Sony Lands Sydney Sweeney's HOLLOW, a Fresh and Twisted Take on SLEEPY HOLLOW
Sony Pictures has officially claimed one of Hollywood's hottest new genre projects. The studio has picked up Hollow, a new reimagining of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow that will star Sydney Sweeney and be written, directed, and produced by Lindsey Anderson Beer.
The project generated plenty of interest after it hit the market, and Sony wasted little time securing it. According to Deadline, the studio moved aggressively to land the package in what became a competitive situation.
Hollow is based on Beer's upcoming debut novel, which will be published by Putnam, an imprint of Penguin Random House, in fall 2027. Even before reaching bookstore shelves, the novel has already turned into an international publishing success.
Translation rights have been snapped up around the world, with several territories reportedly making record-setting offers, making Hollow one of the biggest publishing launches planned for fall 2027, especially for a debut novel.
Rather than retelling Washington Irving's classic story from the familiar perspective, Hollow shifts the spotlight to Katrina Van Tassel. Instead of serving as the object of affection between two men, Katrina becomes the driving force of the mystery.
The film will reframe one of literature's most iconic heroines, the novel positions Van Tassel not as a romantic prize, but as the central figure in a dangerous mystery and seductive supernatural love triangle.
The story blends gothic atmosphere, psychological intrigue, and erotic thriller elements into a contemporary, high-concept reinvention of the classic tale.
This concept makes this feel like a very different version of the legendary ghost story, mixing supernatural horror with psychological suspense and a modern gothic style.
Beer is producing through her Lab Brew banner, with Alexandra Banks and Spencer Walken serving as executive producers. Margot Robbie's LuckyChap will also produce alongside Sweeney's Honey Trap banner.
Sony is already moving ahead with casting the remaining corners of the iconic love triangle. Brom Bones and Ichabod Crane are apparently among the most sought-after open roles in Hollywood right now.
Sweeney's relationship with Sony continues to grow. She previously executive produced and starred opposite Glen Powell in Anyone but You, which became a surprise box office sensation. Most recently, she starred opposite Amanda Seyfried in The Housemaid.
Beer previously wrote and directed Pet Sematary: Bloodlines, which debuted at number one and became Paramount+'s most-watched film following its Fantastic Fest premiere. She also wrote and executive produced Sierra Burgess Is a Loser, which launched on Netflix.
It’ll be interesting to see how this film project continues to come together.