Zoey Deutch shared a surprising personal detail while promoting her new film at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.
At a Glance
- Deutch named Hilary Duff as her earliest celebrity crush.
- The actress also cited Orlando Bloom as another early crush.
- She is starring in and executive-producing the film Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass.
- Why it matters: The interview offers a rare glimpse into Deutch’s personal influences and highlights her growing role behind the camera.
During a brief interview with News Of Los Angeles on the festival red carpet, Deutch laughed as she recalled the moment she first admired a pop-culture icon.
Sundance Debut
The 2026 Sundance Film Festival opened on January 25, 2026 with Deutch in attendance to premiere her latest project. The film, titled Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass, follows the titular bride-to-be as she navigates a “free celebrity pass” scheme with her fiancé’s plan to use actor Jon Hamm’s celebrity status before their wedding.
The Film and Its Cast
Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass is directed by David Wain and co-written with Ken Marino, known for his work on Wet Hot American Summer. The ensemble cast includes:
- Jon Hamm (54) as the charismatic actor who receives the pass.
- John Slattery, Hamm’s Mad Men co-star.
- Ken Marino (57) in a supporting role.
- Miles Gutierrez-Riley and Ben Wang.
Deutch not only stars in the film but also serves as an executive producer. She explained to News Of Los Angeles that her shift into producing stemmed from a desire to create projects that resonated with her personal vision.
> “It wasn’t something I was seeking out. It was just out of necessity of not feeling like I was getting and doing the things that I wanted to do,” Deutch said.
Deutch’s Early Crushes
When asked about her first celebrity crush, Deutch’s answer surprised many.
> “Oh s—. Who was my first celebrity crush? What came to mind is Hilary Duff,” she said.
She described Duff as a friend and noted her beauty and charm.
> “She was like a friend. Also, she’s unbelievably gorgeous. I just was like I saw her and I was like, ‘That’s the coolest thing of all time.'”
In addition, Deutch revealed that Orlando Bloom was another early crush, influenced by her older sister’s admiration for the Pirates of the Caribbean star.
> “I’m a younger sibling, so whatever my sister liked, and she really loved Orlando Bloom, and I do too, but it was more because I wanted to be like my big sister,” Deutch added.
Behind the Scenes
Deutch’s decision to take on a producing role reflects a broader trend among actors seeking creative control. Her earlier interview in September-where she spoke about the necessity of producing her own projects-underscores this commitment.
The film’s premise-a bride using a celebrity pass-mirrors Deutch’s own experiences of navigating the film industry. By leading both on and off screen, she aims to bring authenticity to the storyline.
Future Projects
While Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass marks a significant milestone, Deutch hints at more projects in the pipeline. Her dual role as lead and producer suggests a future where she continues to shape narratives that align with her artistic goals.
For now, her appearance at Sundance and candid conversation about her early crushes provide fans with a deeper understanding of the actress behind the screen.
