Sydney Sweeney Turns Reddit Nightmares into Reality in her Latest Movie Venture

The “Euphoria” and “Anyone But You” star has signed on to headline a new psychological thriller based on a bizarre piece of viral Reddit fiction.

Sydney Sweeney is also set to produce the film.

The short story, originally posted in 2021 by English teacher Joe Cote, was titled, “I Pretended to Be a Missing Girl So I Could Rob Her Family.”  As the unsettling title suggests, the plot centers on a young woman who poses as the long-lost daughter of a grieving family, only to con them in a chilling act of deception.

Though the tale gained traction on Reddit, Cote confirmed the story is entirely fictional. And now, it’s headed for the big screen with an Oscar-winning screenwriter at the helm.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the script is being written by none other than Eric Roth, the decorated scribe behind “Forrest Gump,” “Munich,” “A Star is Born,” and “Dune: Part One.” While Roth didn’t pen “Gone Girl,” THR teased the upcoming film will have “Gone Girl-worthy twists and turns,” a hint that audiences can expect a labyrinth of deceit, identity, and psychological suspense.

With Roth and Sweeney attached, the project is already generating buzz, even without a director or release date locked in.

Sweeney will produce the feature under her Fifty-Fifty Films banner.

Joe Cote, the original author of the story, is also on board as executive producer.

For Sweeney, this project marks another step in her evolution as both a Hollywood star and power player behind the scenes. Her recent romantic comedy “Anyone But You” became an unexpected box office hit in 2023, and she continues to explore edgier territory, both in front of and behind the camera.

She also recently produced and starred in “Immaculate for Neon” and earned critical acclaim with Emmy-nominated performances in “The White Lotus” and “Euphoria.”

Up next, Sydney Sweeney stars opposite Julianne Moore in Apple TV’s “Echo Valley” and will headline “The Housemaid,” a Lionsgate thriller directed by Paul Feig, set to release in December.

The description for the Fredia McFadden adaption reads, “Sweeney will play Millie, a struggling young woman who is relieved to get a fresh start as a housemaid to Nina (Amanda Seyfried) and Andrew (Brandon Sklenar), an upscale, wealthy couple… but soon learns that the family’s secrets are far more dangerous than her own.”

Sweeney is also getting ready to step into the ring, literally, and fans can hardly believe their eyes.

The “Euphoria” star revealed a jaw-dropping physical transformation last October, sharing behind-the-scenes photos from the set of her upcoming Christy Martin biopic. With a muscular build, dark curls, and a fierce stare, Sweeney looks nearly unrecognizable as she channels the groundbreaking boxer known for her grit both in and out of the ring.

“Well, the cat’s out of the bag thanks to some paps in bushes, so here’s a little BTS from my film I’m working on right now,” she wrote in the caption of her Instagram post. “Over the past few months, I’ve been immersed in training to bring to life the story of an incredible woman, a true champion who fought battles both inside and outside the ring.”

Wearing red boxing gloves, a tank top, and gray sweatpants, Sweeney flexed her arms and showed off the intense training she’s been undergoing to portray Martin, one of the most trailblazing female fighters in history. Her signature blonde locks have been swapped for a deep brunette with curls, a dramatic departure from the Sydney fans know.

“Her journey is a testament to resilience, strength, and hope, and I’m honored to step into her shoes to share her powerful story with you all,” Sydney Sweeney added. “More to come soon.”

Sweeney shared her enthusiasm for the role in an interview with Deadline, revealing that she spent nearly ten years practicing grappling and kickboxing. She said she’s excited to step back into the ring and begin training again for the film.