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The first behind-the-scenes photos of A-lister Syndey Sweeney playing female boxer Christy Martin have been released and the 27-year-old blonde bombshell looks unrecognizably jacked.
The untitled Christy Martin biopic is being directed by Australian filmmaker David Michod, who has previously helmed Animal Kingdom, The Rover, War Machine, and The King.
Martin is one of the most famous female boxers of all time, having been the first woman to sign with famed boxing promoter Don King. Martin was also the first female boxer to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
“I grappled and did kickboxing from 12-19 years old. I’ve been itching to get back into the ring, train, and transform my body. Christy’s story isn’t a light one, it’s physically and emotionally demanding, there’s a lot of weight to carry. But I love challenging myself,” Sweeney said of the project when it was announced earlier this year.
“Well the cats out of the bag thanks to some paps in bushes so here’s a little bts from my film im working on right now,” Sweeney captioned the behind-the-scenes photos in an Instagram post. “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. 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 Sydney Sweeney, Ben Foster, Katy O’Brian, Merritt Wever, Ethan Embry, Jess Gabor, Chad L. Coleman, and Tony Cavalero are set to star in the film, which began production in late September. At this time, the Christy Martin biopic has neither a title nor release date (although 2025 is extremely likely).
In addition to the Christy Martin film, Sweeney is also developing a remake of the 1960s Jane Fonda sci-fi Barbarella with director Edgar Wright, and is rumored to be exploring a sequel to her hit rom-com Anyone But You. Her most recent movie, the Ron Howard-directed project Eden, which also stars Ana de Armas and Vanessa Kirby, had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in June.