By Sharon Mai, Entertainment Reporter
Published: 05:59 GMT, 27 October 2026 | Updated: 06:54 GMT, 27 October 2026
Joe Alwyn has found himself at the center of fresh romance speculation after being spotted on what appeared to be a cozy and romantic stroll with his costar, Mary Beth Barone. The pair were seen bonding during a relaxed walk through the bustling streets of New York City on Monday, taking a brief pause in between filming scenes for their upcoming romantic comedy movie together. The casual outing has only intensified ongoing rumors within production circles and among fans that the two actors may have developed a close connection that transcends their professional duties as castmates.
The 35-year-old British actor and the 35-year-old comedienne leaned into a coordinated aesthetic for their daytime appearance, both stepping out in matching blue attire as they navigated the city streets. Alwyn, widely recognized for his work in projects such as Conversations with Friends and The Brutalist, kept his look characteristically laid-back. He opted for a casual blue New York Knicks T-shirt paired with classic distressed denim jeans and comfortable black sneakers. Keeping a low profile against the autumn elements, he sported tousled hair and a pair of classic Wayfarer sunglasses, effortlessly pulling together a relaxed off-duty appearance.
Barone matched her leading man’s casual energy while embracing an athleisure-inspired ensemble for their errand run and shopping trip. The actress and writer sported vibrant blue leggings paired with a skintight white jacket and chunky running sneakers that echoed the color palette of Alwyn’s outfit. Over her dark brunette tresses, she wore a simple black baseball cap featuring white text across the front. Throughout their walk, the two actors appeared entirely at ease in each other’s company, carrying tote bags filled with various purchases and goodies as they blended in seamlessly with the afternoon pedestrian traffic.
The outing comes on the heels of Alwyn’s previous high-profile romances. The actor was most recently linked to 29-year-old actress Sarah Pidgeon, who portrays Carolyn Bessette in Love Story. The two made headlines over the summer when they were spotted sharing public displays of affection and kissing in New York City, marking Alwyn’s first major public romance following his high-profile breakup from global pop superstar Taylor Swift. Before his connection with Pidgeon, Alwyn was also briefly linked to his The Brutalist costar Emma Laird following his split from Swift.
Alwyn and Barone’s current creative collaboration centers on the upcoming feature film Still We Met, a project that serves as a major milestone for Barone. Not only does the film star her in the leading role opposite Alwyn, but it also marks her official feature screenwriting debut. According to reports surrounding the production, the romantic comedy’s storyline is loosely based on Barone’s own real-life experiences and observations. In the film, Alwyn is set to star as a charming British man named Isaac, whose path crosses with a young woman navigating a pivotal crossroads in her life.
According to details previously published by Deadline, the narrative of Still We Met follows a young woman who, while at a major crossroads, meets a charming British stranger. The two end up spending one unforgettable night wandering through the labyrinthine streets of New York City, an encounter that ultimately reveals far more about both individuals than either of them originally intended. The intimate and conversational nature of the script has fueled further speculation regarding the undeniable on-screen and off-screen chemistry building between the lead actors.
Behind the camera, the production boasts an impressive roster of creative talent. Emmy nominee Zackary Drucker has stepped into the director’s chair to helm the project, marking her narrative feature directorial debut. Additionally, acclaimed filmmaker and producer Lena Dunham is heavily involved in bringing the vision to life, serving as an executive producer alongside Michael Cohen through their shared production company, Good Thing Going. With such a strong indie-film pedigree behind the project, Still We Met has quickly become one of the most anticipated romantic comedy features currently in production.
For Alwyn, the film represents another significant step in his evolving cinematic career following years of intense public scrutiny regarding his personal life. The actor famously spent six years in a high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift before the couple mutually called it quits in April 2023. Following their separation, Swift went on to be romantically linked to The 1975 frontman Matty Healy before ultimately beginning her relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
Alwyn, who typically maintains a notoriously private stance regarding his personal affairs, made rare and candid comments about his multi-year romance with Swift during a wide-ranging interview with The Sunday Times in June 2024. Reflecting on the long-term relationship, he described it as having been ‘long, loving,’ and ‘fully committed,’ while acknowledging that navigating the public aftermath of its conclusion was ‘a hard thing to navigate.’
Since that transitional period, Alwyn has steadily refocused his energy on his burgeoning acting resume, taking on diverse roles in independent cinema and television projects. His ability to seamlessly transition from intense dramas like The Brutalist to lighthearted romantic comedies like Still We Met has continued to showcase his versatility as a leading man. Whether his latest daytime outing with Mary Beth Barone signals the start of a brand-new Hollywood romance or simply the blossoming friendship of two costars bringing a passion project to life, the unfolding production of Still We Met continues to capture significant public and media attention.
