Sydney Sweeney is adding another psychological thriller to her growing list of projects – this time, she’s not just starring but producing as well. I Pretended to Be a Missing Girl, currently in development at Warner Bros., is based on a viral Reddit short story by Joe Cote. And to bring the story to life? Sweeney’s production company, Fifty-Fifty Films, has tapped none other than Oscar-winning screenwriter Eric Roth (Forrest Gump, Dune) to adapt it.
What is it about?
The plot sounds like the perfect mix of unsettling and addictive: A drifter scams a family by posing as their long-lost daughter – only to realise she’s stepped into something far more dangerous than she expected. As she navigates the tangled web of secrets within the household, she begins to question who is truly deceiving whom, and whether she is the predator or the prey.
Who else is attached to the project?
Aside from Sweeney and Roth, the project is bringing together an impressive lineup of talent. Producers include Roy Lee (Vertigo), Steven Schneider, Trevor Engelson, and Aaron Folbe of Underground. While casting details remain under wraps, industry insiders anticipate a star-studded lineup, given Sweeney’s track record of attracting top-tier talent to her projects.
When will it be released?
While no official release date has been announced yet, I Pretended to Be a Missing Girl is currently in early development. With a powerhouse team behind it, including Sweeney and Roth, the film is expected to gain momentum quickly. Stay tuned for updates as production moves forward.
What else is she filming?
It’s no secret that Sweeney has been making major moves behind the scenes. She executive produced Anyone But You, last year’s rom-com smash. She also championed the eerie Immaculate, which had its world premiere at SXSW before being picked up by Neon.
Her packed schedule doesn’t stop there. Up next, she’s both starring in and executive producing The Housemaid, a psychological thriller from Paul Feig, hitting screens on Christmas Day. Starring alongside Amanda Seyfried and Brandon Sklenar, Sweeney plays Millie, a woman who lands a dream job as a live-in maid for a wealthy couple – only to find that their secrets are much darker than they let on.
Then, there’s Scandalous!, where she takes on the role of silver-screen icon Kim Novak, starring opposite a yet-to-be-announced actor as Sammy Davis Jr. Directed by Colman Domingo in his directorial debut, the film dives into their forbidden love story in 1957 Hollywood. She’s also set to star in and produce David Michôd’s biopic on boxing legend Christy Martin.
And if that wasn’t enough, Sweeney’s also got Echo Valley coming up, where she’ll share the screen with Julianne Moore, Kyle MacLachlan, and Domhnall Gleeson.
It’s safe to say, Sweeney is in her producer era—and she’s not slowing down anytime soon.
