Sydney Sweeney faced intense scrutiny after her July 2025 American Eagle campaign, which sparked accusations of promoting eugenics through its “genes/jeans” pun.
Critics, including fashion writer Alyssa Vingan, labelled the advertisement’s emphasis on Sweeney’s blonde hair and blue eyes as “lazy” and “insensitive,” per CNN. The Emarican Eagle controversy triggered a $310 million surge in American Eagle’s stock, fueling public debate and resulting in hecklers confronting Sweeney at the Americana premiere on August 3, 2025. Despite public support from figures such as Megyn Kelly, the backlash has turned Sweeney into a polarising celebrity.
Sweeney’s leading role in Ron Howard’s upcoming film “Eden,” scheduled for U.S. release on August 22, 2025, presents her with a chance to reshape her public image. This survival thriller draws inspiration from true events that occurred on Floreana Island in the Galápagos in 1929.
Sweeney stars alongside Jude Law, Ana de Armas, Vanessa Kirby, and Daniel Brühl. In the film, Law portrays Dr. Friedrich Ritter, who, along with his wife Dora (played by Kirby), rejects societal norms. Sweeney’s character, a new arrival, creates chaos and betrayal, ultimately contributing to the collapse of the colony, as reported by ‘The Hollywood Reporter’.
Despite a 57% Rotten Tomatoes score from its September 2024 Toronto International Film Festival premiere, Sweeney’s “nuanced” performance as Margret Wittmer earned praise for elevating her role.
Originally titled Origin of Species in October 2022, Eden faced delays due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, which forced Daisy Edgar-Jones to exit for Twisters. Sweeney joined in November 2023 under an interim agreement, per ScreenRant. Filming in Australia, the cast navigated harsh conditions, with de Armas’s “delectably vicious” Baroness stealing scenes. Howard’s Oscar-winning pedigree (A Beautiful Mind) and the film’s true-story roots add gravitas, positioning Eden as a critical opportunity for Sweeney to showcase her range.
Sydney Sweeney is known for her complex roles in “Euphoria,” “The White Lotus,” “Reality,” and “Immaculate,” and she is actively building a diverse portfolio. Her upcoming projects, including “The Housemaid,” featuring Amanda Seyfried, and a biopic about Christy Martin, showcase her ambition as an actress. Sweeney’s brand partnerships with Armani Beauty and Dr. Squatch highlight her marketability, but the controversy surrounding American Eagle illustrates the challenges of maintaining a positive public image. A strong performance in “Eden” could shift the focus back to her acting abilities and silence any critics.
