Sydney Sweeney Shares Story Behind Christy Martin Biopic Transformation

Sydney Sweeney strapped on her gloves for this role.

After all, the Anyone But You star shared a glimpse into becoming boxing legend Christy Martin for an upcoming biopic, complete with a shag hairstyle and muscle tank top.

"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," Sydney captioned her Oct. 16 Instagram post. "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."

Alongside the reflection, she shared a snap outside her trailer, donning red and white sneakers, gray sweatpants and a red muscle tank top. Like the boxer, her curly brunette locks were styled in a loose ponytail and featured wavy bangs. In the second pic, the 27-year-old was beaming while showing off her biceps next to a chair that read "Christy Martin."

Portraying the boxer, who is considered the most successful female boxer in U.S. history, has been a dream for Sydney.

"Christy's story isn't a light one, it's physically and emotionally demanding, there's a lot of weight to carry," the Euphoria actress told Deadline in May. "But I love challenging myself. 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," she continued. "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."

For Christy, who survived a stabbing by ex-husband Jim Martin in 2010, she hopes the film directed by David Michôd will transcend her life in the ring.

"I want this movie to bring awareness to domestic violence, the challenge of sexuality and overall underdog story," the former boxer told TMZ the same month. "I am a coal miner's daughter from a small town in southern West Virginia that made an impact in a sport that wasn't taken seriously: women's boxing."

And the 56-year-old, now married to former boxer Lisa Holewyne, is honored to have Sydney take on the role.

"I think she is young, hot, talented and about to make a movie that in 20+ years," she added, "fathers will watch with their daughters to make them aware of domestic violence."

Keep reading to see more of Sydney's unrecognizable transformation.

Sydney Sweeney showcased her newly darkened locks while on set in North Carolina for her next film. In the yet-untitled project, the Euphoria star will portray boxing legend Christy Martin, a Hall of Famer who married her former boxing coach James Martin. 

For the role, Sydney traded in her signature blonde hair for a neck-length brunette 'do held back by a navy bandana. She also donned a baggy, zip-up sweatshirt in a navy shade, worn with a yellow-brown T-shirt, dark sweatpants and white sneakers.

The 27-year-old later donned oversized, knee-length, gray sweat shorts and a light blue tee, while channeling Christy on set.

Sydney's costar in the film Ben Foster—he'll play James—similarly underwent a major transformation. The Leave No Trace star, who normally rocks a beard, walked on set clean shaven and with a blonde wig. He wore a light blue polo shirt and navy sweatpants while carrying a brown duffel bag.

Seen from behind, Sydney walked on set in another set of athletic gear. This time, she wore baggy, maroon athletic shorts and a blue-and-white windbreaker.

Ben, who shares two children with wife and That '70s Show alum Laura Prepon, changed into a yellow and white striped polo and navy sweatpants for his role as James.

“I am a very hands-on collaborator,” Sydney told The Los Angeles Times in March 2024. “I like being able to give ideas, be a part of it, help come up with solutions. It just changes the whole process. It’s so hard for me now to be on a set and not be able to help in any type of way and be able to take action. And being able to actually have a voice and have a valued opinion—it means so much.”

For The White Lotus alum, keeping a packed schedule is not something she shies away from. In fact, she’s always looking forward to what’s next.

"I look up to the older version of myself," she told Women’s Health in 2023. "When I was 10, I looked up to the 25-year-old version of myself, and now I look up to my 50-year-old version. I hope I make the decisions she would be proud of."

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