Sydney Sweeney has been tapped to star in A24’s darkly comedic The Masque of the Red Death, which is set to begin production soon.
Charlie Polinger, a New York-based filmmaker known for Sauna (2018) and A Place to Stay (2018), will write and direct the film.
According to reports, The Masque of the Red Death is set to begin filming in May 2025 in New York.
The Masque of the Red Death is described as a wildly revisionist and darkly comedic take on Edgar Allan Poe’s short story. As of now, Sweeney is the only confirmed cast member. More casting announcements will be made soon.
Here’s the plot details for The Masque of the Red Death:
The Masque of the Red Death is a gothic short story by Edgar Allan Poe, first published in 1842—is a dark allegory about wealth, death, and the inevitability of fate. The story follows Prince Prospero—a nobleman who attempts to escape a deadly plague, known as the “Red Death”—by isolating himself and his wealthy guests in a lavish, sealed abbey. However, death is inescapable—and doom ultimately comes for all.
Polinger will executive produce alongside Lucy McKendrick, with A24 and Picturestart collaborating on The Masque of the Red Death. A24 will also handle domestic distribution.
The film is produced by Spooky Pictures and Lizzie Shapiro and financed by Imagenation. Polinger is represented by UTA, Anonymous Content, and Kim Jaime at Jackoway Austen.
Sweeney is one of the busiest actresses in Hollywood, known for Euphoria and The White Lotus. Her recent film, Anyone But You, was a major hit. She is currently filming Euphoria Season 3 and will join The Masque of the Red Death once production wraps.
The release date for The Masque of the Red Death is to be announced (TBA).
