Will Toronto Lift the Curse After Sydney Sweeney’s Challenging Summer?

This summer has been tough for Sydney Sweeney, one of Hollywood’s rising stars. Following a disappointing release of indie films, she faced criticism, especially from a controversial American Eagle Jeans campaign that even caught the attention of former President Trump due to her Republican ties.

Since 2019, Sweeney has enjoyed significant success with standout performances in HBO’s Euphoria and Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Her role in The White Lotus earned her an Emmy nomination, further establishing her as a powerhouse in the industry.

One of her highlights, Anyone But You, opened over the Christmas holiday in 2023. This romantic comedy grossed over $220 million, surprising even the studio. However, many were unaware that her other film, Americana, featuring a storyline involving stolen Native American artifacts, struggled to find a U.S. distributor. After debuting at SXSW in spring 2023, it opened to a dismal $500,000 from more than 1,100 theaters in mid-August. Director Tony Tost noted its disappointing release, calling it “gobbled up by the zeitgeist.”

Sweeney’s bad luck continued with Ron Howard’s Eden, which premiered to only $1 million across 664 theaters after debuting at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024. Critics gave it a lukewarm reception, with a 57% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite the low box office figures, those familiar with Sweeney believe she’s being unfairly blamed, considering both films had ensemble casts. They insist she has no regrets and plans to bounce back soon.

Looking ahead, Sweeney is set to shine at the Toronto International Film Festival with her latest role in Christy, a movie based on the life of queer boxer Christy Martin. Some insiders speculate that her performance could be a contender for award nominations. Not only did Sweeney gain weight for this demanding role, but she also trained alongside Martin herself.

Additionally, she will star in The Housemaid, a psychological thriller, set to release on Christmas Day. With two strong leads and potential appeal to younger audiences, hopes are high that it will attract viewers beyond the usual holiday blockbusters.

Despite the recent setbacks, those close to her emphasize that Sweeney remains a strong presence in Hollywood. They believe her brand is still intact and that a break might be beneficial before she returns to the spotlight.

As seen in today’s entertainment landscape, box office performance can be unpredictable. According to recent data from the Motion Picture Association, while box office revenues have varied, adventurous storytelling, especially in unique indie projects, continues to provoke interest. Sweeney’s next moves may shape her trajectory significantly in the coming months.

For more on the stats of recent box office performances, you can check the Motion Picture Association’s Annual Report.

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