios need to learn that offering a wider variety of movies – ones that appeal to different people – is important. There’s potential for genres like romantic comedies to become popular again, too.

If the movie Eternity starts a new wave of romantic comedies, it will be a welcome change. The film could revitalize the genre by using unique and captivating storylines that feel both familiar and fresh. Eternity takes the classic love triangle and adds an interesting twist: the story is set in the afterlife, where the main character, Joan (Elizabeth Olsen), must choose which of her past loves she’ll spend forever with. This setup promises a film that’s both emotionally powerful and highly entertaining. Director Freyne aims to recreate the charm of classic rom-coms, tackling serious topics with humor and heart.

Launching alongside potential blockbusters like Wicked: For Good and Zootopia 2 will make it tough for Eternity to succeed at the box office. However, it could offer a refreshing alternative for audiences seeking something different during the holiday season. If the film performs well, it could encourage studios to make more romantic comedies, a genre that’s currently missing from theaters. If enough people buy tickets, it will show studios there’s still a demand for rom-coms and that investing in them is worthwhile.

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2025-11-15 23:10