Sydney Sweeney has undergone a striking and intense transformation for her new role as boxing legend Christy Martin in an upcoming biopic, embracing rigorous physical changes and challenging training routines to step into Martin’s shoes. The process behind Sweeney’s preparation for the untitled sports drama highlights her resolve and immersion, making the Sydney Sweeney extreme transformation for Christy Martin biopic stand out among her many Hollywood ventures.
Sweeney, known for her notable performances in series like Euphoria and The White Lotus, embarked on this demanding journey after signing on to portray Christy Martin in a film helmed by director David Michôd. To accurately represent the iconic boxer, Sweeney committed to months of intense physical preparation, confirming her passion for authentically capturing Martin’s character and era.
Sweeney’s Rigorous Transformation and Commitment to the Role
In a recent W Magazine interview, Sydney Sweeney opened up about the extensive training and lifestyle adjustments she undertook to embody Christy Martin. Sweeney explained that the transformation was not only physical but also deeply personal, requiring her to adopt the mindset of a boxer and embrace changes that made her nearly unrecognizable compared to her previous roles.
Her preparation included gaining more than 30 pounds, strict dietary changes, and an exhaustive workout regimen that spanned both weight training and kickboxing nearly every day for over three months. She further changed her appearance by using brown lenses and a brunette, mullet-inspired wig to replicate Martin’s look during her rise in the 1990s.
“I loved it. I came onboard to play Christy, and I had about three and a half months of training. I started eating. I weight-trained in the morning for an hour, kickboxed midday for about two hours, and then weight-trained again at night for an hour. My body was completely different. I didn’t fit in any of my clothes. I’m usually a size 23 in jeans, and I was wearing a size 27. My boobs got bigger. And my butt got huge. It was crazy! I was like, ‘Oh my god.’ But it was amazing: I was so strong, like crazy strong.”
—Sydney Sweeney, Actress
On set, her dedication showed through a noticeable change in physique and presence. Recent photos reveal Sweeney’s powerful new build, closely mirroring Christy Martin’s athletic form, capturing the intensity and spirit of the real-life champion. This role comes during a packed period in Sweeney’s career, as she juggles returning to Euphoria and several upcoming projects in film and television.
Portraying a Boxing Icon Amid Triumph and Turmoil
Director David Michôd expressed deep admiration for Sweeney’s work ethic and transformative performance in the movie. According to Michôd, Sweeney’s approach on set reflected not only physical stamina but also emotional range, vital for a character enduring both celebratory and difficult chapters in her life.
“Martin put female boxing on the map in the mid-’90s. She was the first woman fighter on the cover of Sports Illustrated and fought on the Mike Tyson undercard. Her husband was also her trainer, and then, after her success, he tried to murder her. Our film is a wild mix of inspiring underdog sports-world story and personal saga. Sydney trained her butt off to play the part. The beauty of Sydney is that she turned up to work every day with her tail wagging, ready to go. No matter how tough it was, she was like a ray of sunshine.”
—David Michôd, Director and Co-writer
The biopic will follow Christy Martin’s path from her early boxing days to becoming an icon, emphasizing her breakthrough moments in the sport. Notably, Martin became the first female boxer featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated and appeared on the undercard of major fights, including those involving Mike Tyson. However, the movie will also recount the personal risks and turbulence Martin faced, particularly highlighting her struggle against the emotional and physical abuse inflicted by her husband and trainer, James Martin.
In 2010, Christy Martin’s private life was thrust into the public eye when she survived a murder attempt by her husband at their Florida home. He stabbed and shot her, leading to his conviction and a 25-year prison sentence for attempted second-degree murder. James Martin died in 2024. The film aims to capture not just Martin’s athletic achievements but also her survival, resilience, and role in changing the landscape for women fighters.
Bringing the Biopic to Life: Cast, Story, and Production
The script for the Christy Martin biopic was developed by David Michôd alongside Mirrah Foulkes, crafting a narrative that blends sports triumphs with deeply personal moments. Leading the film, Sydney Sweeney steps into Martin’s role, supported by a celebrated cast that includes Ben Foster as James Martin, Merritt Weaver, Katy O’Brien, Ethan Embry, Jess Gabor, Chad L. Coleman, and Tony Cavalero. Although Amy Schumer’s name appeared in the cast listing, no further details were confirmed in the source material.
Production for the film began in late 2023, with the story scheduled to trace Martin’s journey from rising star to established champion and her battles outside the ring. The era-specific visual style, including Sweeney’s curly hairdo and costume transformation, positions the film to both entertain and inform, honoring Martin’s significant legacy.
The movie is expected to premiere before the end of 2025, although an exact release date has yet to be announced. Audiences and fans await an official trailer, which is likely to showcase Sweeney’s dramatic transformation and give a deeper glimpse into this multifaceted story as its release approaches.
The highly anticipated Sydney Sweeney extreme transformation for Christy Martin biopic is set to deliver not just a celebration of boxing but a profound exploration of endurance, identity, and the will to survive against all odds.
