VARIETY Power of Women Cover: Sydney Sweeney on the ‘Sex Symbol’ Label, Bond Girl Rumors, CHRISTY, and More

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In a new Power of Women cover story for VARIETY, Sydney Sweeney speaks with Executive Editor, Film & Media Tatiana Siegel about defying the sex symbol label, rumors she may be the next Bond girl, her upcoming Oscar-contender “Christy,” rumors she’s had work done, and more. 

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Sweeney on defying the “sex symbol” label: “I play a lot of very divisive characters, and I think that a lot of people think they know me, but they don’t. So when people think, ‘Ah, she’s a sex symbol,’ or ‘She’s leaning into that,’ I’m like, ‘No, I just feel good and I’m doing it for myself and I feel strong.’ And I hope that I can inspire other women to be confident and just flaunt what they got and feel good because you shouldn’t have to apologize or hide or cover up in any room,” says Sweeney, hinting at the jeans uproar.

On if there is truth to the Bond girl rumors: “I can’t. [Seven-second pause.] I don’t know. [Ten-second pause.] To be honest, I don’t know all the Bond rumors, but I’ve always been a huge fan of the franchise, and I’m excited and curious to see what they do with it,” she says.

“Depends on the script,” she says. “I think I’d have more fun as James Bond.”

On internet rumors that she’s had work done: “I’ve never gotten anything done. I’m absolutely terrified of needles. No tattoos. Nothing. I’m going to age gracefully,” she says. “It’s really funny. I’ll see things online like ‘comparison pictures.’ I’m like, ‘I’m 12 in that photo. Of course I’m going to look different. I have makeup on now and I’m 15 years older.’”

On her early auditions: “I have very strong eyebrow muscles,” she says as she demonstrates an impressive brow furrow. “And I had someone tell me to fix my face or else I’m not going to make it. I should get Botox. I was 16! Or I’m in a casting and I’m reading my scene and the casting director is eating a bag of chips, and I’m like, ‘You’re not paying attention at all.’”

On the parallels between her and trailblazing boxer Christy Martin in “Christy”: “For Christy, the ring was her escape. It’s almost like you’re a caged animal inside this ring, but it’s a place where she feels the most free,” Sweeney notes.

“I am definitely a caged animal in a sense,” she says. “Acting is my ring. It’s where I feel freedom. The set is where everything else goes quiet.”

On reminding herself of her value: “Being an actress, it’s a lot harder to stand in the room and demand your worth and for people to look at you and value you,” she says. “I have to remind myself like, ‘Hey, Syd, you’re actually powerful. Stand up a little taller.’”

[Photo Credit:  Sami Drasin for Variety]

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