If there’s one thing Sydney Sweeney has proven time and time again, it’s that she’s fearless when it comes to reinventing her look. The actor, who’s just as known for her transformative roles as she is for her signature flowing blonde hair, has made a habit of keeping fans on their toes with bold hair changes — whether for a character, a magazine cover, or simply a new creative chapter.
Back in October 2023, she gave Instagram a sneak peek from the set of her Christy Martin biopic, debuting a curly brunette mullet that had fans doing double-takes. A few months later, in March 2024, Sweeney appeared on the digital cover of Who What Wear, cycling through a lineup of dramatic looks, from waist-length raven hair to a striking cherry-red wig. Each style was a statement, each a departure from her usual golden waves.
Now, she’s embracing yet another transformation — this time for her upcoming Western drama, Americana.
Meet Penny Jo Poplin
Sweeney introduced fans to her new on-screen persona with a series of Instagram photos, revealing strawberry-blonde curls that fall just past her shoulders, complete with a set of soft, brow-grazing bangs. The look feels earthy, understated, and worlds away from the polished Hollywood glam often associated with the Euphoria star.
“A few years ago I filmed this little movie with some friends and now you get to meet Penny Jo ♥️,” she captioned the post.
Her character, Penny Jo Poplin, is a small-town waitress whose quiet demeanor belies a determined streak. In the film, she joins forces with a military veteran on a quest to reclaim a rare Native American artifact from the hands of a dangerous criminal. It’s a story steeped in Americana grit, and Sweeney’s styling matches the tone — minimal makeup, tousled curls, and a wardrobe heavy on denim, plaid button-downs, and classic bandanas.
It’s a far cry from the glamour of red carpets or the edgy style of Euphoria’s Cassie Howard. And that’s exactly the point.
A Departure From Her Signature
For many fans, Sydney Sweeney is synonymous with long, blonde, beachy waves — her go-to look both on and off the screen. To see her in strawberry-blonde curls with bangs feels like a deliberate break from typecasting, a reminder of her range not just as an actor, but as a chameleon of style.
And if history is any indicator, this transformation is unlikely to be her last. Sweeney has proven time and again that hair is a powerful tool in her storytelling arsenal, allowing her to slip into entirely new worlds with ease.
A Packed Slate Ahead
Americana is just one of the many projects keeping Sweeney at the center of Hollywood’s spotlight. The film adds to an already impressive resume of upcoming releases — but the most anticipated of all is undoubtedly Euphoria’s long-awaited third season. With production underway, fans are already speculating what Cassie will look like when the series returns. Given Sweeney’s track record, another hair transformation could very well be on the horizon.
Until then, Penny Jo Poplin offers a new side of Sydney Sweeney: softer, simpler, and quietly compelling. Her strawberry-blonde curls may not stick around forever, but they’re the perfect fit for this role — and another reminder that Sweeney’s ability to shapeshift, both physically and emotionally, is exactly what makes her one of today’s most exciting stars.
