any_cast has been updated to support reference types. This change is included into 1.33.0 but this fact is not documented. It will be documented in 1.33.1. I'm going to update 'Updated Libraries' page (if it's not too late for RC_1_33_0). In 1.33.1 section: any: Cast to reference types introduced in 1.33.0 is now documented on any_cast documentation page. In 1.33.0 section: any: any_cast is enhanced to get direct access to any's held value. Does it look good? -- Alexander