Sydney Sweeney to portray boxing legend Christy Martin
Hollywood's most sought-after actor at the moment, Sydney Sweeney, has set her eyes on her next project. Having delivered back-to-back hits in the form of the romantic comedy Anyone But You and the horror film Immaculate, Sweeney will now portray iconic boxer Christy Martin in an upcoming biopic. The yet-to-be-titled project will be introduced by Black Bear at the Cannes market. David Michôd, recognized for titles like Animal Kingdom and The King, will direct the film.
Biopic to chronicle Martin's rise and struggles
The film will chronicle Martin's journey to becoming the most recognized female boxer in America during the 1990s. Her life took a dramatic turn after meeting her future husband and manager, Jim Martin, in 1989. Despite professional triumphs such as being the first woman to sign with legendary promoter Don King and gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated, she faced personal issues and survived a violent attempt on her life.
Sweeney expressed excitement for role and training
Sweeney shared her enthusiasm about playing Martin, citing her love for boxing and MMA. "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," she told Deadline. She acknowledged the physical and emotional demands of bringing Martin's story to life but expressed her love for challenges. Sweeney also highlighted Martin's influence on women's boxing and personal battles.
'Wanting to make film about a woman with ferocious energy'
Director Michôd expressed his excitement for the project, stating, "I have a history of making movies about damaged men and I'd been wanting to make a film about a woman with a ferocious energy inside her." "When I came across the Christy Martin story two years ago I knew I'd found it." He revealed that the film will be shot in the US this fall, with further casting discussions underway.
Martin is actively associated with the project
The screenplay is co-written by Mirrah Foulkes and Michôd, with a team of producers including Kerry Kohansky-Roberts, Justin Lothrop, Brent Stiefel, Sweeney, and Teddy Schwarzman. Producer Kohansky-Roberts praised Martin's accomplishments, "To make the cover of Sports Illustrated was hard enough, to do it as a female boxer was outstanding." Schwarzman expressed his excitement about reteaming with Sweeney (after Immaculate) and working with Michôd on this project. The filmmakers confirmed that Martin has been actively involved in the project.
