Sydney Sweeney Bringing an English Teacher’s Reddit Story to the Big Screen
Four years ago, Joe Cote, a high school English teacher from Massachusetts, posted a short story on Reddit that would quickly capture the attention of Hollywood insiders. His story, I Pretended to Be a Missing Girl, featured Gone Girl-worthy twists and a gripping narrative that would soon propel Cote from the classroom to the silver screen.
A Story That Stands Out
Cote’s short story centers around a young woman who appears at a family’s doorstep ten years after their 18-year-old daughter went missing. The woman’s plan is simple: convince the grieving family she is their long-lost daughter, stay just one night, and steal some valuables before disappearing. The suspense-filled plot caught the eye of many, sparking the beginning of a life-changing journey for the teacher.
The Hollywood Deal
After posting his story on Reddit, Cote was approached by Aaron Folbe, a manager at Underground Entertainment, who saw potential in the narrative and reached out for a meeting. This connection set in motion a whirlwind of events that would see Cote’s story go from an online post to a feature film. Things took an exciting turn when Sydney Sweeney, one of Hollywood’s brightest young stars, joined the project as both a producer and lead actress. Her involvement helped push the project forward at full speed, and she brought in Oscar winning screenwriter Eric Roth, known for his work on Forrest Gump and A Star Is Born, to write the script.
Warner Bros. Takes the Reins
The project caught the attention of Warner Bros., who won the rights to the story in a competitive bidding war. With Sweeney producing through her Fifty-Fifty Films, along with Underground’s Trevor Engelson and Folbe, and other notable producers like Steven Schneider of Room 101 and Roy Lee from Vertigo, the project quickly gathered momentum. Cote will serve as an executive producer, ensuring his original vision stays intact as it makes its way to the big screen.
A Star-Studded Team
Sweeney’s star power continues to rise, with major hits like Euphoria and The White Lotus earning her both critical acclaim and a strong fan following. She’s also behind the production of the surprise box office hit Anyone But You and the upcoming Echo Valley with Julianne Moore. Meanwhile, Roth’s writing credits, including The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Dune: Part One, ensure the film will have a strong script with intricate emotional depth.
What’s Next for Joe Cote?
Cote, who already has other stories in his portfolio, is now firmly on Hollywood’s radar. Represented by Underground and Yorn Levine, his transition from educator to storyteller in the entertainment industry is a testament to the unpredictable nature of success. With a talented team behind him, Cote’s thrilling story is set to captivate audiences worldwide.
