Amanda Seyfried feels "protective" of Sydney Sweeney.

The 40-year-old actress stars alongside Sydney, 28, in The Housemaid, their new psychological thriller film, and Amanda has heaped praise on her co-star, observing that Sydney has managed to thrive despite having "a spotlight on her".

Speaking to WhoWhatWear, Amanda explained: "She's got it so much harder than I ever did - not even close. She's got a spotlight on her that I never had, never wanted.

"I can't help but feel somewhat protective of her, though she doesn't need my protection.

"She's gonna continue to make choices in her career that I think will define, or at least solidify, her as an actual actress because people are too distracted by all the other s*** that is created around her."

Sydney also relished the experience of working with Amanda on their new movie.

The blonde beauty - who has enjoyed a meteoric rise in recent years - said: "Amanda was incredibly collaborative on set, and we built a great working relationship and friendship that allowed us to really go there in some of the more intense scenes in the movie.

"It was really important for us to have a fun on-set environment so we could have a balance and deliver what fans of the novel will want to see."

Sydney has enjoyed huge success in recent years - but she previously admitted that she's still "navigating" fame.

The actress - who has starred in movies such as Anyone but You, Madame Web and Immaculate - told ES Magazine in 2023: "I think I'm still navigating it on a daily basis because I want to be as authentic and genuinely open to the public and my fans as possible. And I think I am.

"I talk a lot, I'm very open and it'll probably be to my detriment, but I don't know how people can hide behind an image.

"At the same time, I don't owe people answers."