Hailee Steinfeld ’s latest film, Sinners, isn’t just a supernatural thriller — it’s a deeply personal experience that unearthed long-buried truths about her own identity. While portraying Mary, a white-passing woman in 1930s Mississippi navigating love, race, and belonging, Steinfeld began confronting parts of her family history she hadn’t fully explored. And while the role brought clarity to her roots, it’s also stirring curiosity about her high-profile relationship with NFL quarterback Josh Allen — especially as fans question how this personal transformation might impact their future.
A role that reshaped her view of race and belonging
In preparing to play Mary, Steinfeld learned that her maternal grandfather was not just Filipino but also African American — a discovery that reframed how she saw herself. “It’s not often necessarily about yourself all the time. It’s about the character,” she said. “But with Sinners, I was constantly thinking about my situation, my family, my ancestors…”
This journey into her own past was prompted by candid conversations with her mother and encouraged by director Ryan Coogler , who helped shape the racially complex role. Through Mary’s struggle to belong in either white or Black society, Steinfeld tapped into the emotional confusion of identity — one that many multiracial individuals still grapple with today.
Sinners doesn’t shy away from the painful legacy of racial passing and the psychological toll it takes. Mary’s ability to “blend in” with white society grants her access — but distances her from her roots. “This privilege of ‘passing’ ultimately becomes Mary's undoing. And her white privilege is the downfall of her Black community,” the film poignantly reflects.
For Steinfeld, these themes hit home. Coogler’s direction pushed her into vulnerable territory. “A lot of [my portrayal of Mary] had to do with Coogler,” she explained. “The way that he wrote her and the conversations he had [helped] guide me to play this character that lived in both worlds.”
How this role may shape her future — including with Josh Allen
With Sinners demanding emotional depth and racial self-awareness, fans can’t help but wonder how it’s influencing Steinfeld’s personal life, especially her relationship with Josh Allen. The two have been dating publicly for nearly a year, and while they remain largely private, Steinfeld’s growth through this film has sparked curiosity. Could this personal awakening shift their dynamic — or bring them closer?
Also Read: Hailee Steinfeld's awkward refusal to compliment the Kansas City Chiefs stirs up heated debate among NFL fans
While Steinfeld hasn’t addressed Allen directly, it’s clear this role has transformed her. “[This role] has brought me closer to myself, to my family, and my family history,” she said. If anything, that kind of clarity can only make her more intentional — in her career, in her relationships, and in the stories she chooses to tell next.
A role that reshaped her view of race and belonging
"Sinners": Hailee Steinfeld and Wunmi Mosaku on what they took from their characters — Hailee delved deeper into her family history! Full interview 🔗: https://t.co/jKk6Xi15VM pic.twitter.com/N9M00tlsXl
— ExtraTV (@extratv) April 7, 2025
In preparing to play Mary, Steinfeld learned that her maternal grandfather was not just Filipino but also African American — a discovery that reframed how she saw herself. “It’s not often necessarily about yourself all the time. It’s about the character,” she said. “But with Sinners, I was constantly thinking about my situation, my family, my ancestors…”
This journey into her own past was prompted by candid conversations with her mother and encouraged by director Ryan Coogler , who helped shape the racially complex role. Through Mary’s struggle to belong in either white or Black society, Steinfeld tapped into the emotional confusion of identity — one that many multiracial individuals still grapple with today.
Sinners doesn’t shy away from the painful legacy of racial passing and the psychological toll it takes. Mary’s ability to “blend in” with white society grants her access — but distances her from her roots. “This privilege of ‘passing’ ultimately becomes Mary's undoing. And her white privilege is the downfall of her Black community,” the film poignantly reflects.
Josh Allen's Fiancée and Actress Hailee Steinfeld on How The "Sinners" Movie Helped Her Connect to Her Black Roots (Video) https://t.co/tFHX8cqEfN pic.twitter.com/BAxbEnW9X9
— Robert Littal BSO (@BSO) April 18, 2025
For Steinfeld, these themes hit home. Coogler’s direction pushed her into vulnerable territory. “A lot of [my portrayal of Mary] had to do with Coogler,” she explained. “The way that he wrote her and the conversations he had [helped] guide me to play this character that lived in both worlds.”
How this role may shape her future — including with Josh Allen
With Sinners demanding emotional depth and racial self-awareness, fans can’t help but wonder how it’s influencing Steinfeld’s personal life, especially her relationship with Josh Allen. The two have been dating publicly for nearly a year, and while they remain largely private, Steinfeld’s growth through this film has sparked curiosity. Could this personal awakening shift their dynamic — or bring them closer?
Also Read: Hailee Steinfeld's awkward refusal to compliment the Kansas City Chiefs stirs up heated debate among NFL fans
While Steinfeld hasn’t addressed Allen directly, it’s clear this role has transformed her. “[This role] has brought me closer to myself, to my family, and my family history,” she said. If anything, that kind of clarity can only make her more intentional — in her career, in her relationships, and in the stories she chooses to tell next.
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