Sydney Sweeney Prepares for Christy Martin Biopic Role

Sydney Sweeney fought relentlessly to portray the trailblazing boxer Christy Martin in the biopic Christy, transforming physically and emotionally to bring the champion's story of triumph and survival to the screen. The film, directed by David Michôd, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and hit theaters in November, chronicling Martin's rise from a West Virginia coal miner's daughter to a professional boxing pioneer in the late 1980s and 1990s.

Sweeney, known for roles in Euphoria and The White Lotus, discovered the script while seeking a demanding physical project. Having kickboxed since age 12, she was drawn to Martin's world of women's combat sports. In an interview, Sweeney recalled reading halfway through the script and breaking into tears. "I couldn't believe that I had no idea who this woman was. I'd never learned about her," she said. She immediately contacted Michôd via Zoom, pleading for the part. "I was like, I will do anything for you. I will lose myself," Sweeney told Variety.

Her commitment extended to an intense preparation regimen. Sweeney gained about 35 pounds through twice-daily training sessions, consuming protein shakes, Uncrustables and...