Hailee Steinfeld’s role in Ryan Coogler’s upcoming vampire thriller Sinners is shaping up to be one of the most exciting moments of her career. Known for her breakout performance in True Grit at a young age, Steinfeld has continued to deliver captivating performances in a range of genres, and her portrayal of Mary in Sinners promises to be another standout. Set against the backdrop of a chilling vampire world, her character is at the heart of the story, bringing together elements of emotional depth and supernatural conflict. Steinfeld’s reflection on this role highlights the unique challenge it presented and how it allowed her to stretch as an actor in new ways.
In her conversation with India Today, Steinfeld shared that what particularly excited her about the role was the depth and duality of her character. Mary is depicted as a confident yet vulnerable figure, constantly navigating the complexities of her own identity and the dangerous world that surrounds her. “I loved this role of Mary for so many reasons,” Steinfeld confessed. “She balances this level of confidence with an equal level of vulnerability, constantly trying to find her footing and understand what she’s up against in different situations.” It’s a character that required Steinfeld to explore not only the action-driven aspects of the film but also the internal emotional struggles Mary faces, making it a rewarding and transformative experience for the actress.
Steinfeld was particularly drawn to the way in which Ryan Coogler crafted Mary’s role, ensuring that every character in the film had a richly detailed backstory that influenced their decisions and actions. For Steinfeld, this was an opportunity to contribute something deeply personal to the character, which enriched her portrayal. “This is a character living in two different worlds—she’s at home with the people she loves, who love and accept her for who she is. But she’s also grappling with an outside world that challenges her, pushing her to confront things she never imagined,” Steinfeld explained. Her appreciation for Coogler's careful writing only deepened as she worked to bring Mary’s complicated emotional layers to life on screen.
Reflecting on her journey as an actress, Steinfeld explained how her experiences in film have shaped her approach to each new project. She recalled her first movie, True Grit, with fondness, noting that despite her young age at the time, the emotions of wrapping up her first film were just as intense as they were on the set of Sinners. “When I wrapped Sinners, I actually reminded myself of 13-year-old me wrapping my first movie, True Grit,” Steinfeld said, her voice tinged with nostalgia. “I was a crybaby on both occasions. It felt like the world was ending, and I thought I’d never see these people again.” The passage of time had not diminished the emotional impact of finishing a project, and Steinfeld’s strong attachment to the cast and crew of Sinners made the final moments particularly poignant.
What made the end of the Sinners shoot especially emotional for Steinfeld was the closeness the cast had formed throughout filming. On her last day, after finishing a solitary scene, her co-stars surprised her by staying behind to share the moment with her when the “picture wrap” was called. This gesture underscored the tight-knit, familial atmosphere that had developed on set. “It just felt like we were a real family, and I’m so grateful for that,” Steinfeld reflected. Such moments highlight the power of collaboration in filmmaking, where the emotional bonds forged during production can have a lasting impact.
As for Sinners, Steinfeld’s excitement about the project is palpable. With a talented cast and director at the helm, the film is set to deliver a thrilling and emotionally resonant story, with Steinfeld’s character at its core. Mary’s internal struggle, set against the dark and violent world of vampires, provides Steinfeld with the perfect canvas to display her versatility as an actress. Her ability to balance her character’s vulnerabilities and strengths will surely make Mary one of the most compelling figures in the film, and audiences will be eager to see how Steinfeld brings this unique role to life on the big screen.
With Sinners being just one of the many exciting projects in her career, it’s clear that Steinfeld’s star is only continuing to rise. As she continues to challenge herself with diverse roles, from action-packed thrillers to emotionally complex characters, Steinfeld remains one of Hollywood’s most talented young actresses, with a bright future ahead.
