Hailee Steinfeld is making her return to music with a haunting original song titled "Dangerous" featured in the soundtrack for Ryan Coogler's upcoming horror film, "Sinners." This marks her first music release in two years, a significant moment for the Oscar-nominated actress who has focused primarily on her acting career during that time.
Scheduled to hit theaters on April 18, 2025, "Sinners" stars Steinfeld as Mary, a character entangled in a complicated love story with Stack, played by Michael B. Jordan. The film's narrative unfolds with the twins Smoke and Stack returning to their hometown post-World War I, only to confront a lurking evil. Steinfeld's character has "unfinished business" with Stack, adding layers of tension and emotion to the film's plot.
In an exclusive interview with Billboard, Steinfeld explained her motivations behind writing "Dangerous." She expressed a desire to capture Mary’s intense longing for Stack, acknowledging the perilous situation this desire creates. "Lyrically, I wanted to tap into Mary’s deep desire to be with Stack and (maybe selfishly) not always acknowledging what a dangerous position that puts them in. That sort of unrequited love. There’s a vulnerability in these characters that I really connected with, and I wanted my voice to reflect that," she said.
The song features a tribal drum beat and eerie production that aligns seamlessly with Ludwig Göransson’s genre-blending score for the film. Steinfeld collaborated with Göransson and co-writer Sarah Aarons on the lyrics, creating a cohesive vision that intertwines her role as an actress with her musical expression. "We were all so tuned into the vision, and because I was both inside the story as an actor, and helping shape it through music, it created this really fluid creative loop," she remarked.
Steinfeld’s last music release was in April 2023, when she dropped singles "SunKissing" and "Coast," featuring Anderson .Paak. Reflecting on her hiatus from music, she noted, "Two years might not seem long, but for me, it turned out to be the exact amount of time I needed — to grow, live a little, and step back to reconnect with why I make music in the first place. I didn’t want to come back just to fill space. I wanted it to mean something." This sentiment resonates strongly in her new work.
Looking back, Steinfeld made her musical debut a decade ago in 2015 with the single "Love Myself," which climbed to No. 30 on the Billboard Hot 100. Following that success, she released her EP "HAIZ" later that year. Since then, she has contributed to various soundtracks, including "Afterlife" for her series "Dickinson" and "Back to Life" from the film "Bumblebee." Her return to music with "Dangerous" is not just a comeback but a reconnection with her artistic roots.
As the release date approaches, anticipation for both the film and the soundtrack is building. The soundtrack for "Sinners" will also feature contributions from notable artists like Rod Wave, James Blake, Don Toliver, Lars Ulrich, and Brittany Howard, among others. Fans of Steinfeld and the film are eager to hear how her new song fits into the larger narrative of the movie.
Steinfeld expressed gratitude for the opportunity to blend her acting and musical talents in this project, stating, "There was something so raw and emotional about Sinners that pushed me creatively and personally. The music became an extension of that. It felt honest and it felt like me again. I wouldn’t call this a comeback — it’s about returning to the truth, and I’m so grateful to Ryan and Sinners for giving me the opportunity to do that." Her passion for the project is palpable, and it’s clear that "Dangerous" is more than just a song; it’s a reflection of her journey as an artist.
As fans await the full release of "Dangerous" and the premiere of "Sinners," there’s a sense of excitement surrounding Steinfeld’s dual role in this project. The film promises to deliver thrills and emotional depth, with Steinfeld’s performance and musical contribution enhancing the overall experience. The synergy between her music and acting could pave the way for more creative endeavors in the future.
With the film hitting theaters on April 18, 2025, and the soundtrack dropping simultaneously, audiences can look forward to an immersive experience that showcases Hailee Steinfeld’s multifaceted talent. Her return to music, coupled with her role in a highly anticipated film, positions her as a dynamic force in both the music and film industries.
