Halsey has been gracefully navigating her transformation from a renowned musician to a budding movie star in recent years, notably securing a breakthrough role in the highly anticipated 2024 film "MaXXXine." However, her initial foray into the cinematic realm, captured in the compelling modern western "Americana," directed by the talented writer-director Tony Tost, is only now gracefully descending upon theater screens.
Shot amidst the pandemic in 2022, "Americana" premiered at SXSW in 2023 and is finally set to mesmerize audiences this month. The film weaves a tale of intertwined destinies as diverse characters fiercely compete for possession of a valuable Native American ghost shirt.
At the Los Angeles premiere on Sunday, Halsey shared her sentiments with The Hollywood Reporter. "I was incredibly selective about my maiden cinematic venture, waiting patiently for the perfect opportunity," she revealed. "When Tony reached out, his charming demeanor and remarkable talent immediately resonated with me. I was deeply drawn to the script and my character. Little did I foresee that our journey would unfold amidst the chaos of COVID, making it an unparalleled experience. From the moment I first read the script to our shooting days, I embarked on a pregnancy journey, giving birth to my son and even having him by my side on set. Coincidentally, my pregnancy journey mirrored the arc of my character Mandy in the film, adding a serendipitous layer to my role."
The star-studded cast also includes Sydney Sweeney, making her first public appearance post the American Eagle controversy, alongside Paul Walter Hauser, Simon Rex, Eric Dane, and Zahn McClarnon. This film marks a delightful reunion for Halsey and Sweeney, who previously collaborated on Halsey's 2019 music video for "Graveyard."
"During COVID, Sydney and I spent a lot of time together. So, when I learned she was joining the cast, it felt like a seamless continuation of our friendship," Halsey reminisced. "Having her by my side was invaluable. She was my guide, helping me navigate the unfamiliar terrain of a movie set. It was comforting to have someone to ask the mundane yet crucial questions, from understanding the hierarchy on set to mastering the actors' jargon. Her presence made my initial foray into filmmaking a delightful experience."
Looking ahead, Halsey is embarking on yet another exciting pivot, developing the dark comedy series "Bloodlust" for Amazon. Serving as its creator, writer, and executive producer, she has also roped in the talented director Ti West of "MaXXXine" fame to helm and executive produce the series.
"I conceived the pilot a few years ago, and Amazon's enthusiasm for it has propelled us forward," Halsey explained, confirming her absence from the screen. "It's incredibly liberating to work behind the scenes, serving as the puppet master. I don't have to worry about makeup or camera angles; I can focus purely on creating and nurturing this project," she added, celebrating her new role with enthusiasm.
"Americana" will enchant moviegoers starting August 15.
