Sydney Sweeney to Star in ‘Hollow,’ a Gothic Reimagining of ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’
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Sydney Sweeney is heading into gothic horror territory as the actress teams with filmmaker Lindsey Anderson Beer for a dark new take on Washington Irving’s classic tale.
Sydney Sweeney continues to build one of the most fascinating filmographies in Hollywood.
Fresh off the success of The Housemaid, which became one of last year’s biggest box office surprises, Sweeney has attached herself to another literary adaptation — this time stepping into the world of gothic horror. The actress is set to star in Hollow, a feature film adaptation of Lindsey Anderson Beer’s upcoming debut novel that reimagines Washington Irving’s iconic 1820 short story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow through a contemporary lens.
Unlike traditional adaptations that place Ichabod Crane at the center of the story, Hollow shifts the focus to Katrina Van Tassel, transforming the character from a romantic prize into the primary protagonist. According to early details, the project will blend gothic horror, psychological suspense, and erotic thriller elements while exploring a dangerous supernatural love triangle involving Katrina, Ichabod Crane, and the legendary Headless Horseman.
It’s a concept that feels tailor-made for Sweeney, whose recent career choices have increasingly moved away from conventional studio fare and toward darker, more psychologically complex material. Between Immaculate, The Housemaid, and now Hollow, the actress appears to be carving out a unique space at the intersection of prestige horror and commercial genre filmmaking.
The project also represents a major step forward for filmmaker Lindsey Anderson Beer. Best known for writing projects including Netflix’s Sierra Burgess Is a Loser and directing Pet Sematary: Bloodlines, Beer will both write and direct the adaptation of her own novel. That level of creative control suggests Hollow is likely to maintain a singular vision as it moves toward production.
The novel itself has already generated significant industry interest. Penguin Random House imprint Putnam reportedly acquired publishing rights in a preemptive deal before the manuscript could even reach auction, a strong indication of confidence in the property’s commercial potential. With the book scheduled for publication in fall 2027, the film package is expected to generate attention from major studios and streamers as it enters the marketplace.
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The decision to center Katrina Van Tassel may ultimately be what separates Hollow from previous adaptations. For more than two centuries, most retellings of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow have revolved around Ichabod Crane and the mystery of the Headless Horseman. By repositioning Katrina as the focal point, Beer appears interested in exploring themes of desire, agency, obsession, and power through a modern perspective while still preserving the eerie folklore that made Irving’s story endure.
It’s also another sign that Hollywood’s appetite for literary reimaginings remains stronger than ever. Recent years have seen classic stories reinvented through new perspectives, often placing previously overlooked characters at the center of familiar narratives. Hollow appears poised to follow that trend while adding a distinctly gothic sensibility.
Production duties will be handled by an impressive team. Margot Robbie’s LuckyChap Entertainment, which has become one of the industry’s most successful production companies through projects like Barbie, joins Beer through Brew Lab and Sweeney’s newly launched Honey Trap banner. The combination gives the project substantial creative and commercial firepower before a studio has even officially come on board.
For Sweeney, the announcement reinforces her status as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after stars. While audiences may know her best from Euphoria and romantic comedies like Anyone But You, her recent slate suggests a deliberate effort to diversify her portfolio. Rather than simply chasing blockbuster franchises, she continues to gravitate toward projects that allow her to occupy more complicated, psychologically layered roles.
If The Housemaid proved that audiences are eager to see Sweeney lead dark thrillers, Hollow could push that evolution even further.
With a gothic atmosphere, literary pedigree, supernatural horror elements, and a fresh perspective on one of America’s most enduring legends, the project already feels like one of the more intriguing literary adaptations currently in development. The biggest question now is which studio will ultimately ride into Sleepy Hollow alongside it.
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