Hollywood Producer Criticizes Sydney Sweeney's Appearance and Acting Skills

Hollywood Producer Carol Baum Says Sydney Sweeney Is Not Pretty

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Hollywood producer Carol Baum is not on board with the buzz surrounding Sydney Sweeney. During a screening of her 1988 film Dead Ringers, Baum expressed her confusion about the actress. She mentioned, "There’s an actress that everybody loves now — Sydney Sweeney. I don’t get Sydney Sweeney. I was watching on the plane Sydney Sweeney’s movie because I wanted to watch it. I wanted to know who she is and why everybody’s talking about her."

Baum mentioned a romantic comedy called Anyone But You, starring Sweeney and Glen Powell. The film is loosely based on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. Sweeney, who was also a producer of the movie, was criticized by Baum as "unwatchable."

During a discussion with her students at The University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts, Baum questioned why Sweeney, who was not considered pretty and couldn't act well, was popular. When asked if they would make a movie just because Sweeney was in it, nobody had a clear answer.

She continued by saying that it was a really good question and a hard one to answer because everyone wants to see the movie made. Who would walk away from such an opportunity? Baum emphasized that the main goal is to get the movie produced.

Baum, known for producing films like Father of the Bride (1991) and Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992), is not the only Hollywood insider critical of Anyone But You, which came out in December 2023. Actress Geraldine Viswanathan also spoke out, expressing a desire for more diverse casting in romantic comedies.

Hollywood Producer Carol Baum Says Sydney Sweeney Is Not Pretty

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Viswanathan, 28, expressed her love for romantic comedies and her desire to see more diversity in love stories during an interview with The Independent in March. She mentioned wanting to see people who don't necessarily fit the typical romantic lead mold, like Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell, fall in love.

She mentioned being excited about the resurgence of romantic comedies but emphasized the importance of giving people of color more opportunities on screen. Viswanathan noted that it's still uncommon to see women of color in romantic lead roles and cited the Netflix miniseries "One Day" as an example of representation she appreciated.

Despite some critics, Anyone But You managed to make $200 million at the global box office.

In January, Sweeney expressed her gratitude on Instagram after finding out about the movie's success. She wrote, "You guys are the best! I can't thank you enough for all the love you've shown for this film."

Editor's P/S:

Hollywood producer Carol Baum's criticism of Sydney Sweeney has sparked a debate about the actress's popularity and the importance of diversity in romantic comedies. Baum's comments raise questions about whether Sweeney's success is based on her acting abilities or other factors, such as her physical appearance or social media presence.

Baum's critique highlights the ongoing need for greater representation of diverse voices and perspectives in the entertainment industry. Geraldine Viswanathan's call for more inclusivity in romantic comedies is a reminder that audiences are eager to see love stories that reflect the real world. Sweeney's own acknowledgment of the importance of diversity in her Instagram post suggests that she is aware of the need for change. Ultimately, the discussion surrounding Sweeney and Anyone But You underscores the evolving landscape of Hollywood and the increasing demand for films that resonate with a broader range of audiences.