Sydney Sweeney has taken on challenging roles before, but none quite like this. To portray pioneering boxer Christy Martin in an upcoming biopic, the Euphoria and Anyone But You star went through a striking physical transformation — gaining over 30 pounds, training multiple times a day, and embracing a look that’s more grit than glam.
"My body was completely different," Sweeney told W Magazine. "I didn’t fit in any of my clothes… I’m usually a size 23 in jeans, and I was wearing a size 27. And my butt got huge. It was crazy! But it was amazing: I was so strong, like crazy strong."
Her days were structured like a fighter’s camp: an hour of weight training in the morning, two hours of kickboxing in the middle of the day, and another hour of weights at night. Alongside the physical work, Sweeney transformed her appearance — donning a mullet-style brunette wig and brown contact lenses to fully inhabit Martin’s distinct 1990s look.
The transformation wasn’t just cosmetic. Sweeney’s commitment to the role extended to the mindset of a fighter — channeling the strength and resilience of Martin, who broke barriers for women’s boxing and endured staggering personal challenges outside the ring. Last year, as filming wrapped, Sweeney shared the first photos from the project and called Martin’s story "a testament to resilience, strength, and hope."
Though the film’s title has yet to be revealed, it’s already shaping up to be one of Sweeney’s most physically demanding — and potentially career-defining — performances. "Our film is a wild mix of inspiring underdog sports-world story and personal saga," director David Michôd said, adding that Sweeney’s energy on set was "like a ray of sunshine" even during the toughest moments.
