Halsey Discusses Auditioning for ‘Sinners’ and Representation in Hollywood
*Pop singer and actress Halsey recently revealed that she auditioned for the role of Mary in Ryan Coogler‘s 2025 vampire thriller, “Sinners.” The role ultimately went to Hailee Steinfeld. During an appearance on the “In Your Dreams” podcast with Owen Thiele, Halsey shared her thoughts on the audition process and the importance of representation in the film industry.
Halsey, who identifies as a white-passing Black woman due to her biracial background, explained her motivation for pursuing the role. She stated, “There’s not a lot of white-passing Black girls in Hollywood,” highlighting the scarcity of roles that reflect her identity. Despite not landing the part, Halsey praised Steinfeld’s performance, describing her as “commanding and powerful” in the role.
Surprise at ‘Sinners’ Genre Twist
Initially, Halsey believed Sinners was a straightforward period piece about racial politics in the early 1900s. She was surprised to discover the film’s vampire elements, describing her reaction as feeling like she was “hallucinating” while reading the script. The unexpected genre shift added a unique layer to the story, blending historical context with supernatural horror.
Public Reaction to Halsey’s Comments
Halsey’s remarks about the lack of white-passing Black women in Hollywood sparked discussions online. Some social media users questioned her statement, while others acknowledged the complexities of racial identity and representation. The conversation highlighted ongoing debates about colorism and inclusivity in the entertainment industry.
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In a 2017 interview with Playboy, Halsey addressed her racial identity, saying, “I’m white-passing… I look like a white girl, but I don’t feel like one. I’m a Black woman.” She has been open about navigating her biracial identity and the privileges and challenges that come with it.
‘Sinners’ Achieves Critical and Commercial Success
Directed by Ryan Coogler, Sinners has been a major success, grossing over $290 million globally as of May 2025. The film holds a 97% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes. Set in 1930s Mississippi, the story follows twin brothers, played by Michael B. Jordan, as they confront supernatural forces in their hometown. The character of Mary, portrayed by Hailee Steinfeld, is a mixed-race, white-passing woman whose racial identity plays a significant role in the narrative.
The film’s blend of historical realism and horror has been praised for its innovative storytelling and exploration of complex themes. Coogler’s direction and the ensemble cast’s performances have contributed to the film’s acclaim.
Halsey in the Spotlight: Career, Identity, and Future Roles
Halsey has long used her platform to speak out about personal identity, social justice, and mental health. Known for hits like “Without Me” and “Graveyard,” she has also made a mark in acting, with past roles in film and TV projects. Her interest in Sinners underscores her desire to pursue roles that challenge stereotypes and reflect underrepresented stories.
As conversations around colorism and representation continue in Hollywood, Halsey’s audition experience adds another voice to the complex dialogue. Whether or not audiences agree with her framing, her openness keeps the spotlight on the industry’s need for broader, more nuanced portrayals of Black and biracial experiences in film and television.
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