Sydney Sweeney is gearing up for a new role in the upcoming biopic about boxing champion Christy Martin. The actress shared some behind-the-scenes photos from the set, expressing her excitement on Instagram.
“Well, the cat’s out of the bag thanks to some paparazzi, so here’s a little BTS from my film I’m working on right now,” she wrote alongside images of herself in casual attire with a curly hairstyle. She mentioned that over the past months, she has been dedicated to training for the role of Martin, who is celebrated for her remarkable journey both in and out of the boxing ring.
Sweeney emphasized the significance of Martin’s story, highlighting themes of resilience, strength, and hope, and expressed her honor in portraying the champion. She hinted that more details about the project will be revealed soon.
Directed by David Michôd, the untitled film chronicles Martin’s rise to fame as one of the most prominent female boxers of the 1990s in America. The cast also includes Ben Foster, Merritt Wever, Ethan Embry, and Katy O’Brian.
Christy Martin began her boxing career in 1989 after meeting her future husband and manager, Jim Martin. She continued to compete until 2012 and holds the distinction of being the first female boxer to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated.
However, Martin’s life has been marked by significant challenges. In 2010, she survived a brutal attack by her husband, who stabbed her multiple times and shot her, leaving her for dead. Remarkably, she managed to escape and seek help. Jim Martin was later sentenced to 25 years in prison for attempted second-degree murder.
In a CBS News interview, Martin revealed the various forms of abuse she endured, including emotional and sexual violence. She described how her husband manipulated her, leading to a cocaine addiction and using her vulnerabilities against her. Martin reflected on the difficulty of sharing her experiences, particularly regarding her sexuality, as she had confided in Jim, who she believed was someone she could trust.