Amanda Seyfried Reveals Her Go-To Taylor Swift Albums and Talks About Her Latest Role

Amanda Seyfried, known for her incredible performances in films like Mean Girls, Les Misérables, and Mamma Mia!, recently shared her love for Taylor Swift’s music and opened up about her latest project. During the March 13, 2025 episode of the Just for Variety podcast, the 39-year-old actress spoke with host Marc Malkin about the albums she listens to while commuting to work and her deep connection to music. She also delved into her upcoming role in the highly anticipated adaptation of Liz Moore’s bestselling novel, Long Bright River.

Amanda Seyfried’s Love for Taylor Swift’s Music

Seyfried revealed that her two go-to albums while traveling to and from work are Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department and Midnights. The actress spoke enthusiastically about how these albums accompany her during long commutes, providing both relaxation and inspiration.

“We would listen to Taylor Swift really loud some days because the commute is sometimes 90 minutes,” she explained.

As an actress with a demanding schedule, Seyfried values music as an escape. Swift’s deeply personal lyrics, masterful storytelling, and genre-spanning sound resonate with her, making these albums her preferred choices during travel.

A Closer Look at The Tortured Poets Department and Midnights

Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department, an album filled with themes of heartache, self-discovery, and emotional depth, aligns with Seyfried’s appreciation for soul-stirring storytelling. Meanwhile, Midnights—an album that explores nostalgia, introspection, and sleepless nights—has been widely celebrated for its dreamy production and poetic lyricism.

Seyfried’s preference for these albums reflects her admiration for music that tells a story, much like the roles she takes on in her acting career. She has often expressed how storytelling, whether through music or film, plays a crucial role in shaping her creative world.

Amanda Seyfried’s Latest Project: Long Bright River

Beyond her love for music, Seyfried is gearing up for a major role in the adaptation of Liz Moore’s novel, Long Bright River. The film, which tackles social issues such as the opioid crisis, addiction, and corruption, is set in Philadelphia and follows the life of Mickey Fitzpatrick, a determined police officer navigating the challenges of crime and family struggles.

Seyfried portrays Mickey, a cop working in a neighborhood severely affected by opioid addiction. The novel and film adaptation intertwine a thrilling mystery with an emotional family drama, exploring Mickey’s search for her missing sister, Kacey, who struggles with substance abuse.

“This is one of the most challenging and rewarding roles I’ve ever taken on,” Seyfried shared in the interview. “Mickey is such a layered character—strong, yet vulnerable. Her journey through personal and professional turmoil is something I felt deeply connected to.”

Diving into the Depths of Long Bright River

The film adaptation is highly anticipated, given the timely themes it addresses. The opioid crisis has had a devastating impact on communities worldwide, and Seyfried believes this story will resonate with audiences on a profound level.

Long Bright River is a unique blend of crime thriller and emotional drama. It follows Mickey as she works tirelessly to solve a series of crimes, all while dealing with the fear of losing her own sister to addiction. The novel’s realistic and haunting portrayal of family bonds, addiction, and systemic issues has made it a critical success, and Seyfried is honored to bring it to the screen.

The Connection Between Music and Acting

While discussing her role, Seyfried reflected on how music plays a significant role in her acting process. She mentioned that listening to Taylor Swift’s music helped her get into character while filming intense scenes.

“I think music, especially Taylor’s albums, really helps set the tone for my emotions. There were times when I’d listen to a song before a heavy scene just to get in the right mindset,” Seyfried said.

Actors often use music as an emotional guide when preparing for scenes, and Seyfried’s connection to Swift’s work underscores the power of storytelling in both mediums. Songs from Midnights and The Tortured Poets Department feature themes of longing, personal struggles, and resilience—elements that parallel Mickey Fitzpatrick’s journey in Long Bright River.

Amanda Seyfried’s Evolution as an Actress

Seyfried has come a long way since her breakout role as Karen in Mean Girls. Over the years, she has taken on diverse roles, proving her range as an actress. From romantic musicals like Mamma Mia! to intense psychological dramas like The Dropout (for which she won an Emmy), Seyfried has continuously evolved in the industry.

Her decision to take on Long Bright River further solidifies her commitment to thought-provoking and meaningful roles. In the podcast, she shared how she gravitates towards complex characters that challenge her acting abilities and allow her to tell important stories.

Fan Reactions to Seyfried’s Love for Taylor Swift

As soon as the podcast episode aired, fans took to social media to express their excitement over Seyfried’s admiration for Taylor Swift. Many were thrilled to learn that the actress shares the same love for The Tortured Poets Department and Midnights.

Some of the fan reactions included:

• “I love that Amanda Seyfried is a Swiftie! Her music taste is immaculate.”
• “Hearing that she listens to Taylor on loop just makes me love her even more.”
• “The way she describes Taylor’s music as a storytelling experience makes so much sense—she really understands artistry.”

Swift’s fanbase, known as Swifties, quickly embraced Seyfried’s love for the music, with many hoping for an interaction between Seyfried and Taylor Swift in the future.

What’s Next for Amanda Seyfried?

Apart from Long Bright River, Seyfried has several exciting projects lined up. She continues to take on dynamic roles, and fans eagerly anticipate what’s next for her career.

She remains passionate about acting, music, and storytelling, and her recent revelations about her listening habits offer a glimpse into her personal life and creative process. Whether she’s immersing herself in a compelling role or blasting Taylor Swift songs on the way to work, Seyfried continues to captivate audiences both on-screen and off.

Amanda Seyfried’s recent podcast appearance shed light on her love for Taylor Swift’s music and her deep connection to storytelling. Whether through song lyrics or gripping film narratives, Seyfried embraces the power of emotional depth and artistry.

Her latest project, Long Bright River, is set to be a raw, emotional, and thrilling film, tackling real-world issues through the lens of personal and familial struggles. As she continues to explore challenging and meaningful roles, fans can look forward to seeing her deliver yet another outstanding performance.

From jamming out to Swift’s albums to taking on one of her most intense roles to date, Seyfried proves that she is not only a phenomenal actress but also an artist who truly appreciates the depth of storytelling in all its forms.