Sydney Sweeney, known for her glamorous red carpet appearances, has undergone a stunning transformation for her latest project, leaving fans doing double takes. The Euphoria star was recently spotted on set in Charlotte, North Carolina, looking nearly unrecognizable as she stepped into the role of boxing legend Christy Martin for an upcoming biopic.
From Hollywood Glamour to 90s Grit: Sweeney as Christy Martin
Famous for her blonde hair and curvaceous figure, the 27-year-old actress has completely altered her appearance, donning a curly brunette wig, a blue bandana, and loose-fitting clothes that perfectly reflect Christy Martin’s 90s style. Sweeney’s costume—a brown shirt, hoodie, and joggers—paired with minimal makeup, helped her fully embody the gritty, trailblazing boxer, a sharp contrast to her usual bombshell persona.
A Biopic About Boxing’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter”
The biopic, directed by David Michôd, delves into the life of Christy Martin, famously known as “The Coal Miner’s Daughter” due to her West Virginia roots. Martin made history in women’s boxing, especially after her iconic 1996 fight against Deirdre Gogarty at the MGM Grand. While her career was groundbreaking, her personal life was fraught with turmoil and pain.
A Marriage That Nearly Cost Martin Her Life
Despite her success in the ring, Martin endured years of abuse from her husband and trainer, James “Jim” Martin. In 2010, their volatile relationship culminated in a horrific attack where Jim stabbed and shot her, leaving her for dead. Miraculously, Christy survived the brutal assault, and Jim was later sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2012 for the attack.
Reclaiming Her Life: Martin’s Journey to Recovery
Today, Christy Martin has reclaimed her life and continues to be a prominent figure in the boxing world. Now married to Lisa Holewyne, a former boxer she once faced in the ring, Martin is dedicated to promoting the sport. Speaking with TMZ, Martin expressed excitement about Sweeney portraying her in the film, describing the actress as “young, hot, and talented” and offering to help her train for the demanding role.
Sydney Sweeney Prepares to Push Her Limits
Sweeney, who has prior experience in MMA and kickboxing, is ready to fully commit to the physical challenges of portraying Martin. “I’ve been itching to get back into the ring and transform my body,” she shared, signaling her dedication to the role.
More Than Just Boxing: The Film’s Powerful Themes
While the film will certainly showcase Martin’s achievements in boxing, it will also highlight deeper issues like domestic violence and struggles with identity. “It’s about more than boxing—it’s about survival, identity, and resilience,” Martin explained, hoping the movie will resonate beyond the sports world.
Christy Martin also hinted at a potential cameo in the film and emphasized the movie’s emotional depth. “This movie will be something fathers watch with their daughters, making them aware of domestic violence,” she said, underlining the significance of the story.
Fans Eager for Sweeney’s Next Big Role
Sweeney’s dramatic physical transformation has already generated significant buzz ahead of the film’s debut, possibly at the Cannes Film Festival. Fans eagerly anticipate her portrayal of Christy Martin, a true trailblazer, as she takes on not only the physical demands of boxing but also the emotional weight of the legendary athlete’s journey.