Sydney Sweeney will play history-making boxer Christy Martin in biopic: ‘Honored to tell Christy’s powerful story’
- Emmy nominee, 26, ready for ‘physically and emotionally demanding’ role
- Biopic will be released at the upcoming Cannes Film Festival
Sydney Sweeney will play boxer Christy Martin in a biopic directed by filmmaker David Michôd.
The biopic starring the 26-year-old Euphoria actress as the Hall of Fame boxer, 55, will be released during the upcoming Cannes Film Festival, according to reports Deadlineannouncing the news of the casting.
The Emmy-nominated actress shared a link to the Deadline article confirming her next role, saying she was “honored to tell Christy’s powerful story.”
The Spokane, Washington native spoke to the outlet about the experience she brings to the role in martial arts, and the enthusiasm she brings to the boxing project.
“I wrestled and did kickboxing from ages 12 to 19,” Sweeney told Deadline. ‘I was eager to get back in the ring, train and transform my body.
Sydney Sweeney, 26, plays boxer Christy Martin, 55, in a biopic directed by filmmaker David Michôd
“Christy’s story is not light, it is physically and emotionally demanding, there is a lot of weight to carry. But I like to challenge myself.’
The Euphoria actress expressed her admiration for Martin and her credentials, saying, “Christy Martin not only legitimized female boxing, she overcame gender stereotypes and fought against emotional, physical and financial abuse.
‘I am passionate about the fighting world. Christy’s story shines a light on her incredible rise to the top while revealing the struggle for fame behind the curtains.”
The White Lotus alumnus said she felt “compelled to tell a story about a woman who faced so much adversity and didn’t let it defeat her,” calling her life story “powerful and emotional.”
Sweeney has played professional roles, as she recently appeared alongside Glen Powell in the 2023 romantic comedy Everyone But You; and starred in the horror film Immaculate.
Martin was seen fighting in Paradise, Nevada at the MGM Grand in March 1996
Sweeney said: ‘Martin not only legitimized women’s boxing, she also overcame gender stereotypes and fought against emotional, physical and financial abuse.’ Pictured in Las Vegas in 1996
Martin was pictured in the ring at a boxing event she was promoting in August 2020 in Daytona Beach, Florida