Sydney Sweeney shared a striking Instagram pH๏τo of herself alongside boxing legend Christy Martin, whom she portrays in an upcoming biopic.
The 27-year-old actress, known for her glamorous roles, embraced a gritty, athletic look for the film, which chronicles Martin’s rise as America’s top female boxer in the 1990s.
In a heartfelt caption, the Euphoria star described the experience as ‘one of the most emotional, transformative’ of her life, praising Martin’s resilience.
‘Christy’s journey is so deeply inspiring, and having her by my side during this process was nothing short of surreal, she wrote. ‘Knowing what she’s endured, what she’s pushed through to be there in that moment—it made me want to cry.’
Sydney also thanked the cast and crew, and expressing her excitement to share a story that is ‘bigger than just a film’.
‘It’s a testament to resilience, survival, and finding the strength to keep fighting. I can’t wait for you all to see it—not only because I’m proud of the transformation and the work I’ve poured into it, but because Christy’s story deserves to be told.’
Sydney Sweeney (L) shared a striking Instagram pH๏τo of herself alongside boxing legend Christy Martin (R), whom she portrays in an upcoming biopic
The 27-year-old actress, known for her glamorous roles, embraced a gritty, athletic look for the film, which chronicles Martin’s rise as America’s top female boxer in the 1990s; (seen in March)
She quipped, ‘And yes, you’ll get to see me kick some serious a** (like seriously kicked some a**) ((like I might’ve enjoyed it a little toooooo much while kicking a** haha)), but most importantly, you’ll witness a story that’s as powerful as the woman who lived it.’
‘I’ll carry this experience with me forever. Can’t wait to share more :)’
Read More Sydney Sweeney helped catch a Los Angeles burglar while filming her Christy Martin biopic
The peek into production comes after Sweeney, who practiced combat sports as a teenager, shared that the film has given her the perfect chance to rekindle her pᴀssion for the ring.
‘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,’ Sweeney told ᴅᴇᴀᴅline recently.
‘Christy’s story isn’t a light one; it’s physically and emotionally demanding… But I love challenging myself.
‘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.’
The film, directed by David Michod, follows Martin’s rise to prominence in the 1990s as America’s top female boxer.
Sweeney signed on to play Christy Martin back in May, with Michod (Animal Kingdom) directing from a script he co-wrote with Mirrah Foulkes.
Sydney also shared a pH๏τo of Christy’s gifted boxing gloves
In a heartfelt caption, the Euphoria star described the experience as ‘one of the most emotional, transformative’ of her life, praising Martin’s resilience
For 20 years, Christy endured abuse from her husband and trainer, James ‘Jim’ Martin; (Christy in 2001)
The cast includes Ben Foster, playing Martin’s husband, James, along with Merritt Weaver, Ethan Embry, and Katy O’Brien.
Nicknamed ‘The Coal Miner’s Daughter’ in honor of her father’s roots, Martin, now 56, hails from West Virginia and is widely credited with bringing women’s boxing into the spotlight.
Her iconic 1996 face-off against Deirdre Gogarty at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas captivated a packed arena, cementing her place in boxing history.
Martin’s success led to appearances on the cover of Sports Illustrated, guest spots on major talk shows, and even cameos in American sitcoms.
Yet, away from the limelight, her life was far from the picture of success.
For 20 years, she endured abuse from her husband and trainer, James ‘Jim’ Martin.
In a chilling ᴀssault on November 23, 2010, Jim stabbed Christy multiple times and sH๏τ her once in the torso, leaving her for ᴅᴇᴀᴅ following a heated argument at their home. Remarkably, Christy survived.
In June 2012, Jim was sentenced to 25 years in prison for attempted second-degree murder and manslaughter.
Currently in pre-production, the release date for the film remains unannounced
Today, Christy has found new purpose as a boxing promoter and married her former ring rival, Lisa Holewyne, in 2017.
Her journey as a boxer and survivor has transformed her into an enduring symbol of resilience.
She went on to become the first woman inducted into both the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame (2016) and the International Boxing Hall of Fame (2020), wrapping up her career with a 49-7-3 record.
Currently in pre-production, the release date for the film remains unannounced.