Comedian and actress Mary Beth Barone has addressed growing internet speculation regarding her relationship with Joe Alwyn, clarifying that their recent outings in New York City were tied to a professional “hard launch.” On September 22, 2026, Barone shared a series of photos on Instagram with the caption, “Hard launching this project,” confirming that the pair are starring together in an upcoming romantic comedy titled Still We Met.
The announcement follows days of rumors that began after Barone and Alwyn, both 35, were spotted walking together in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, on September 17. The sighting quickly went viral, leading fans to speculate about a potential new romance for Alwyn, who has maintained a low profile regarding his personal life since his high-profile split from Taylor Swift in 2023.
However, Alwyn’s actual romantic status appears to remain with actress Sarah Pidgeon. Despite the rumors linking him to Barone, Alwyn and Pidgeon were seen together in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, on September 20, 2026. The outing effectively signaled that Alwyn and Pidgeon are still a couple, even as he prepares for his new on-screen role with Barone.
Inside the Production of ‘Still We Met’
Still We Met is a romantic comedy written by Barone, who has often used her personal experiences in New York City as fodder for her comedy and writing. The film is set to be directed by Zackary Drucker, known for Enigma, and features Lena Dunham as an executive producer. The project marks a significant step for Barone, who has transitioned from a successful stand-up career and podcasting into leading film roles.
Barone’s “hard launch” phrasing is a nod to her established comedic style. She has a history of leaning into public fascination with her social life for humor, previously joking about “PR relationships” during appearances on Late Night with Seth Meyers. In the past, she has been playfully linked to actors such as Lucas Bravo and KJ Apa, though these instances were largely perceived as part of her comedic persona rather than confirmed relationships.
By framing the film announcement as a “hard launch,” Barone effectively reclaimed the narrative from the paparazzi photos that sparked the initial dating rumors. For Alwyn, Still We Met continues a busy production slate as he balances a series of independent film projects with his reported relationship with Pidgeon, which first drew public attention earlier this year.
