Amy Smart Shares a Behind-the-Scenes Moment with Ryan Reynolds as ‘Just Friends’ Marks 20 Years

Ryan Reynolds, Amy Smart, and Julie Hagerty in ‘Just Friends’.
Credit :

Courtesy of Warner Bros.

Key Details

• Release Date: Just Friends premiered on November 23, 2005.
• Plot Summary: The film features Ryan Reynolds as Chris, who returns to his hometown several years after transforming his life, hoping to reconnect with his best friend and former crush, Jamie (Amy Smart).
• Recollection: Two decades later, director Roger Kumble and Amy Smart shared insights about their experiences during the film’s production.

Just Friends has become a staple in the realm of mid-2000s comedies.

The story follows Chris Brander, played by Ryan Reynolds, who revisits his hometown after enduring relentless bullying in high school. His only solace was Jamie Palamino, portrayed by Amy Smart, who chose to remain in their hometown. Their reunion sparks nostalgia and reflection on how much Chris has changed.

Director Roger Kumble, who describes the film as a fusion of romantic comedy and Christmas narrative, expressed his intent from the outset to cast Reynolds in the lead role.

"I had been a huge Ryan Reynolds fan from Two Guys and a Girl and an Amy Smart fan," Kumble shared. "New Line had a good relationship with Amy because they had made Butterfly Effect. And so they said, ‘You can make that movie. You’re going to go to Regina, Saskatchewan to do it.’ And I said, ‘Great.’"

Ryan Reynolds and Amy Smart in Just Friends.
Courtesy of Warner Bros.

In the film, Reynolds portrays a comedic version of a reformed Chris, attempting to impress Jamie, who sees through his attempts at post-glow-up charm.

Smart reflected on the dynamics of their characters, stating, "I think when he’s in high school, he’s very insecure about his look, but he’s also so genuine, and their friendship is so strong and real. When any relationship is that strong and real, the looks go sort of to the back, when you’re so connected." She added, "For him, obviously, he’s haunted by his overweightness in the film at the beginning, and then he’s overcompensated in life as an adult."

Amy Smart as Jamie Palamino.
Courtesy of Warner Bros.

Regarding her portrayal, Smart said, "For me, it’s always really bringing the grounding myself in the character and figuring out what she wants, what she needs. With comedy, you have to commit even more. To make it funny, the circumstances have to be that much more intense." She relished the challenge of acting alongside Reynolds, acknowledging his innate humor, which made it difficult to maintain composure during scenes.

Ryan Reynolds and Amy Smart as Chris and Jamie.

Kumble reminisced about their collaborative atmosphere on set, stating, "I never use the word genius, but I will when it comes to Ryan." He noted the fun challenges they embraced, including a memorable scene where a character, played by another actress, was humorously depicted eating toothpaste.

"She pulled it off, and just the timing of the slap fight and her popping up with a mouthful of toothpaste, that was a blast to shoot," Kumble laughed.

Just Friends remains accessible on Digital & Blu-ray and can be streamed on platforms including Apple TV and Peacock.