Sony takes on Sleepy Hollow with Sydney Sweeney starring
Sydney Sweeney is set to star in Hollow, a Sony-backed Sleepy Hollow retelling from Lindsey Anderson Beer and LuckyChap.
By Poppy Nakagawa · Culture Writer
3 min read
Sony Pictures has landed Hollow, a new film package built around a fresh spin on The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, with Sydney Sweeney attached to star, Deadline reported.
The project is based on Lindsey Anderson Beer’s debut novel, which Beer will adapt for the screen. She is also set to direct and produce the film, according to Deadline.
LuckyChap will produce alongside Sweeney’s Honey Trap banner. Deadline reported that Honey Trap, Sweeney’s newly launched company, will produce its first film with Hollow. Kaylee McGregor serves as president of production and development at the company, which recently announced a first-look deal with Sony Pictures.
A Katrina Van Tassel-centered twist
Beer’s novel reworks Washington Irving’s classic tale through the eyes of Katrina Van Tassel. Deadline described the book as shifting Katrina away from the role of romantic prize and placing her at the center of a dangerous mystery and supernatural love triangle.
The story is described by Deadline as blending gothic mood, psychological suspense and erotic thriller elements in a modern, high-concept take on the familiar Sleepy Hollow story.
Alexandra Banks and Spencer Walken will executive produce for Beer’s Lab Brew banner.
Casting begins for Ichabod and Brom
With Sweeney set for the project, Sony has begun casting the other two corners of the central triangle: Brom Bones and Ichabod Crane, Deadline reported.
Deadline said Sony moved quickly to secure the package in a competitive situation after the project surfaced last month.
The publishing side is also moving fast. Putnam, an imprint of Penguin Random House, will publish Hollow in fall 2027, according to Deadline. The outlet also reported that translation rights have sold internationally, with record offers from some territories.
Sweeney and Beer bring busy résumés
Sweeney has a recent track record with Sony, having starred in and executive produced the romantic comedy Anyone but You opposite Glen Powell. Deadline reported that the film made more than $210 million worldwide.
She was also seen opposite Amanda Seyfried in Lionsgate’s adaptation of The Housemaid, which Deadline said grossed nearly $400 million worldwide and led to a sequel, The Handmaid’s Secret. Sweeney also starred as Christy Martin in Christy, directed by David Michôd for Black Bear Pictures, with Sweeney producing.
Beer wrote and directed Pet Sematary: Bloodlines and wrote and executive produced Sierra Burgess Is a Loser. Deadline reported that Pet Sematary: Bloodlines opened at No. 1 on its release and set a Paramount+ record for most-watched film after premiering at Fantastic Fest. Sierra Burgess Is a Loser debuted at No. 1 globally on Netflix, and Beer also co-wrote its song “Sunflower,” which reached the Billboard charts.
Deadline reported that Sweeney is represented by Brillstein and Hansen Jacobson. Beer is represented by Brillstein, WME and Gang Tyre Ramer. LuckyChap is represented by CAA, Entertainment 360, Narrative and attorney Jeff Bernstein.
This story draws on original reporting from Deadline.