Sydney Sweeney's transformation into boxing legend Christy Martin is generating significant buzz as the first look at the upcoming biopic, Christy, has been released. The film is set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September 2025, offering audiences a glimpse into the life of the groundbreaking athlete.
Sweeney, known for her roles in Euphoria and Anyone But You, has undergone a remarkable physical transformation to embody Martin. The actress reportedly gained 30 pounds and engaged in intense training for months to mirror Martin's muscular build and strength. Her dedication included weight training, kickboxing, and a changed diet to support the demanding role. Sweeney shared that she didn't fit into her clothes anymore, going from a size 23 to a size 27 in jeans, and noticing significant changes in her body.
The biopic, directed by David Michôd, delves into Martin's life as a young gay woman in West Virginia in the 1990s. It explores her rise in the boxing world, her struggles with identity, and the personal compromises she had to make. Martin's career saw her become one of the first women to gain mainstream recognition in boxing, a sport historically dominated by men. Her 1996 undercard fight on a Mike Tyson bill was a pivotal moment, bringing unprecedented visibility to women's boxing. She held the World Boxing Council's Super Welterweight Championship and was inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame.
Christy doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of Martin's life, including her battles with addiction, her closeted identity, and surviving domestic abuse. The film will explore her marriage to James V. "Jim" Martin, who was 24 years her senior, and whom she later accused of emotional and physical abuse. In a harrowing incident in 2010, Martin was stabbed and shot by her husband but survived the attack. James Martin was later sentenced to 25 years in prison for attempted second-degree murder.
Sweeney has expressed her admiration for Martin, calling her "a true champion" who fought battles both inside and outside the ring. She stated that Martin's journey is a testament to resilience, strength, and hope, and that she feels honored to portray her story. Martin herself is involved in the filmmaking process, and Sweeney is co-producing the film through her Fifty-Fifty Films banner.
The film also stars Ben Foster as James Martin. Merritt Wever and Katy O'Brian are also part of the cast. Michôd, known for directing Animal Kingdom and The King, co-wrote the script with Mirrah Foulkes.
Christy is anticipated to be a powerful and moving portrayal of a woman who defied expectations and overcame immense adversity. While a global release date is yet to be announced, the premiere at TIFF 2025 is highly anticipated.
