Sydney Sweeney is ready to step into the ring. The actress shared a couple of behind-the-scenes images from her time on the set of the Christy Martin biopic in which she’s set to star. “Well the cats out of the bag thanks to some paps in bushes so here’s a little bts from my film im working on right now,” she wrote in an Instagram caption of two photos of her in sweats with a brown, curly hairdo. “Over the past few months, 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.” She concluded, “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.”
David Michôd will direct the film, which is currently untitled and follows the true story of Martin’s rise to being one of the most well-known female boxers in 1990s America. Ben Foster, Merritt Wever, Ethan Embry and Katy O’Brian also star in the biopic.
Martin began her career in 1989 after meeting manager and eventual husband Jim Martin. She continued to compete until 2012 and is the only female boxer thus far to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
But the athlete’s life has not been without its fair share of struggles. In 2010, her husband stabbed her repeatedly and shot her in the chest, leaving her for dead. She managed to find the strength to run out of the house and flag down a passerby, who took her to the hospital. Two years later, Jim Martin was sentenced to 25 years in prison for attempted second-degree murder with a firearm.
The boxer told CBS News that his abuse of her took many forms, including sexual and emotional. She explained he got her addicted to cocaine and gave her a constant supply. He also blackmailed her and threatened to reveal her sexual orientation. “The whole sexuality part is really difficult because I was so intertwined,” she told the network. “First of all, I trusted Jim Martin, and he was 25 years older than me. He was my coach. I felt like this was someone that I could open up and bear my soul to, and tell him all about my sexuality struggles, my struggles with my family, just life struggles, and all of that was used against me.”
Becoming Christy Martin
Sweeney’s commitment to embodying Martin is evident in her transformation for the role. From her toned physique to her signature curly brown hair, the actress has immersed herself in training to capture the spirit of the boxing legend. Sweeney has a personal connection to combat sports, having grappled and done kickboxing from 12-19 years old. “I’ve been itching to get back into the ring, train, and transform my body,” she said. “Christy’s story isn’t a light one, it’s physically and emotionally demanding, there’s a lot of weight to carry. But I love challenging myself.”
A Legacy of Resilience
The biopic promises to delve into the complexities of Martin’s life, both inside and outside the ring. From her meteoric rise to fame as “the female Rocky” to her harrowing experiences with domestic abuse, the film aims to paint a nuanced portrait of a woman who overcame adversity to become a champion. As Sweeney said, “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.”
More Than Just a Fighter
Beyond the boxing ring, Martin’s story is one of courage, resilience, and hope. She is a testament to the power of the human spirit, proving that even in the face of unimaginable challenges, one can rise above and achieve greatness. The biopic has the potential to inspire audiences, showcasing Martin’s determination to break barriers and her unwavering spirit in the face of adversity. With Sweeney’s dedication to the role and Michôd’s acclaimed direction, the Christy Martin biopic promises to be a powerful and moving cinematic experience, one that will resonate with viewers long after the final bell rings.
Beyond the Ring: A Life of Triumph
The Christy Martin biopic is more than just a sports story. It’s a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome incredible challenges. While Martin's story is rooted in the world of boxing, it transcends the sport to offer a universal message of resilience, hope, and the power of the human spirit. This film promises to be a powerful and moving experience, one that will leave audiences inspired and touched by Christy Martin's extraordinary journey.
