Sydney Sweeney takes on the role of Penny Jo Poplin, a small-town waitress with big dreams, in the upcoming movie Americana. The film, set to release on August 15, 2025, is a modern Western crime thriller directed by Tony Tost. Penny Joโs character is central to the story, which revolves around a stolen Native American artifact and the chaos it brings to a South Dakota town.
Who Is Penny Jo Poplin in Americana?
Penny Jo Poplin is a diner waitress who dreams of becoming a country singer like her idol Dolly Parton. She works at a local diner that becomes a meeting spot for people searching for a stolen Lakota ghost shirt, a sacred Native American artifact. The shirtโs appearance on the black market sets off a chain of events involving criminals, an Indigenous leader, and other townspeople.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Sydney Sweeney explained Penny Joโs motivations:
“Penny Jo dreams of being able to have Dolly’s outlook on life because her world feels so gray, dark, and trapped. [Dolly has] this beautiful big personality and energy that makes everything have color again, and that’s what she wants.”
For Penny Jo, the hunt for the ghost shirt isnโt just about moneyโitโs a chance to escape her small-town life and chase her Nashville dreams.
The Plot of Americana and Penny Joโs Role
Americana follows multiple characters whose lives collide over the stolen Lakota ghost shirt. Alongside Penny Jo, the film features:
- Paul Walter Hauser as Lefty Ledbetter, a military veteran with a brain injury.
- Halsey as Mandy Starr, a woman hiding a dark secret.
- Zahn McClarnon as Ghost Eye, an Indigenous leader trying to reclaim the artifact.
- Simon Rex and Eric Dane as criminals involved in the theft.
Penny Jo teams up with Lefty to recover the ghost shirt, hoping to sell it for enough money to leave town. However, their mission puts them in danger as they cross paths with violent criminals and law enforcement.
Behind the Scenes of Americana
The movie was filmed in New Mexico in early 2022 and premiered at the SXSW Film Festival in March 2023. Early reviews praised the performances, particularly Halsey and Zahn McClarnon, while some critics found the pacing slow.
Sydney Sweeney shared behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram on August 13, 2025, writing:
“A few years ago I filmed this little movie with some friends and now you get to meet penny jo.”
This marked her return to social media after controversy surrounding her American Eagle ad campaign earlier in the year.
Early Reactions to the Movie
Critics have mixed opinions about Americana. Some called it a fresh take on Westerns, while others felt it lacked originality.
“The film is clearly a homage to the Western genre and all its sides, both good and bad. The director shoots the vast arid landscapes with a melancholic eye,” wrote IndieWire.
However, The Daily Beast criticized the filmโs pacing and character quirks, saying:
“Sydney Sweeney has good jeans in Americana. But itโs her awkward, affected stammering thatโs emblematic of this Western crime comedy.”
Despite differing reviews, the movie has generated buzz for its ensemble cast and unique blend of crime and Western themes.
When and Where to Watch Americana
Americana releases in theaters on August 15, 2025. It is rated R for violence, strong language, and some mature themes. Thereโs no official streaming release date yet, but updates are expected after its theatrical run.
Also Read: American Eagle Faces Backlash Over Sydney Sweeneyโs โGreat Jeansโ Ad Accused of Promoting Eugenics
