Sydney Sweeney in talks to star in A24’s ‘The Masque of the Red Death’

Sydney Sweeney may lead A24’s revisionist take on Edgar Allan Poe’s The Masque of the Red Death.

Sydney Sweeney is in negotiations to star in The Masque of the Red Death, an A24 and Picturestart collaboration. 

This bold, darkly comedic reimagining of Edgar Allan Poe’s classic short story will be written and directed by Charlie Polinger, with A24 managing domestic distribution. Polinger, also an executive producer, will work alongside Lucy McKendrick on the project, which is set to begin filming later this year.

Poe’s original tale tells the story of a prince who isolates himself in his abbey to escape a deadly plague, known as the Red Death. While details of this new adaptation are under wraps, the project promises a fresh and unique perspective on the iconic narrative.

Sweeney, known for her acclaimed roles in HBO's Euphoria and The White Lotus, had a standout 2024. She starred in the hit romantic comedy Anyone But You and the Neon horror thriller Immaculate. Her HBO film Reality earned her a Critics Choice Award. Currently, she’s filming Lionsgate’s adaptation of The Housemaid.

Polinger, an emerging voice in the industry, is in post-production for The Plague, an independent film starring Joel Edgerton. Produced by Spooky Pictures, The Plague further cements Polinger’s reputation as a visionary filmmaker.

With Sweeney’s rising star and A24’s reputation for innovative storytelling, The Masque of the Red Death is poised to become a highly anticipated release.