Sydney Sweeney is heading from the small town to the big stage — at least in her newest role. In an exclusive teaser for Americana, the Euphoria and White Lotus star plays Penny Jo Poplin, a shy South Dakota diner waitress whose secret ambition is to become a country music singer in Nashville. The Western crime comedy is set to hit theaters on August 15, 2025.
The film centers on a quirky collection of characters all chasing the same prize — a rare Native American artifact worth a fortune. The eclectic cast includes Paul Walter Hauser (Black Bird), Halsey (If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power), Eric Dane (Euphoria), Zahn McClarnon (Dark Winds), and Simon Rex (Red Rocket).
The Clip: Dreams, Danger, and a Dash of Country Music
In the exclusive scene, Penny Jo shares a moment with Hauser’s “Lefty” Ledbetter. The two discuss their plans for the half-million-dollar payday they hope to get from selling the elusive artifact. While Lefty plays coy about needing the cash, Penny Jo makes her intentions clear — she’s Nashville-bound to sing country music professionally.
“No one knows I’m a singer,” she says with a grin. “I’m a hidden gem.” She confidently declares country as “the only kind of music there is,” giving viewers a glimpse at the charm and determination that fuel her character’s journey.
A Modern Western with a Chaotic Twist
Americana is described as a modern-day Western that blends crime, comedy, and social commentary. The story follows how the black-market artifact draws in a diverse mix of characters — from a small-town woman and her son to a battle-hardened veteran and a shady antiquities dealer. Tensions rise further when an Indigenous group leader and his crew step in to reclaim the relic.
The result is a violent, unpredictable adventure set against the dusty backdrop of South Dakota — where loyalty is fleeting and danger lurks behind every deal.
Sydney Sweeney’s Big-Screen Momentum
Written and directed by Tony Tost (Damnation, Poker Face), Americana was filmed in 2022 and marks another significant role in Sweeney’s rapidly growing filmography. In the past two years alone, she’s starred in Anyone But You, Madame Web, Immaculate, and Echo Valley alongside Julianne Moore and Domhnall Gleeson. Next, she’ll step into the boxing ring for Christy, a biopic about trailblazing female boxer Christy Martin.
With Americana teaser, Sweeney Sweenety with Halsey adds another layer to her on-screen range — mixing sharp humor, vulnerability, and small-town grit with a dash of musical aspiration. Whether Penny Jo reaches Nashville is yet to be seen, but if Sweeney’s track record is any indication, she’ll leave a lasting mark on the audience before the credits roll.
