Sydney Sweeney to Star as Real-Life Boxer Christy Martin in the Upcoming Biopic

Sydney Sweeney as boxer Christy Martin: It seems like a season of biopics as filmmakers continue to cover the tales of legendary figures, which has perhaps become a trend in the industry. The next biopic fans will get to witness is Christy Martin, who is an American former professional boxer. The role of this iconic boxer will be portrayed by Sydney Sweeney. She is a two-time Emmy-nominated actress who is best known for her TV work in the series Euphoria and The White Lotus. Most recently, the actress appeared in a leading role in the horror film Immaculate, where she played an American woman who supposedly undergoes an immaculate conception shortly into her time, committing to a pious lifestyle in an Italian convent.

According to Deadline,  Sweeney will play a real-life boxer in one of her next roles. This biopic will see Sweeney play the role of Christy Martin, who became America’s most well-known female boxer in the 1990s. The project has not got a title yet, but it will be made under the direction of acclaimed filmmaker David Michôd. The film’s plot will revolve around Martin’s journey to success in a story reminiscent of “Rocky,” but from a female perspective.

Is Sydney Sweeney a good fit for the biopic?

At first glance, Sydney Sweeney might not be the actress you’d typically associate with the role of a boxer like Christy Martin. Considering her previous work in Euphoria and Anyone But You, the actress is often seen playing the romantic interest. However, according to Sweeney, she feels a deep connection to the character. Speaking on the project, Sweeney mentioned that she kickboxed as an adolescent. She said, “I grappled and did kickboxing from 12-19 years old. I’ve been itching to get back into the ring, train, and transform my body. Christy’s story isn’t a light one; it’s physically and emotionally demanding, and there’s a lot of weight to carry. But I love challenging myself.”

Explaining the profound side of Martin, Sweeney said, “Christy Martin not only legitimized female boxing, she overcame gender stereotypes and fought through emotional, physical, and financial abuse.” 

Further, the actress expressed her excitement and added, “I’m passionate about the fighting world. Christy’s story shines a light on her incredible rise to the top while showing the struggles of fame behind the curtains. I feel compelled to tell a story about a woman who faced so much adversity and didn’t allow it to defeat her. It’s powerful and emotional.”

While this role is going to be something new from how we have seen Sweeney so far, considering her passion for the role, something promising can be expected. However, she isn’t the only one who is trying something different from usual, as the filmmaker of the film, David Michôd, is also sailing in the same boat. The director said,

I have a history of making movies about damaged men and I’d been wanting to make a film about a woman with a ferocious energy inside her. When I came across the Christy Martin story two years ago I knew I’d found it. Her ferocity is intelligible and justifiable and audiences will crave it because of the circumstances she was forced to endure.

Michôd’s previous directing credits include the critically acclaimed crime drama Animal Kingdom (2010) and the dystopian drama The Rover (2014). He also co-wrote Hesher (2010).