The biopic, "Christy," began filming in 9/2024 and premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 9/2025.
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Actress Sydney Sweeney (left) and boxing legend Christy Martin (right). Photo: Variety |
Actress Sydney Sweeney (left) and boxing legend Christy Martin (right). Photo: Variety
Sweeney portrays the famed American boxer who survived a brutal knife and gun attack by her husband and trainer, Jim Martin. After the incident, Christy Martin came out as gay and married her former opponent, Lisa Holewyne.
To embody the character, Sweeney transformed her appearance, wearing a dark wig, brown contact lenses, and gaining over 13 kg. She trained for three months with a boxing coach, incorporating weights and a specialized diet.
"I was drinking protein shakes, eating countless peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and fast food like Chick-fil-A and milkshakes," Sweeney told Variety. "It was a challenge maintaining the weight with the intense training."
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Sydney Sweeney gained 13 kg to portray former boxer Christy Martin. Photo: Instagram / sydney_sweeney |
Sydney Sweeney gained 13 kg to portray former boxer Christy Martin. Photo: Instagram / sydney_sweeney
The role demanded more than a physical transformation. Sweeney took real hits in the ring, especially during the recreation of the 2003 match between Christy Martin and Laila Ali, daughter of the legendary Muhammad Ali. Sweeney suffered bruising and even a black eye.
"I was getting beaten up," the 27-year-old actress said. "They had to ice my face between takes. That whole week was brutal." Sweeney also revealed her demanding schedule: "I was filming 12 hours a day and then training for another two. The entire process was incredibly draining."
Directed by David Michod, with Ben Foster playing Jim Martin, "Christy" has garnered positive reviews. Sweeney's performance has even sparked Oscar buzz.
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Sydney Sweeney (left) with Christy Martin at the "Christy" premiere in Canada. Photo: Sun |
Sydney Sweeney (left) with Christy Martin at the "Christy" premiere in Canada. Photo: Sun
Christy Martin, who retired in 2012 and now works as a promoter and motivational speaker, visited the set to meet and encourage Sweeney. "I'm just happy Christy’s story is being told," Sweeney said.
Born in 1997 in Washington to a lawyer and a medical professional, Sweeney pursued her passion for acting from a young age, landing her first roles at 12. In 2022, her performances in "Euphoria" and "The White Lotus" earned her two Emmy nominations.
Sweeney's career includes several notable roles, such as Eden Spencer in the second season of "The Handmaid's Tale" (2018) and in "The Voyeurs" (2020). In 2021, the Associated Press recognized her as one of the breakout stars in global entertainment. Her other notable films include "Anyone But You" (2023) and "Madame Web" (2024).
Compiled by Hong Duy
