Sydney Sweeney to Star in Thriller Adapted From English Teacher’s Viral Reddit Story

Sydney Sweeney to Star in Thriller I Pretended to Be a Missing Girl
(Include image: Sydney Sweeney at March 11 event)

Sydney Sweeney is set to produce and star in I Pretended to Be a Missing Girl, a Gone Girl-style thriller Warner Bros. secured in a competitive bidding war. The film adapts a viral 2021 Reddit short story by English high school teacher Joe Cote. The plot follows a homeless woman who impersonates missing Mikayla Murray to rob her family, only for the scheme to spiral out of control.

Sweeney, 27, personally recruited Oscar-winning screenwriter Eric Roth (Dune, Forrest Gump) to adapt the story. She’ll likely collaborate with her fiancé and producing partner, Jonathan Davino, through their Fifty-Fifty Films banner. The couple has been together since 2018.

(Include image: Joe Cote’s Reddit post screenshot)

From Reddit to Hollywood
Cote’s story gained traction online for its twisty narrative, catching Sweeney’s attention. Roth’s involvement adds prestige, given his acclaimed track record. The project joins Sweeney’s growing résumé as a producer and leading actress.

Box Office Successes
Sweeney’s recent producing ventures have proven lucrative:

• Immaculate (2024): This horror film, starring Sweeney as a nun, grossed $35.3M globally on a $9M budget.
• Anyone but You (2023): The rom-com, which she also produced, earned $220.3M worldwide.

(Include image: Scene from Anyone but You)

Upcoming Projects
Sweeney’s schedule remains packed:

• The Housemaid: A Christmas-release thriller directed by Paul Feig, adapting Rebecca Sonnenshine’s novel.
• Untitled Christy Martin Biopic: She wrapped filming in November 2025, calling the role of the boxer “transformative.”
• Scandalous!: Directed by Euphoria co-star Colman Domingo, exploring Kim Novak and Sammy Davis Jr.’s affair.
• Euphoria Season 3: Filming began in February 2025, with Sweeney reprising her breakout role as Cassie.

(Include image: Sweeney as Christy Martin on set)

Brand Power
Beyond acting, Sweeney is a sought-after influencer, partnering with brands like Giorgio Armani, Samsung, and LANEIGE.

(Include image: Sweeney at a brand event)

Balancing Act
With multiple films in development—including Americana, Echo Valley, and Eden—Sweeney continues to cement her status as a Hollywood powerhouse. Her ability to juggle producing, acting, and endorsements underscores her relentless drive.

Final Word
I Pretended to Be a Missing Girl highlights Sweeney’s knack for bold, complex roles and her ambition behind the scenes. As she told Variety, “I love pushing my limits—both onscreen and off.”

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