Sydney Sweeney is set to place one of classic literature’s neglected women at the center of a beguiling supernatural mystery.
The “Euphoria” actress is set to star in “Hollow,” a feminist reimagining of Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Rather than re-following Ichabod Crane’s encounter with the Headless Horseman, the adaptation will take place from Katrina Van Tassel’s point of view, transforming her from a romantic prize into the driving force of the story.
The project will also introduce psychological suspense and erotic thriller elements, placing Sweeney’s character in a dangerous supernatural love triangle.
Sydney Sweeney will play Katrina Van Tassel
According to Deadline, “Hollow” is based on the upcoming debut novel by filmmaker Lindsey Anderson Beer. Beer is set to write, direct and produce the film adaptation of his own book, while Sweeney will produce in addition to starring as Katrina. The film is described as blending “gothic atmosphere, psychological intrigue and erotic thriller elements” in a high-level reimagining of Irving’s 1820 short story.
In the original tale, Katrina is the wealthy daughter of Baltus Van Tassel and the object of affection of the schoolmaster, Ichabod Crane, and his rival, Brom Bones. She possesses considerable influence over the men around her, but she is largely seen as the prize in their growing competition.
“Hollow” will instead make Katrina the central character of the mystery, giving her perspective and narrative agency missing in many previous adaptations.
“Hollow” features a supernatural love triangle
Although specific plot details remain limited, Katrina would find herself caught in a seductive and dangerous supernatural love triangle. This premise suggests that “Hollow” will significantly expand on the romantic rivalry found in Irving’s original story, potentially giving its supernatural elements a more direct connection to Katrina. However, the identities of the other figures in the love triangle have not been announced. No additional cast members or release dates have been confirmed.
The project also offers Sydney Sweeney another opportunity to combine sexuality and psychological tension, a space she has previously explored in “The Voyeurs,” “Euphoria” and “The Housemaid.”
Sydney Sweeney continues her streak of erotic thrillers
Sweeney starred in Amazon Prime Video’s “The Voyeurs” as Pippa, a woman whose fascination with the couple living across from her turns into a dangerous obsession. She then had major box office success with “The Housemaid,” the psychological thriller based on the best-selling novel by Freida McFadden.
The film’s performance quickly led Lionsgate to approve a sequel, “The Housemaid’s Secret,” which is expected to arrive in theaters in December 2027. Sydney Sweeney will reprise her role as Millie and return as executive producer. Michele Morrone is also expected to return, while Kirsten Dunst joined the cast of the sequel.
Although “Hollow” has been described as an erotic thriller, it will add gothic horror and supernatural intrigue to the genre territory Sweeney has already explored.
The film reimagines a familiar horror story
“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” has inspired numerous film and television adaptations, but most center around Ichabod Crane and the mystery of the Headless Horseman.
One of the best known versions is Tim Burtonthe 1999 film “Sleepy Hollow”, starring Johnny Depp like Ichabod and Christine Ricci like Katrina. This adaptation significantly expanded Katrina’s role while placing Depp’s character at the center of the investigation.
Fox later aired a contemporary television series “Sleepy Hollow” starring Tom Mison and Nicole Beharie. The series ran for four seasons between 2013 and 2017 and transformed the original legend into a sprawling supernatural drama.
By telling the story through Katrina’s eyes, “Hollow” will attempt to distinguish itself from previous adaptations while reconsidering a character traditionally defined by the men who pursue her.
Sydney Sweeney has several major projects coming up
“Hollow” joins an increasingly diverse lineup of upcoming projects for Sweeney. The actress currently stars alongside Noah Centineo in Netflix’s live-action adaptation “Gundam.” Production began in Australia in April, with the film following rival robot pilots fighting on opposing sides in a war between Earth and its former space colonies.
Outside of her acting career, Sydney Sweeney recently ventured into fashion with the launch of her lingerie brand, Syrn. The actress modeled pieces from the company’s new Small Town Girl collection in a campaign released this week.