Hailee Steinfeld ’s career has never been short on bold moments, but her latest role in Ryan Coogler ’s Sinners may have tested her boundaries more than ever before. The 2025 supernatural thriller, set in 1930s Mississippi, has become one of the year’s most talked-about films, blending racial tension, vampirism, and explosive dialogue into one provocative narrative. Yet, for Steinfeld , it’s not the film’s critical acclaim that’s been hardest to handle, it’s the fans.
The viral line that crossed from the screen to real life
As part of a star-studded cast led by Michael B. Jordan , Steinfeld delivers one particularly explicit line that, despite its cinematic impact, has taken on a life of its own. “There have been a couple moments ... people like to bring up certain lines in the movie, especially that one,” she told Variety. “That’s always ... yeah, awkward.”
The problem? Fans have started yelling the sexually charged line at her in public. While some intend it playfully, Steinfeld says it can become uncomfortable quickly, especially when bystanders have no idea what’s being referenced. “I respect and appreciate [fans], but I know what the line is,” she explained. “You don’t have to tell me. Especially when someone nearby isn’t in the know, it can get weird fast.”
For an actress who’s long advocated for respect toward women in Hollywood, the experience is a sobering reminder of how easily boundaries can blur in fandom culture.
How Josh Allen has helped her navigate fame and controversy
Off-screen, Steinfeld has found steady support from her longtime partner, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen . According to insiders, Allen has been a grounding force during what’s become one of the most unpredictable chapters in her career. The NFL star reportedly helps Steinfeld laugh off the uncomfortable encounters while reminding her of the impact her performance has made.
It’s a dynamic that mirrors their shared resilience, Allen handling intense scrutiny in the NFL spotlight, and Steinfeld facing the pressures of an industry where even success can come with unsettling moments.
As Sinners continues to dominate headlines and awards chatter, Steinfeld remains proud of the work, if not the public reactions. “I definitely didn’t expect that line or any of Mary’s lines — to explode the way they did,” she said. “But there it is.” Sometimes, art imitates life and sometimes, it just won’t stop following you around.
Also Read: Who are Josh Allen’s parents, Joel and LaVonne Allen, and how did they shape his NFL journey?
The viral line that crossed from the screen to real life
As part of a star-studded cast led by Michael B. Jordan , Steinfeld delivers one particularly explicit line that, despite its cinematic impact, has taken on a life of its own. “There have been a couple moments ... people like to bring up certain lines in the movie, especially that one,” she told Variety. “That’s always ... yeah, awkward.”
Hailee Steinfeld on Her Marvel and 'Spider-Verse' Future, and How Fans Awkwardly Quote 'Sinners' in Public: 'It Can Get Weird Fast' https://t.co/KOqdVPMM48
— Variety (@Variety) October 5, 2025
The problem? Fans have started yelling the sexually charged line at her in public. While some intend it playfully, Steinfeld says it can become uncomfortable quickly, especially when bystanders have no idea what’s being referenced. “I respect and appreciate [fans], but I know what the line is,” she explained. “You don’t have to tell me. Especially when someone nearby isn’t in the know, it can get weird fast.”
For an actress who’s long advocated for respect toward women in Hollywood, the experience is a sobering reminder of how easily boundaries can blur in fandom culture.
How Josh Allen has helped her navigate fame and controversy
Off-screen, Steinfeld has found steady support from her longtime partner, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen . According to insiders, Allen has been a grounding force during what’s become one of the most unpredictable chapters in her career. The NFL star reportedly helps Steinfeld laugh off the uncomfortable encounters while reminding her of the impact her performance has made.
Josh Allen says his fiancé Hailee Steinfeld was excellent in her new movie #Sinners
— Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave) April 24, 2025
“It was a different world—a very cool experience ... It’s a fantastic movie; so go watch it” pic.twitter.com/ZfDw4ZLPRt
It’s a dynamic that mirrors their shared resilience, Allen handling intense scrutiny in the NFL spotlight, and Steinfeld facing the pressures of an industry where even success can come with unsettling moments.
As Sinners continues to dominate headlines and awards chatter, Steinfeld remains proud of the work, if not the public reactions. “I definitely didn’t expect that line or any of Mary’s lines — to explode the way they did,” she said. “But there it is.” Sometimes, art imitates life and sometimes, it just won’t stop following you around.
Also Read: Who are Josh Allen’s parents, Joel and LaVonne Allen, and how did they shape his NFL journey?
You may also like
Pakistan: Massive explosion on Jaffar Express derails 6 coaches; several injured
EAM Jaishankar calls for balanced approach to AI, says trust and safety must guide innovation
Major highways, roads closed due to heavy rain, snowfall in J-K
Bihar elections: BJP takes dig at Lalu Prasad Yadav over PM face; mocks 'family problems'
BB 19: Ashnoor Kaur's parents react to her ugly fights, says "Thought of pulling her out of the show"
