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A long way from high school, Sydney Sweeney is stepping into the boxing ring with her upcoming biopic, portraying American boxer Chisty Martin. Her transformation is sure to leave the audience dazed. The actor who is famous for her portrayal in Euphoria, The White Lotus, Anyone But You, Madam Web, and Immaculate, is set to play the role of the legendary boxer in a biopic.
Martin often hailed as the Coal Miner’s Daughter, has carved her name in boxing history. She has broken all gender stereotypes that are associated with the sport. The actor has shared her first look on social media, leaving fans in awe. As her transformation is making headlines, fans are eager to know more about the film. Here is everything you need to know about the biopic so far.
What is the Christy Martin biopic about?
Rising from the coalfields of West Virginia to becoming a boxing legend— Chisty Martin’s life story is nothing short of a Hollywood script. The film will focus on her journey, capturing her professional triumphs and challenges both inside and outside the ring. She was one of the most prominent female boxers in the 1990s, a time when female boxers struggled to gain recognition. Her relentless spirit earned and knockout power earned her a spot on the covers of Sports Illustrated, which was a first for a female boxer.
However, behind her dazzling career, her personal life was filled with challenges. From a troubled marriage that almost cost her life to financial battles, Martin has gone through extreme challenges. In 2010, she survived a brutal attack by her manager-turned-husband, Jim Martin, who was later convicted of attempted murder in 2012.
In regards to the movie, Sweeney has said to Deadline,
Christy Martin not only legitimized female boxing, she overcame gender stereotypes, and fought through emotional, physical, and financial abuse. I’m passionate about the fighting world, Christy’s story shines a light on her incredible rise to the top while showing the struggles of fame behind the curtains. I feel compelled to tell a story about a woman who faced so much adversity and didn’t allow it to defeat her. It’s powerful, and emotional.
In a similar conversation, director David Michôd expressed that,
The film is about Christy as a young gay woman in small-town West Virginia in the 1990s. She came from a relatively conservative family and wasn’t allowed to be who she was so she used boxing as a vehicle to express herself and her rage. She had to make some dangerous and fundamental compromises in her life, the most important of which was marrying an incredibly dangerous man.
The biopic will delve deeper into the facets of her life, showcasing the resistance of Martin and her struggles.
Sweeney’s transformation from glam to grit
Letting go of her glamorous blonde look, Sweeney has embraced a bulky muscular look, with curly brunette hair. She has bulked up and gained some muscles for portraying the role more efficiently. To disclose her look and talk about her transformation, Sweeney took to a social media platform and wrote,
I’ve been immersed in training to bring to life the story of an incredible woman—a true champion who fought battles both inside and outside the ring. her journey is a testament to resilience, strength, and hope, and I’m honored to step into her shoes to share her powerful story with you all. more to come soon.
Sweeney’s commitment to the role of Chisty Martin did not stop at her de-glam appearance. She immersed herself in rigorous training, including boxing and weightlifting. To talk about her transformation for the movie, the Emmy-nominated actor explained to Deadline in the same interview,
Her journey is a testament to resilience, strength, and hope, and I’m honored to step into her shoes to share her powerful story with you all.
Sydney Sweeney herself has played kickboxing from the age of 12-19. She also mentioned that she took the challenge of transforming herself physically and emotionally since Martin’s life was nowhere close to being easy.
A stellar lineup of cast and crew and a possible release date of the biopic
While Sydney Sweeney takes center stage as Chisty Martin, the film boasts a stellar supporting cast and crew. Ben Foster and Ethan Embry are among the notable names attached to the project, with Foster likely portraying Jim Martin, Christy’s abusive husband. Merritt Wever, Jess Gabor, and Katy O’Brian have also joined the cast, though their roles have been undisclosed. Chad L. Coleman has joined the cast and he will be playing the role of Don King, a boxing promoter, who first signed Martin as his first female fighter.
Helmed by director David Michôd, known for his work on Animal Kingdom and The King, the movie will have Mirrah Foulkes as co-writer to craft a compelling screenplay. About the movie, the director mentioned to Deadline,
I have a history of making movies about damaged men and I’d been wanting to make a film about a woman with a ferocious energy inside her. When I came across the Christy Martin story two years ago I knew I’d found it. Her ferocity is intelligible and justifiable and audiences will crave it because of the circumstances she was forced to endure.
The filming of the movie ended in 2024 and it is yet to release. Although fans have been waiting for the biopic to be released earlier in 2025. However, industry insiders are expecting it to be released later in 2025.
The buzz surrounding the biopic is palpable. From Sweeney’s transformation for the role showing her dedication to her profession to the director’s narrative of portraying a picture of a female boxer in the 90s, the movie will be one of the most anticipated releases in recent years. It will also focus on domestic violence and the challenges women face in male-dominated fields.
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