Sydney Sweeney’s latest film, “Christy,” which chronicles the life of pioneering professional boxer Christy Martin, opened to disappointing box office figures, earning only $1.3 million since its release on November 7. This performance places it among the lowest wide box office openings for films released in over 2,000 theaters, ranking No. 12 overall and No. 9 when excluding re-releases.
In response to the underwhelming debut, Sweeney took to Instagram to express her pride in the film and Martin’s story. She shared behind-the-scenes images, stating, “I am so deeply proud of this movie… proud to represent someone as strong and resilient as Christy Martin.” The actress emphasized the importance of raising awareness about domestic violence, reiterating their collective belief that Martin’s story could “save lives.”
Christy Martin’s life is a remarkable tale of overcoming severe adversity; in 2010, she was brutally attacked by her trainer and former husband, James Martin, who was later imprisoned for attempted murder. Sweeney highlighted their goal with “Christy” as not just telling an inspiring sports story but also creating a narrative that could empower others, saying, “If Christy gave even one woman the courage to take her first step toward safety, then we will have succeeded.”
The biopic showcases Martin’s groundbreaking achievements, including being the first woman to sign a promotional contract with boxing mogul Don King and becoming the first female boxer to feature on the cover of Sports Illustrated. After an impressive boxing career that spanned from 1989 to the mid-2010s, Martin achieved the title of World Boxing Council female super welterweight champion in 2009 and received induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2020.
“Christy” follows Sweeney’s successes in projects like the romantic comedy “Anyone But You” and the acclaimed series “Euphoria.” However, it also comes on the heels of mixed reception for other ventures, such as “Americana” and a controversial advertisement for American Eagle, which sparked debates over its messaging regarding race and eugenics.
Despite the critical and commercial challenges, Sweeney remains committed to the film’s message and the lasting impact of Christy Martin’s story. With an emphasis on the film’s purpose beyond mere numbers, Sweeney’s dedication highlights the enduring power of storytelling, especially when it has the potential to inspire change.