Jennifer Aniston’s love life has entered a new chapter with hypnotist Jim Curtis, but the past is not staying politely in the background. Insiders say the relationship is heating up while her bond with ex-husband Justin Theroux still looms large, leaving Curtis feeling like he is competing with a ghost. The tension between a very current romance and a very present ex is turning into its own Hollywood subplot.
The romance with Jim Curtis is real, but so is Justin Theroux
By all accounts, Jennifer Aniston and Jim Curtis are not a casual fling. Reports describe Curtis as her boyfriend and note that the pair initially connected earlier in the year, with their relationship growing more serious over time as they leaned into a slower, more intentional romance. Aniston is described as “very happy and comfortable” with Curtis, with friends highlighting how grounded she seems with him and how different this pace feels from some of her past relationships, including her marriage to Justin Theroux.
The couple has not been hiding either. Aniston supported Curtis at a recent book event, where she was photographed by his side as he promoted his work as a hypnotist, a public show of unity that underlined how invested she is in this relationship. Curtis, for his part, has leaned into the spotlight just enough, teasing that he has “got a few surprises cooking” for 2026 as their romance gets more serious and hinting at plans that fold Aniston into his future together. He has already looked back on their “amazing” 2025 as a couple, sharing a sweet glimpse of their time as a pair and signaling that he sees this as a long-term commitment.
Living with an ex in the room
Behind the scenes, though, the glow of new love is colliding with the reality that Justin Theroux is still firmly in Aniston’s orbit. Multiple insiders say Curtis feels like he is living in the shadow of her ex, with one report describing him as increasingly “overshadowed” by the enduring connection between Aniston and Theroux. Aniston and Theroux, who split in 2018, have maintained a close friendship that includes staying in touch and, according to insiders, continuing to see each other, something that has reportedly become a flashpoint for Curtis.
Those close to the situation say Curtis has turned “furious” over Aniston’s ongoing connection with Theroux, particularly as he learns more about her secretive meetups with her ex-husband Justin Theroux. One insider described the situation bluntly, saying the FRIENDS alum is still in touch with Theroux despite her whirlwind romance with Curt, and that Curtis is struggling with the fact that Justin is still in her life. Another report goes further, saying Aniston’s new hypnotist lover is “fuming” over her secret meetings with Theroux and feels like she just cannot fully let go of that chapter, even as she builds something serious with Curtis.
Can Jim Curtis step out of Justin Theroux’s shadow?
For Curtis, the emotional math is complicated. On one hand, he is dating one of the most recognizable stars in the world and has her showing up for him at events, spending holidays like Christmas together, and publicly embracing him as her partner, as seen when Jennifer Aniston supported her hypnotist boyfriend at a book event after they celebrated Christmas. On the other, he is reportedly wrestling with the sense that no matter how present he is, Theroux’s history with Aniston, and her refusal to cut that tie, keeps him in a permanent second position. One account framed it as Curtis feeling like he is “living in the shadow” of her ex, a dynamic that has left him hurt and frustrated.
At the same time, people around Aniston insist she is genuinely invested in making this work and is trying not to repeat old patterns from her marriage to Theroux, with one report saying Aniston and Curtis are being urged to avoid the same mistakes and not make huge sacrifices that could breed resentment again. Friends describe her as “very happy and comfortable” with Jim Curtis, emphasizing that this relationship feels healthier and more balanced, with Aniston prioritizing wellness, close Friends, and a calmer life in California with him. Another account echoes that sentiment, saying Jennifer Aniston is “very happy and comfortable” with boyfriend Jim Curtis and that those around her see a genuine, evolving relationship. Curtis himself has leaned into that optimism, appearing in a social media clip where Jennifer Aniston’s boyfriend Jim Curtis says he has a few surprises in 2026 as their romance gets more serious, a confident nod that he expects to be by her side for the long haul ahead. Still, other insiders caution that Jennifer Aniston leaving new man Jim Curtis feeling like he is living in the shadow of her ex Justin Theroux is already a problem, with one report by Aaron Tinney suggesting Curtis feels overshadowed by how deeply Aniston still cares about her former husband and his family. Unverified based on available sources.
More from Vinyl and Velvet:
Leave a Reply