In March 2024, renowned director David Michôd was on the lookout for the ideal actress to portray the trailblazing boxer Christy Martin. The role was not merely a walk in the park; it entailed not just fighting in the ring but also depicting the harrowing experiences of physical abuse at the hands of Martin's husband and trainer, James Martin. This demanding role presented a limited pool of candidates, and surprisingly, actress Sydney Sweeney was not initially considered for the part.
Michôd remarked, “I think people have preconceived ideas about Sydney because she is such a contemporary 21st-century creature of the internet.” To see Sweeney in a different light, he had to witness her performance in a role that stripped away her glamorous persona. A friend recommended he watch Tina Satter’s acclaimed film “Reality,” showcased at the 2023 Berlin Film Festival, which follows the story of convicted intelligence leaker Reality Winner. Coincidentally, he also learned that Sweeney had a background in MMA fighting, having trained and competed from the age of 12 until her breakout role in “Euphoria” at 19.
“I already thought there was something interesting about Sydney, but ‘Reality’ made me know in my bones that she had some real acting chops,” Michôd expressed. The film, based on FBI transcripts, showcased Sweeney’s ability to tackle complex material with astonishing finesse. As he delved into her past experience with grappling and kickboxing, Michôd felt increasingly confident that he had found the perfect fit for the role of Christy Martin.
After sending Sweeney the script he co-wrote with Mirrah Foulkes, she read it while on a flight to Barcelona for an Armani campaign. Their collaboration quickly evolved, leading to a Zoom meeting within 24 hours. Fast forward eighteen months, and Sweeney found herself in a private dining room at Toronto's Ritz-Carlton, just moments away from the premiere of “Christy” at the Toronto Film Festival.
Despite the early hour, Sweeney appeared vibrant and ready for the day, adorned in beige linen shorts and an oversized tan sweater. As she prepared for her moment on stage, she reflected on the parallels between Christy Martin's battles in the ring and her own struggles for autonomy within the industry. “For Christy, the ring was her escape... It’s where I feel freedom,” Sweeney noted, likening her experiences to those of the character she embodied.
In the past two years, Sweeney has ascended to stardom, becoming a household name not just for her acting prowess but also for a controversial American Eagle jeans ad that generated significant media buzz. While some criticized the ad for its messaging, President Trump praised it, further amplifying its visibility. Amidst this whirlwind, Sweeney has two movies set to release shortly after “Christy”: the psychological thriller “The Housemaid,” which is anticipated to perform well during the holiday season.
Despite her rising fame and critical acclaim, Sweeney remains grounded, often deflecting attention from herself to focus on her work. She has garnered two Emmy nominations for her performances in HBO’s “Euphoria” and “The White Lotus,” alongside a successful box office hit with “Anyone but You,” which grossed $220 million against a $25 million budget.
Sweeney’s inclination towards portraying flawed characters resonates deeply with her. “I tend to gravitate towards characters that are stereotypically unlikable,” she shared, aiming to challenge audiences’ perceptions and evoke empathy. Her chemistry with co-star Glen Powell in “Anyone but You” sparked considerable interest, as tabloids speculated about their off-screen relationship. Sweeney clarified, “There was no leaning in, per se... People just saw a really beautiful pairing.”
As she navigates her career, Sweeney is keenly aware of the public's perception of her. “I play a lot of very divisive characters... I hope to inspire other women to be confident and just flaunt what they got,” she remarked, adding that the scrutiny surrounding her often overlooks her genuine personality.
In light of the domestic abuse themes explored in “Christy,” Sweeney has chosen to support the National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence. This Texas-based nonprofit, founded in 1998, aims to provide training and consultation to end domestic violence. Sweeney emphasized the importance of portraying Christy Martin’s story, stating, “It’s a very personal issue that’s important to me, and I hope that through Christy and her story, it can raise more awareness.”
As Sweeney prepares to close the chapter on her role as Cassie Howard in “Euphoria,” she remains committed to her craft, the causes she supports, and the powerful narratives she chooses to represent. With upcoming projects and a growing legacy, Sydney Sweeney is undeniably a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood.
