7 Shocking Details Sydney Sweeney Revealed About Her ‘Once Upon A Time In Hollywood’ Role As ‘Snake’

Sydney Sweeney’s brief but impactful appearance in Quentin Tarantino’s 2019 masterpiece, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (OUATIH), remains a fascinating footnote in her meteoric rise to fame. As of December 10, 2025, the actress, now globally recognized for her roles in HBO's Euphoria and The White Lotus, has continued to share new, candid details about her experience on the set, revealing a level of dedication that helped her secure the part of "Snake," one of the Manson Family members living at Spahn Ranch.

The film, set against the backdrop of 1969 Los Angeles, was a pivotal moment for Sweeney, offering her a chance to work with the legendary director and share the screen with cinematic giants like Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie. Her portrayal of the unsettling hippie girl was a masterclass in subtle menace, but the story of how she landed the role is perhaps even more compelling than the performance itself.

Sydney Sweeney: Full Biography & Career Profile

Sydney Bernice Sweeney is an American actress and producer who has quickly become one of Hollywood's most sought-after talents. Her career trajectory is marked by a commitment to intense, character-driven roles that showcase her versatility.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

• Full Name: Sydney Bernice Sweeney
• Date of Birth: September 12, 1997
• Place of Birth: Spokane, Washington, U.S.
• Occupation: Actress, Producer
• Breakout Roles: Euphoria (Cassie Howard), The White Lotus (Olivia Mossbacher), Sharp Objects (Alice), The Handmaid's Tale (Eden Spencer)
• Notable Filmography: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), Reality (2023), Anyone But You (2023)
• Industry Recognition: Multiple Primetime Emmy Award nominations for her work in both Euphoria and The White Lotus.

The “Extra Credit” That Landed Her the Role of ‘Snake’

The casting process for a Quentin Tarantino film is notoriously rigorous, and Sydney Sweeney went above and beyond to impress the director. Her commitment to the character of "Snake" was a key factor in her success.

1. The Shocking Character Letter to Charles Manson

Sweeney revealed that to secure her spot, she took on a piece of "extra credit" that went far beyond a standard audition. She wrote a chilling, in-character letter to the infamous cult leader, Charles Manson, from the perspective of her character, "Snake."

This "f***ed up love letter," as she referred to it, was a deep dive into the psyche of a Manson Family member, demonstrating a profound understanding of the dark, unsettling nature of the role.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

2. Quentin Tarantino Kept the Letter

In a testament to the letter's quality and its impact, Tarantino himself was so impressed that he kept the original document. This unique piece of preparation highlighted Sweeney's dedication and her ability to embody the disturbing hippie cult mentality required for the Spahn Ranch scenes.

3. Intense Research on the Manson Family

Sweeney’s preparation for the role was extensive. She immersed herself in research about the Manson Family members and the counter-culture movement of the 1960s.

She studied the real-life individuals who were part of the cult to understand their motivations and their unsettling devotion to Charles Manson. This homework ensured her performance was grounded in the chilling reality of the time.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

Behind the Scenes at Spahn Ranch with Tarantino

Sweeney’s scenes take place primarily at Spahn Ranch, the dilapidated, former movie set that served as the Manson Family's compound. These sequences are among the most tense and atmospheric in the film, showcasing the unsettling nature of the commune.

4. Working with an “Absolute Dream” Director

Despite Tarantino’s reputation for his intense directing style, Sweeney described her experience working with him as "an absolute dream." She praised his clear vision and the creative environment he fostered on set, which was a significant learning experience for the young actress.

5. The Strict No-Cell Phone Rule

In keeping with Tarantino’s well-known on-set policies, the set of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was a tight ship, particularly regarding technology. Sweeney recalled the strict rule against cell phones, which helped maintain focus and a period-appropriate atmosphere, enhancing the immersion for the cast.

6. A Pivotal Role Before Her Breakout

While she was already working in the industry, her role as "Snake" came just before her career exploded with Euphoria and The White Lotus. This early exposure to a major auteur like Tarantino solidified her status as a serious dramatic actress capable of handling complex, darker material.

The Legacy of ‘Snake’ and the Golden Age of Hollywood

Sydney Sweeney’s role, though brief, is crucial to the film’s narrative, representing the dark, encroaching shadow of the Manson Family on the glamorous, fading Golden Age of Hollywood, symbolized by the characters of Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt).

7. The Unsettling Contrast of the Hippie Culture

Her character and the other Manson girls—including Maya Hawke’s character, "Flower Child"—provide a stark and terrifying contrast to the Hollywood dream being lived by Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie) and Rick Dalton. The Spahn Ranch scenes are a visual and thematic representation of the era’s innocence being lost.

Sweeney's performance as "Snake" captured the disturbing, manipulative energy of the hippie cult, making her one of the most memorable elements of the film's second act. Her willingness to go to extreme lengths, like writing the character letter, underscores the commitment that defines her career today, from the dark drama of Reality to the romantic comedy success of Anyone But You.