NEED TO KNOW
Sydney Sweeney has newfound strength after starring in Christy.
The Euphoria star, 28, takes on the role of legendary professional boxer Christy Martin in the biopic Christy, in theaters Nov. 7.
Speaking about the role after a special screening held at Pacific Design Center on Oct. 11, in West Hollywood, Sweeney shared how portraying the trailblazing athlete impacted her personally.
“It taught me a lot about myself, actually, throughout the entire process,” she said, in a clip shared on TikTok. “She taught me how to stand up for myself more and feel stronger in my personal life, my work life. We both fight our own fights in different types of rings and, yeah, check in on your friends and make sure they’re all okay.”
Courtesy of TIFF
The film tells the true story of Martin’s rise from small-town West Virginia to becoming a boxing superstar, and the devastating personal battles she endured behind the scenes.
“Christy Martin never imagined life beyond her small-town roots in West Virginia — until she discovered a knack for punching people,” the film’s synopsis reads. “Fueled by grit, raw determination, and an unshakable desire to win, she charges into the world of boxing under the guidance of her trainer and manager-turned-husband, Jim (Ben Foster).”
But Martin’s greatest fight wasn’t inside the ring. At home she endured years of abuse from her husband, who also managed her career. After asking for a divorce in 2010, Martin survived a brutal stabbing and shooting by him in their home. He was later arrested and sentenced to 25 years in prison.
The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 5, received a standing ovation, bringing Sweeney to tears during the emotional moment.
Martin’s story has long been regarded as one of survival, resilience and courage. Sweeney’s performance earned her an acting accolade at the Hamptons International Film Festival in October.
During a post-screening Q&A at HIFF on Oct. 4, Sweeney shared how Martin, now 57, was “very involved” in production and often on set.
“She kind of became my best friend. Having her with us was a really powerful experience,” Sweeney said.
“I’ve never had the person who I’m portraying watch me. You’re never really sure what they’re thinking,” she added. “But as it went on, I just wanted her there the entire time because I was able to study her and listen to her and have her thoughts and opinions there whenever I needed.”
Christy is in theaters Nov. 7.
