The Euphoria star transforms into boxing icon Christy Martin in a gritty biopic that’s already drawing standing ovations.
Sydney Sweeney is putting on boxing gloves in her latest role, stepping into the ring as American boxing legend Christy Martin in the upcoming biopic Christy. The film promises to show a whole new side of Sweeney.
The project made its big debut at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, where it earned a standing ovation from the crowd, according to The New York Post. Keeping the hype going, Black Bear dropped the official trailer on Sept. 11, giving audiences their first look at Sweeney’s transformation into the legendary fighter.
The movie covers about 20 years of Christy Martin’s life, starting in small-town West Virginia and following her rise to one of the biggest names in women’s boxing. What begins as a lucky break in the sport quickly turns into a career that puts her in the spotlight. Christy isn’t just a boxing movie, it dives into Martin’s personal battles, too.
The film does not shy away from one of the darkest chapters in Martin’s life, her toxic relationship with her manager-turned-husband, Jim Martin, who later tried to kill her. It shows just how real the stakes were for her, both in and out of the ring. At its core, it’s a story about determination, survival, and courage.
For Sweeney, this role meant going all in. According to W Magazine, she put on more than 30 pounds to embody Martin’s muscular build and trained relentlessly with a boxing coach. “I trained two to three times a day, every day,” Sweeney said, adding that even while filming, she continued her routine. The physical transformation is striking, but what’s even more impressive is how she brings Martin’s toughness and vulnerability to the screen.
The cast is stacked with talent including Ben Foster, Merritt Wever, Katy O’Brian, Ethan Embry, Jess Gabor, Chad Coleman, Bryan Hibbard, Tony Cavalero, and Gilbert Cruz. Together, they help bring Christy Martin’s world to life, from the boxing ring to the chaotic and sometimes dangerous personal life she fought so hard to survive.
Director, producer, and co-writer David Michôd wrote the script with Mirrah Foulkes, with Sweeney also serving as producer. The producing team also includes Michael Heimler, John Friedberg, Foulkes, Brad Zimmerman for Yoki, Inc., and David Levine, Ryan Schwartz, and Nick Shumaker for Anonymous Content.
Christy is more than just a sports biopic. The film highlights how Martin’s courage paved the way for future generations of women in boxing, while also giving audiences a raw look at the price she paid along the way.
Christy is set to hit theaters on Nov. 7, 2025.
