Sydney Sweeney is making waves lately, and not just for her roles on screen. The actress is gearing up for several high-profile projects, including the much-anticipated remake of the cult classic Barbarella, and she's also been dealing with the ups and downs of public scrutiny around her body image.
Jane Fonda, the original star of the 1968 film Barbarella, recently shared her thoughts on Sweeney stepping up to play the titular space adventurer. Fonda, who had initially expressed mixed feelings about the project, offered her full support during an interview with Vogue, saying, "If Sydney asks, I’ll let her know. I don’t know her and I’ve never met her, but I think she’s great. I’m sure she’ll be a fantastic Barbarella." This warm endorsement reflects Fonda's shifting tone, bringing optimism to the remake, which is set to be directed by Edgar Wright.
The original Barbarella found its cult status through daring visuals and mixed reviews. With Sweeney’s involvement, it’s likely the new adaptation will approach the character with modern sensibilities, potentially reshaping how audiences perceive female sexuality on screen.
Sweeney, who has been embracing her role as both actress and advocate, looks to break stereotypes within her upcoming projects. Recently, she was spotted enjoying time with her fiancé, Jonathan Davino, proudly wearing stylish leather attire, undeniably reflecting her confidence. This public outing came close on the heels of her powerful response to body-shaming comments made online, following paparazzi photos of her at the beach.
Using social media, she showcased her workouts, aiming to empower both herself and her followers, amid harsh judgments. She posted on Instagram, stating, "Well the cats out of the bag thanks to some paps in bushes so here’s a little bts from my film I'm working on right now," alongside footage of her time spent training to portray boxing champion Christy Martin. Sweeney added, "Her story is a testimony to resilience, strength, and hope, and I'm honored to step..." underscoring her commitment to representing strong female figures.
To add to her multifaceted public image, rumors have emerged about Sweeney’s mysterious vocal presence on Tate McRae’s new album, So Close To What, released on February 21, 2025. The opening track, "Miss Possessive", features the phrase, "No seriously, get your hands off my man." Fans are convinced this sampled voice belongs to Sweeney, though she remains uncredited on the official track list. The speculation has sent the internet abuzz, with followers on social media creating threads theorizing about Sweeney's potential collaboration with McRae.
While it's still unclear whether Sweeney recorded the line for McRae or if it’s drawn from previous work, the intrigue only heightens the interest surrounding both artists. McRae has established herself within the pop scene, with hit singles and vibrant music videos, and bringing Sweeney's voice onto her tracks might signify the crossover appeal both of them have toward Gen Z audiences.
Social media reactions have been highly enthusiastic, with fans exclaiming excitement at the thought of Sweeney lending her voice to the song. Comment threads have been filled with exclamatory posts from fans eager for any confirmation. The sentiment among supporters ranges from delight at the iconic collaboration idea to sheer anticipation for what the future holds.
Whether it’s the fierce approach to portraying Barbarella, her transformation for the boxing role, or potentially lending her voice to pop culture, Sydney Sweeney is firmly cementing her place within the entertainment industry. With Fonda’s stamp of approval for Barbarella and the buzz surrounding her possible collaboration with McRae, Sweeney's public image is soaring, paired with her dedication to advocating for body positivity.
With such momentum, it's clear Sweeney is not just making headlines but reshaping how modern audiences view starlets today. Her blend of power, vulnerability, and resilience makes her not only relatable but inspirational within the rapidly shifting cultural narrative.