Buckle up, movie fans—things just got spicy in the world of Hailee Steinfeld and viral commentator Dave Portnoy! The Barstool Sports founder has never been shy about sharing brutal hot takes, and this time, he’s got Hailee (and her blockbuster vampire flick “Sinners”) squarely in his crosshairs. What did Portnoy say, why is everyone talking about it, and how is it impacting Steinfeld’s Hollywood buzz? Let’s break down the drama with all the facts, zero fluff, and a splash of that signature Portnoy snark.
Hailee Steinfeld’s “Sinners” Draws Fire: Dave Portnoy’s No-Holds-Barred Review
It all started when Dave Portnoy, looking for a weekend movie to stream, ended up watching Steinfeld’s much-talked-about supernatural thriller “Sinners” (after his first choice, “Weapons,” wasn’t available). Instead of going gently on one of Hollywood’s hottest leading ladies, Portnoy did what he does best—drop a scalding critique for all of social media to see.
“I may be like 6 months late with this critique but that was one of the most overhyped, overrated movies of all time. If you say that movie was great, you have no movie credibility with me.”
Yikes. That’s a direct hit—not just on the film, but on anyone hyping up Steinfeld’s performance. Portnoy’s tweet went viral, with Barstool loyalists and Hollywood watchers alike weighing in. Even fellow sports pundit Jason Whitlock jumped on the roast, replying “Fact check: true” to Portnoy’s tweet.
The Backstory: Why “Sinners” Sparked a Culture War
Why is there so much noise about a single review? A little context: “Sinners,” directed by Ryan Coogler and co-starring Michael B. Jordan, has been a legit box office hit—over $350 million and near-universal critic praise (97% on Rotten Tomatoes), with Steinfeld scooping up awards buzz for her role as a 1930s Mississippi vampire. She’s also been everywhere in the headlines, especially since her high-profile marriage to NFL MVP Josh Allen.
Yet for all the hype, Portnoy’s takedown resonated with a chunk of internet fandom tired of Hollywood “event movies” being overhyped. While most critics and viewers loved “Sinners,” Portnoy’s rebel yell gave voice to moviegoers who just didn’t buy the supernatural romance—and weren’t afraid to say so.
What Fans Want to Know: Answers to All Your Hailee Steinfeld x Dave Portnoy Questions
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Did Steinfeld respond to Portnoy’s critique? As of now, Hailee Steinfeld has kept it classy and hasn’t publicly fired back. She remains focused on promoting her movie and supporting her husband’s NFL career.
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Is “Sinners” really a flop? No way! Despite Portnoy’s harsh review, “Sinners” nabbed $350M+ worldwide, racked up high Rotten Tomatoes scores, and landed Steinfeld a Best Supporting Actress award at the 2025 Astra Midseason Movie Awards.
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Why is Portnoy’s review such a big deal? Portnoy has a massive online following, so his (negative) word instantly swings headlines and comment sections—even when it goes against the critical consensus.
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What’s next for Hailee Steinfeld? She’s still a Hollywood powerhouse, prepping new film projects and making waves alongside husband Josh Allen, NFL’s reigning MVP.
Bottom line: Dave Portnoy’s takedown of Hailee Steinfeld’s “Sinners” sparked a pop culture debate that cut through the Hollywood echo chamber—reminding everyone that when you hit the big leagues, criticism (and a little controversy) comes with the territory. Whether you’re team Steinfeld or team Portnoy, this showdown is pure popcorn entertainment in its own right.
