Sony Pictures develops “Sleepy Hollow” retelling “Hollow” with Sydney Sweeney starring; Lindsey Anderson Beer set to write and direct

Sony Pictures is developing a new “Sleepy Hollow” retelling titled “Hollow,” with Sydney Sweeney attached to star, and Lindsey Anderson Beer writing and directing the project, Deadline reported July 17. The new package, Deadline said, is based on Beer’s debut novel and comes with Beer producing through LuckyChap, along with Sweeney’s Honey Trap banner participating in the production.

Deadline’s report describes “Hollow” as a retelling of the classic tale set in the “Sleepy Hollow” universe, though it did not provide additional plot specifics or a production timeline beyond the studio’s development move. The announcement positions Beer, known for her prior work as a filmmaker and writer, not only as the author of the source novel but also as the lead creative behind the adaptation, with the studio backing her dual role in shaping the film.

For Sweeney, the project adds to a slate of prominent studio and franchise work while also pairing her with a director whose debut novel is serving as the starting point for the screenplay. Deadline said the project will be produced under LuckyChap, the company associated with Beer and its partners, and through Sweeney’s Honey Trap banner, extending the trend of major stars and directors using branded production platforms to build projects from development through production.

The move also reflects Sony Pictures’ continued activity in adapting recognizable literary and cultural properties for feature-film audiences. “Sleepy Hollow” has been adapted multiple times across film and television, and in this case the studio is betting on a modern creative authorial stamp from Beer, rather than another adaptation led by a different established screenwriter or director, Deadline reported.

Details on casting beyond Sweeney were not included in Deadline’s report, and no release date was disclosed. Sony’s development process typically includes script finalization, casting expansions, and attachments moving from early “package” status to a formal production commitment once budget, scheduling, and distribution planning are aligned.

LuckyChap and Honey Trap’s involvement also suggests a production approach where creative ownership and company branding stay closely tied to the film’s authorship. In the industry, packaging with star and director attachments is often used to accelerate script development and attract additional cast, while production still depends on later approvals for financing and scheduling.

As Sony Pictures advances the project, further announcements would typically follow once the studio finalizes the screenplay and expands the creative and production team. For audiences, the practical next step is to watch for updates on whether the adaptation remains focused on Beer’s “Hollow” novel framework or evolves during development, and when the studio begins adding additional performers and crew.

If the project moves forward, it will mark another high-profile “Sleepy Hollow” reimagining under a contemporary filmmaking team, with Sweeney starring and Beer directing from her own novel, according to Deadline. The studio’s next disclosures, including casting and development milestones, are expected to come as Sony completes early negotiations and begins formal preproduction planning.