Sydney Sweeney is poised to take on a challenging role in the upcoming Christy Martin biopic. The actress recently shared behind-the-scenes photos from the film on her Instagram, revealing her character’s transformation and training regimen.
In her post, Sweeney acknowledged the early buzz surrounding the project, writing, “Well the cat’s out of the bag thanks to some paps in bushes, so here’s a little BTS from my film I’m working on right now.” She expressed her dedication over the past few months to representing the story of a remarkable woman who faced significant challenges both in her boxing career and personal life. Sweeney added, “Her journey is a testament to resilience, strength, and hope, and I’m honored to step into her shoes to share her powerful story with you all. More to come soon.”
The untitled film, directed by David Michôd, will chronicle Martin’s journey to become one of the most significant female boxers in 1990s America. The cast includes Ben Foster, Merritt Wever, Ethan Embry, and Katy O’Brian, alongside Sweeney.
Christy Martin’s boxing career began in 1989 after she met her future husband and manager, Jim Martin. She fought professionally until 2012 and made history as the first female boxer to feature on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
However, Martin’s life has been marred by tragic events, including a near-fatal incident in 2010 when her husband attacked her, stabbing her multiple times and shooting her. Martin managed to escape and get help, leading to her husband’s conviction for attempted second-degree murder, for which he received a 25-year prison sentence.
In a past interview with CBS News, Martin detailed the various forms of abuse she endured, including sexual and emotional manipulation. She spoke candidly about being coerced into drug addiction and the psychological control exerted by her husband, shedding light on the complexities surrounding her past. “The whole sexuality part is really difficult because I was so intertwined,” she said, reflecting on her trust in Jim Martin, who was significantly older and her coach. She described feeling vulnerable and exposed, with her struggles used against her.