Sydney Sweeney has decided to part ways with The Masque of the Red Death, raising questions about the direction of this project. Academy Award winner Mikey Madison is now in discussions to take over the lead in this Edgar Allan Poe adaptation, making the phrase
“Sydney Sweeney exits The Masque of the Red Death”
especially significant for fans and industry watchers alike.
Mikey Madison Emerges as a Top Pick After Recent Oscar Success
Following her Best Actress win for Anora, Mikey Madison has become highly selective regarding upcoming roles. After considering several opportunities, she has only officially committed to one other new project: Reptilia, a film co-starring Kirsten Dunst, centered on a dental hygienist’s unique romance with a mermaid. Now, Madison appears interested in adding another major film to her roster, as Variety reports her as being in negotiations for The Masque of the Red Death under A24, stepping in after Sweeney’s exit.
Sweeney’s Departure Changes Creative Direction
Originally, Sydney Sweeney was set to play a pivotal part in A24’s adaptation of Poe’s haunting tale. Although reasons for her departure have not been detailed, her exit opens the door for Madison to potentially join director Charlie Polinger’s bold and unconventional vision for this classic horror story.
Mikey Madison Poised to Take on Dual Roles in Poe-Inspired Film
Should Madison join the cast, she would portray twin sisters in a narrative driven by intense drama. The story follows a mad prince who shelters the nobility in his castle as a deadly plague sweeps through the lower class. The plot intensifies when a long-lost twin, hidden among the peasantry, finds her way inside the castle, becoming involved in a world fraught with decadence, power struggles, secret schemes, and violence.
Madison’s Cautious Approach to New Projects
Madison’s career choices reflect a measured approach. She was, for a brief period, attached to Shawn Levy’s Star Wars project, Starfighter, before ultimately deciding to step away. With multiple high-profile offers, Madison continues to be strategic, opting for roles that genuinely interest her and contribute to her distinctive body of work.
What This Means for ‘The Masque of the Red Death’ and Its Cast
This casting shift brings new attention to Charlie Polinger’s adaptation. The presence of Oscar-winning Madison—if confirmed—could add substantial star power and fresh creative energy to the project. The film now moves forward in a period of transition, watched closely by both Poe enthusiasts and contemporary movie audiences, as it aims to reinterpret a classic for modern viewers.
