Sydney Sweeney is unveiling the “crazy” transformation she underwent to portray pioneering female boxer Christy Martin in an upcoming biopic set for release later this year. The Emmy-nominated star of Euphoria shared insights into her intense preparation with W Magazine, revealing a significant physical transformation to authentically embody the legendary athlete.
According to the film’s director, David Michôd, Sweeney gained over 30 pounds to accurately depict Martin, who was instrumental in bringing female boxing into the limelight during the 1990s. Martin graced the cover of Sports Illustrated and fought on the undercard of Mike Tyson’s matches, cementing her status as a trailblazer in the sport.
Intense Training Regimen
Sweeney described her rigorous training schedule, which included weight training in the morning, kickboxing sessions in the afternoon, and additional weight training at night. “I loved it,” she said of the behind-the-scenes preparation. “I had about three and a half months of training. I started eating and working out intensely.”
To fully transform into Martin, Sweeney also adopted brown contact lenses and a brunette wig styled into a mullet-like haircut. “My body was completely different,” she noted. “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 so strong, like crazy strong,” Sweeney marveled about her physical transformation.
Bringing Christy Martin’s Story to Life
The biopic, which remains untitled, is co-written by Michôd and Mirrah Foulkes. It chronicles Martin’s rise to fame and the personal struggles she faced, including abuse from her then-husband, who attempted to murder her. The film aims to be a compelling mix of an inspiring sports underdog story and a personal saga.
“Our film is a wild mix of inspiring underdog sports-world story and personal saga,” Michôd explained. “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.”
Last year, during the film’s production, Sweeney shared photos of herself as Martin on social media, expressing her honor in portraying such a resilient figure. “Her journey is a testament to resilience, strength, and hope,” Sweeney wrote.
Celebrating Boxing Heritage
Recently, Sweeney and Martin appeared together at the International Boxing Hall of Fame’s annual Parade of Champions in Canastota, NY, where Sweeney served as the grand marshal. This appearance highlights the connection between the actress and the real-life boxer whose story she is bringing to the screen.
Future Projects and Career Highlights
Outside of this biopic, Sweeney continues to expand her career with a variety of projects. She recently wrapped production on The Housemaid, a Paul Feig-directed adaptation she co-produced. Currently, she is filming for Euphoria Season 3 and is involved in producing and starring in Scandalous!, directed by Colman Domingo, which explores the relationship between Sammy Davis Jr. and Kim Novak.
Her previously announced Barbarella remake is also in the works, and she will appear in Americana, set for release on August 22, 2025. Sweeney’s diverse roles and projects underscore her versatility and dedication to her craft.
As anticipation builds for the release of the Christy Martin biopic, Sweeney’s commitment to her transformation and the depth of her portrayal promise a compelling cinematic experience that celebrates the life of a boxing legend.
