Sydney Sweeney isn’t just acting in her new biopic Christy—she’s going all in. As she steps into the gloves of pioneering boxer Christy Martin, every punch Sweeney throws (and takes) is genuine. In fact, she revealed in a Vanity Fair interview that “every single fight you see, we are actually punching each other. We are going full force”—no stunt doubles, no faked contact.
To inhabit Martin’s world, Sweeney underwent one of the most intense physical transformations of her career. She spent months in the gym and ring—gaining over 30 pounds through relentless weight training, boxing drills, and nutrition work—emerging as a stunning embodiment of strength and grit.
Directed by David Michôd (The King), Christy follows Martin’s rise from “Toughwoman” contests in the late ’80s to becoming one of the most formidable female figures in professional boxing, while also navigating personal trauma and survival.
Sweeney’s commitment goes beyond the physical—it’s a full emotional immersion, one that promises to bring Martin’s awe-inspiring story vividly to life. Christy premieres at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival on September 5.
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