Sydney Sweeney, the rising Hollywood star known for her roles in Euphoria and Anyone But You, is about to step into the ring—literally and figuratively—as she takes on one of her most transformative roles yet. In the upcoming biopic Christy, Sweeney portrays Christy Martin, the groundbreaking female boxing champion whose journey from a closeted teen in rural West Virginia to the pinnacle of professional boxing in the 1990s and early 2000s broke barriers for women and LGBTQ+ athletes alike. The film, set for release on November 7, 2025, has already generated buzz for its bold storytelling, Sweeney’s physical transformation, and a swirl of controversy over casting choices.
For Sweeney, bringing Martin’s story to life was nothing short of a dream come true. According to PinkNews, Sweeney dove headfirst into the role, undergoing months of intense boxing training and gaining 30 pounds to authentically embody the stature and power of a professional fighter. She even chopped off her signature long blonde hair, opting for a cropped, dark look that left her nearly unrecognizable to fans. “Having a character that has so many layers and depths, that’s a dream as an actor,” Sweeney said in an interview. “Then, on the physical side, I grew up kickboxing and grappling. I’m a very outdoorsy, athletic person, so to play a character that [required me] to transform myself was a dream. I loved every part of it.”
The film’s narrative traces Martin’s life from her days as a closeted gay girl—navigating the challenges of coming out in a small West Virginia town—to her historic win of the WBC female super welterweight title in 2009. Sweeney has been vocal about the impact Martin’s story had on her during filming, telling PinkNews, “She has faced many challenges inside and outside the ring. I was blown away and inspired by her strength, her perseverance, and who she is as a woman.”
But as the film’s release approaches, the casting of Sweeney—a straight actress—as the iconic lesbian boxer has sparked heated debate online. Many LGBTQ+ fans took to social media to voice their frustration, arguing that the role should have gone to a lesbian actress who could bring lived experience to the part. As PinkNews reported, one Instagram user commented, “Would’ve loved if they cast a lesbian woman who has lived this experience instead of casting a woman who is casted most of the time to pander to an audience of young men. Nothing about this casting choice makes any logical sense at all.” Another wrote simply, “How about lesbians play as lesbians.”
The debate didn’t end there. Some critics questioned Sweeney’s perceived political leanings and allyship. “Nah not an Ally. No one wants a straight conservative to play a queer character,” read another pointed comment. The online uproar reflects broader conversations in Hollywood about representation, authenticity, and the responsibilities of casting directors when telling LGBTQ+ stories.
Despite the backlash, support from Christy Martin herself has been unwavering. The retired boxer has been actively promoting the film on social media, encouraging fans to see Sweeney’s portrayal. According to Breitbart, Martin has repeatedly expressed her excitement for the project and her approval of Sweeney’s dedication to the role. This endorsement from the subject of the biopic has helped to temper some criticism, though the debate over casting choices continues to simmer.
Sweeney, for her part, has emphasized the importance of telling stories that resonate and inspire. She hopes Christy will “open doors for others,” particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. “I was inspired by Christy’s strength and perseverance,” she said. “The movie is about resilience and being true to yourself, no matter the odds.” Sweeney believes that sharing Martin’s journey will spark important conversations about representation and acceptance, both within sports and the broader cultural landscape.
The buzz around Christy hasn’t been limited to the film’s content or casting. Sweeney’s approach to the film’s press tour has also drawn attention, especially among fashion enthusiasts. At the 69th BFI London Film Festival on October 17, 2025, Sweeney made a striking appearance on the red carpet. Styled by Molly Dickson, she wore a sheer pale pink Alexander McQueen gown—a nod to Martin’s signature color in the boxing ring. The dress, with its satin bustier-inspired details, ruched chest and hips, and billowing floor-length skirt, was complemented by strawberry gold earrings and a rosy stone ring, further tying her look to Martin’s legacy.
This wasn’t the first time Sweeney channeled Martin’s style for a premiere. At the Toronto International Film Festival in September, she wore another pink-themed gown, this time by Erdem, featuring a strapless bustier and a voluminous skirt with a red bow accent. These subtle sartorial choices, as reported by Teen Vogue, reflect Sweeney’s “method dressing” approach, connecting her red carpet presence to the spirit of the character she portrays on screen.
For Sweeney, the role of Christy Martin represents more than a physical transformation—it’s an opportunity to shine a light on the struggles and triumphs of a trailblazing athlete who broke through barriers in a male-dominated sport. The film’s November release is highly anticipated, not just for its cinematic storytelling but for the conversations it’s sure to ignite about representation, inclusivity, and the power of resilience.
As the debate over casting choices continues, the film’s creative team and its real-life subject remain focused on the bigger picture: sharing a story that hasn’t been told before on such a grand stage. Sweeney’s commitment to authenticity, both in and out of the ring, is clear. Whether or not the casting controversy fades, Christy stands poised to make an impact—one that extends beyond the boxing world and into the broader cultural conversation about who gets to tell whose stories.
With the backing of Christy Martin herself and a lead actress who’s poured heart, soul, and sweat into the role, Christy is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about films of the year. Audiences and critics alike will soon have the chance to judge for themselves whether the film lives up to its promise of inspiration and inclusivity—or whether the debate over representation will continue to dominate the headlines.
