In March 2024, director David Michôd began casting Christy Martin, a biopic about the 1990s boxing champion who survived domestic violence. Sydney Sweeney was initially overlooked due to her internet celebrity status. After watching her perform in Tina Satter’s 2023 Berlin Film Festival entry Reality—about intelligence whistleblower Reality Winner—Michôd reconsidered. An associate simultaneously mentioned Sweeney trained in MMA and kickboxing from age 12 until booking the Euphoria pilot at age 19.[1][2][3][4]
“That material is based directly on FBI transcripts and is not easy to perform,” Michôd recalled of Sweeney’s work in Reality. “Her acting ability became undeniable to me.”[3][1]
Athletic Background Sealed Sweeney’s Casting Decision
Sweeney’s combat sports training proved decisive. Michôd had previously directed Brad Pitt in War Machine (2017), Robert Pattinson in The Rover (2014), Timmy Chalamet in The King (2019), and Animal Kingdom (2010). Yet only Chalamet’s casting evoked a similar feeling.[4][5][6][7][8][9][1]
“I have felt this sensation only once before,” Michôd recalls. “I found someone who would be absolutely perfect.”[6][1]
Michôd and co-writer Mirrah Foulkes sent Sweeney the script. She read it en route to Barcelona for an Armani campaign and committed within 24 hours via video call.[10][11][1]
Christy Martin’s Story and Career Milestones
Christy Martin became a trailblazing professional boxer in the 1990s. Key facts include:[12][13]
- First woman to box on Sports Illustrated cover[13][14][12]
- Held WBC female super welterweight championship during 1990s[15][12][13]
- Known as “The Coal Miner’s Daughter” from West Virginia[13][15]
- First female client of promoter Don King (1993).[13]
- Fought on Mike Tyson undercard; impressed Tyson with her performance.[16][13]
- Survived November 2010 attack: husband Jim Martin stabbed and shot her inside their home[17][1][13]
- Jim Martin found guilty April 2012 of attempted second-degree murder with firearm; sentenced 25 years[1][17]
- Made comeback to ring in 2011 after attack.[18][13]
- Now 57, Martin attended film premieres praising Sweeney’s performance[4][1]
Film Details and Sydney Sweeney’s Dual Role
| Element | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | November 7, 2025[1][19] |
| Distributor | Black Bear Pictures[1][20] |
| Director | David Michôd[1][2][21] |
| Writers | Michôd, Mirrah Foulkes, Katherine Fugate (story)[1][10] |
| Role | Lead actor and producer[2][22] |
| Toronto TIFF Premiere | September 5, 2025[21][23] |
| London Film Festival | October 17, 2025[24] |
At Hamptons International Film Festival (October 2025), Sweeney accepted the Achievement in Acting award. She also received the Spotlight Award at SCAD Savannah Film Festival (October 2025). Sweeney selected the National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence as her charity focus at Variety’s Power of Women event (October 29, 2025).[25][26][27]
“She kind of became my best friend,” Sweeney said about Christy Martin. “Having her with us was a really powerful experience.”[1][4]
Co-star Ben Foster noted the demanding nature of intimate abuse scenes. “Michôd created a safe environment for us to explore these dynamics. Syd’s light is radiant.”[28][1]
For the role, Sweeney gained approximately 30-35 pounds, wore a brunette wig with mullet hairstyle, and used brown contact lenses. She became “almost unrecognizable” on set, trading blonde locks for darker hair and gym wear.[2][5][29][30][13]
Sweeney addressed her casting as defying Hollywood expectations. “Being an actress, it’s a lot harder to stand in the room and demand your worth and for people to look at you and value you,” she revealed. “I have to remind myself, ‘Hey, Syd, you’re actually powerful.'”[27][1]
The film’s timing coincides with Sweeney’s broader career pivot toward dramatic roles. She emphasized personal connection to the domestic violence storyline: “It’s a very personal issue that’s important to me, and I hope that through Christy and her story, it can raise more awareness.”[31][27][1]
