Sydney Sweeney's Career Hits New Low as Latest Film Fails After American Eagle Controversy

Sydney Sweeney Faces New Challenges with 'Americana'

Sydney Sweeney, a 27-year-old actress known for her compelling performances, is experiencing another professional challenge. Her latest film, "Americana," recently premiered in U.S. theaters but has not met expectations. The indie crime drama, which also features Halsey and Paul Walter Hauser, had its world premiere at South by Southwest in 2023 but only reached nationwide audiences this week. Directed and written by Tony Tost, the film explores the lives of outsiders in a small South Dakota town, where a rare Lakota Ghost Shirt becomes a catalyst for chaos.

In the film, Sweeney plays Penny Jo, a country singer caught in the turmoil that ensues. Despite the buzz generated during its festival debut, the movie has struggled to connect with mainstream audiences. According to reports, "Americana" is expected to earn just $850,000 from 1,100 theaters in its opening weekend, placing it at 16th on the box office chart. As of Saturday, the film had yet to break into the top 20 on tracking sites like Box Office Mojo or The Numbers.

Critics have given mixed reviews, with the film currently holding a 68% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The story unfolds against the backdrop of rural South Dakota, following a group of characters with their own agendas. These include "Lefty" Ledbetter, played by Paul Walter Hauser, aspiring singer Mandy Starr, portrayed by Halsey, and other colorful figures such as Dillon MacIntosh (Eric Dane), the enigmatic Ghost Eye (Zahn McClarnon), and Roy Lee Dean (Simon Rex). Their interactions create a gritty narrative filled with greed, desperation, and survival.

Recent Controversies Impacting Sweeney's Career

The underwhelming performance of "Americana" comes after a period of controversy surrounding Sweeney. Earlier this year, she was involved in a denim campaign for American Eagle that sparked significant backlash. The ad featured the tagline “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans/Genes,” which some critics interpreted as a reference to Nazi propaganda. While the brand defended the campaign as playful wordplay, the incident placed Sweeney in the center of a cultural debate.

Sweeney had previously registered as a Republican in Florida ahead of the 2024 Presidential election, which further fueled discussions about her political affiliations. This led to unexpected attention from high-profile figures, including former President Donald Trump, who praised her ad on social media. He wrote, “Sydney Sweeney, a registered Republican, has the HOTTEST ad out there,” and later re-posted the message after initially misspelling her name. His comments added to the ongoing discourse around her public image.

Despite the controversy, Sweeney has continued to promote her work. Just before "Americana" hit theaters, she shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, introducing her character, Penny Jo. However, the comments section quickly turned into a space for criticism, with many users referencing the recent controversies instead of the film itself. Some expressed disappointment, with remarks like, “Perfect, won’t be watching it,” and “I lost you at registered Republican.”

Looking Ahead: New Projects and Opportunities

With "Americana" struggling to gain traction, the focus now shifts to Sweeney’s upcoming projects. One of these is "Christy," in which she portrays the legendary boxer Christy Martin. The film is set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, offering a potential opportunity for critical acclaim if it resonates with audiences. However, without a distributor in place, its success remains uncertain.

Another project, "The Housemaid," is a psychological thriller scheduled for release on December 25. This film will serve as another test of Sweeney’s box office appeal and ability to draw audiences to more complex roles. As she navigates these challenges, the industry will be watching closely to see how her career evolves in the coming months.