In the wake of Sydney Sweeney's tumultuous season, can Toronto bring an end to the ongoing slump?

In the world of Hollywood, actress Sydney Sweeney has been making waves since her breakout roles in shows like HBO's Euphoria and The White Lotus. However, this summer has seen a mix of success and controversy for the in-demand young actress.

Sweeney's latest film, Americana, directed by Tony Tost, was picked up by Lionsgate Premiere in 2023. Unfortunately, the film did not get a theatrical release in the year it was supposed to, and its debut was met with a low box office of $500,000 from around 1,100 theaters in August 2023. The director of Americana has since defended its weak debut, stating that the film is not meant for mainstream audiences.

Americana is a modern-day Western in which Sweeney plays a waitress who gets caught up in a scheme to peddle stolen Native American artifacts. The film features an interesting cast, including Paul Walter Hauser and Halsey. Despite its controversy and low box office performance, Americana did well for Lionsgate Premiere.

Sweeney's other film this year, Eden, directed by Ron Howard, opened in theaters to a forgettable $1 million. The film did not find a buyer despite its veteran director and A-list ensemble cast, which includes Sweeney alongside Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar, and Michele Morrone, among others. Eden premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival to middling reviews and a 57 percent critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Sweeney's summer of discontent also includes a backlash over her political affiliation as a registered Republican. Additionally, she was involved in a controversy regarding an American Eagle Jeans campaign, which garnered attention, including a mention by President Donald Trump.

On a brighter note, Sweeney's movie Anyone But You, a studio rom-com, opened in theaters over the Christmas holidays in 2023 and grossed over $220 million. Sweeney is also preparing to return to the Toronto International Film Festival for the world premiere of Christy on Sept. 5.

Another upcoming project for Sweeney is The Housemaid, a psychological thriller film set to be released by Lionsgate over Christmas. Originally scheduled for Dec. 25, the release date of The Housemaid has been moved up to Dec. 19. The film stars Sweeney and Seyfried and is expected to be a thrilling addition to Sweeney's growing filmography.

Despite the challenges this summer, Sweeney remains one of Hollywood's most sought-after young actresses. With her talent and determination, it's clear that Sweeney's career will continue to flourish in the years to come.

In the wake of Sydney Sweeney's tumultuous season, can Toronto bring an end to the ongoing slump?