Sydney Sweeney’s latest film, “Christy,” struggled to make a significant impact at the box office during its opening weekend. Despite being showcased in over 2,000 theaters, the boxing biopic only garnered $1.3 million in ticket sales, as reported by Box Office Mojo.
“Christy” tells the inspiring story of Christy Martin, a trailblazing American boxer who not only excelled in her sport but also overcame a life-threatening situation involving her trainer and spouse. Sweeney expressed her pride in the film through an Instagram post, emphasizing the importance of making art that brings about real-world impact rather than just financial success. She stated, “If ‘Christy’ gave even one woman the courage to take her first step toward safety, then we will have succeeded.”
Despite Sweeney’s status as a prominent star, this year has seen her more in the headlines for various controversies surrounding her advertising ventures rather than for substantial film or television projects. This indicates a disconnect between her public persona and actual audience attendance at theaters, raising questions about the challenges faced by boxing films, particularly those oriented around female stories.
Recent boxing films released in the past few years have not fared well either. “The Fire Inside,” starring Ryan Destiny as the female boxer Claressa “T-Rex” Shields, opened to $1.96 million last year and only climbed to a total of $8 million domestically. Earlier, “Against the Ropes,” featuring Meg Ryan as boxing manager Jackie Kallen, struggled with both critic reviews and box office performance, a disappointing experience that led Ryan to step back from Hollywood temporarily.
Notably, the trend persists in male-oriented boxing films as well, with titles like “Hands of Stone,” a biopic about famed boxer Roberto Durán, showing similar weak openings. Audiences seem less drawn to biographical boxing movies based on real individuals, despite the iconic status achieved by some earlier films, such as “Raging Bull” and the “Rocky” series.
However, there are exceptions. Movies like “The Fighter,” which chronicles the life of boxer Micky Ward, and “Cinderella Man,” about James J. Braddock, have found commercial and critical success, showcasing that while many boxing films may flop, there are notable standouts that resonate with audiences.
Interestingly, the most recognized films about women’s boxing often take a fictional approach. “Girlfight,” featuring Michelle Rodriguez, launched her successful career despite modest earnings, while “Million Dollar Baby,” an acclaimed feature about the sport, achieved extraordinary success, winning multiple Academy Awards and solidifying its place in cinematic history.
In a landscape where boxing biopics seem to be facing an uphill struggle, the filmmakers behind “Christy” remain hopeful that the narrative can inspire and bring awareness, echoing the sentiments expressed by Sweeney about the film’s potential impact.