A Reddit Story, A Hollywood Starlet, and a Sinister Plot—What Could Go Wrong?
Word on the street is that Sydney Sweeney, Hollywood’s golden girl, is trading in her rom-coms and designer gowns for something much darker—and let’s just say, we are obsessed. The Euphoria and Anyone But You star is set to headline and produce the upcoming thriller I Pretended to Be a Missing Girl, based on a Reddit short story that sent chills down the internet’s spine.
Yes, darlings, you heard that right. A simple, eerie post from the depths of r/NoSleep has made its way to Hollywood’s elite, and our girl Sydney is ready to shake things up. But what exactly is this story about? And why does it sound like the kind of twisted horror film that will have us double-checking our locks at night? Let’s dive in.
The Plot That Will Keep You Up at Night
First, let’s talk about the story that started it all. Joe Cote, an English teacher with a penchant for storytelling, originally posted I Pretended to Be a Missing Girl on Reddit, where it gained massive traction. The chilling tale follows a woman who decides to impersonate a long-lost missing girl—yes, you read that correctly—only to realize she’s made a horrifying mistake.
If you think that’s a wild premise, wait until you hear the kicker: the family she infiltrates isn’t what they seem, and soon, our protagonist finds herself trapped in something far worse than she ever imagined.
“People online were begging for this to be a movie,” one Reddit user wrote after the story went viral. And lo and behold, the universe (and Sydney Sweeney) delivered.
Why Sydney? Why Now?
We’ve seen Sweeney flex her acting chops in Euphoria, The White Lotus, and even last year’s rom-com Anyone But You. But let’s be real—this is a whole new level. And it seems like she knows it.
“I’ve always been drawn to psychological thrillers,” Sydney said in a recent interview. “When I read this story, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. There’s something so unsettling yet deeply human about it—it’s exactly the kind of project I’ve been craving.”
Craving. Now that’s a word we love.
And if you needed more reason to get hyped, let’s talk about the screenwriting legend behind the adaptation: Eric Roth. Yes, the same Eric Roth who gave us Forrest Gump, A Star Is Born, and Dune. So, expect sharp storytelling, gut-wrenching twists, and maybe even a few What-the-hell-just-happened moments.
From Reddit to Red Carpet
This isn’t the first time Hollywood has dipped into Reddit’s treasure trove of terrifying tales (Anyone remember The Russian Sleep Experiment rumors?). But this might just be the biggest adaptation yet.
Sydney Sweeney isn’t just starring in this film—she’s producing it through her company, Fifty-Fifty Films. This means she’s not just playing the part; she’s calling the shots. “I love finding projects that challenge me as an actress and as a filmmaker,” she said.
With her growing influence in Hollywood and a slate of upcoming projects (including a rumored Marvel role—shh!), it’s clear that Sydney is making power moves. And honestly? We are here for it.
Sydney’s production company, Fifty-Fifty Films: Official Instagram
The Internet Reacts: “This Is Going to Mess Me Up”
As soon as the news broke, the internet lost it.
“OH MY GOD, this story ruined my life when I read it at 2 AM. I can’t believe it’s becoming a movie,” one Reddit user posted.
Another fan wrote: “Sydney Sweeney in a psychological horror-thriller?? Inject it directly into my veins.”
Even the original author, Joe Cote, expressed his excitement, calling the adaptation a dream come true. “I never thought a simple story I posted on Reddit would turn into something this big,” he said. “I can’t wait to see what Sydney does with it.”
What’s Next?
Filming is set to begin later this year, and while no official release date has been announced, insiders are predicting a 2026 premiere.
If this movie is even half as terrifying as the original story, we are not ready. But one thing is certain: Sydney Sweeney is about to show us a side of her we’ve never seen before. And honestly?
We. Can’t. Wait.
