“Not Sure About the Casting but That Woman’s Story Is Crazy”: Boxing World Has Mixed Feelings as Sydney Sweeney Takes On Christy Martin’s Biopic

It’s been over ten years since Christy Martin retired. However, the former WBC super welterweight champion remains an icon to many across the globe. Over a career spanning just over two decades, she achieved an enviable record. In her prime, she fought many big names, such as Laila Ali, Mia St. John, and Valerie Mahfood. The 2020 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee’s reputation as a fighter within the ring reached far and wide. But it was her real-life battles that ultimately caught everyone’s attention and took her story everywhere.

Now, it appears there’s an attempt to bring Christy Martin’s real-life story to the big screen. Though untitled, the project, reportedly directed by Australian David Michôd, who has earlier brought to life movies like ‘Animal Kingdom’ (2010) and ‘The King’ (2019), will have actress Sydney Sweeney playing the central role, portraying Christy Martin. The news seems to have gone viral ever since. Many took to the comments box and shared their viewpoints. It’s a different fact; not all seemed encouraged by the prime casting.

Christy Martin: Real to Reel Life

“Sydney Sweeney has been officially announced to be starring as boxing legend Christy Martin [The Female Rocky] in biopic about the mighty fighter,” read the Reddit post. The Spokane, Washington-born actress, who began her acting career playing guest roles in television shows such as ‘90210’ and ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, eventually found fame as ‘Cassie Howard in HBO’s ‘Euphoria’.

Sydney Sweeney has been officially announced to be starring as boxing legend Christy Martin [The Female Rocky] in biopic about the mighty fighter.
byu/VioletHappySmile444 inBoxing

By any stretch of the imagination, it’s not an easy role. Fighting at the top order against some of the toughest opponents, many credit Christy Martin for bringing women’s boxing to the mainstream. Christy Martin’s story is a fascinating one, a tale of triumph and struggle. She battled tough opponents, achieved a stellar record, and even graced the cover of Sports Illustrated – a first for a female boxer. However, behind the scenes, her life was far from glamorous. Christy allegedly endured a controlling and abusive marriage, which culminated in a horrific incident in 2010. Forced to fight for her life against her own husband, the juxtaposition between her fierce strength in the ring and the vulnerability she faced outside makes Christy Martin’s story captivating and, yes, even a little unbelievable.

So would Sydney Sweeney be able to play out such a powerful role?

Choices Galore: Netizens Roar

A few who responded felt that roping in Sydney Sweeney might prove commercially viable. Many of her fans would be interested in watching the movie. Otherwise, many felt that Christy Martin’s story itself was so intriguing.

For instance, this user seemed to believe that by casting Sydney Sweeney, the makers may be hoping to draw the interest of casual viewers as well. “That’s one way of attracting the casual viewers,” wrote one redditor hopefully.

Comment
byu/VioletHappySmile444 from discussion
inBoxing

The next one, though sounding skeptical about Sweeney’s casting, found the champion boxer’s life story quite freakish. The comment read, “Not sure about the casting but that woman’s story is crazy!!” The comment referred to the juxtaposition of her battles inside the ring and outside it.

Comment
byu/VioletHappySmile444 from discussion
inBoxing

Sharing similar sentiments, this user seemed to find Sydney Sweeney as the choice for playing Christy Martin’s role quite out of line. But even they couldn’t prevent themselves from commenting on how the boxer’s story comes across as so terrifying. However, they believe the movie should be quite engaging. “Seems like an odd choice, but Christy Martin’s story is pretty crazy, so I’m sure it’ll be interesting at least,” wrote the user.

Comment
byu/VioletHappySmile444 from discussion
inBoxing

This follower felt that Sydney Sweeney joining the project sounded something similar to the way American-French actor Timothy Chalamet was picked for the movie ‘Wonka’. But the fact remains that ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’s star acts very well. So with her at the helm, the filmmakers would be able to promote the movie aggressively. “Definitely feels like a board room pick (sort of like Timothy Chamlamet (idk how to spell his name) in Wonka) rather than necessarily the best pick, but she’s a good actress and having her behind it makes me think they will push the film heavy,” read the comment.

Comment
byu/VioletHappySmile444 from discussion
inBoxing

Michelle Rodriguez or Charlize Theron would be the preferred choice for this user. Their past performances in action roles prove the point. So either of these actresses could have played Christy Martin’s character most commendably, the user posited. “She would’ve been my last pic I think Michelle Rodriguez or Charlize Theron where they already showed off there fighting scenes and can become a good actor to represent this amazing story,” opined the user.

Comment
byu/VioletHappySmile444 from discussion
inBoxing

Most of the fans and followers might agree that a movie on champion Christy Martin’s life is worth making. But the casting choice seems to have made some of them a bit doubtful about whether Sydney Sweeney would be able to justify the intensity warranted by such a role.

However, the actress herself has seemingly taken up the challenge. She said, “I grappled and did kickboxing from 12 to 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, and there’s a lot of weight to carry. But I love challenging myself.” Given the kind of respect and admiration Christy Martin commands from fans, it’s an uphill task for the 26-year-old actress. Many will be eagerly anticipating the movie’s release to see if she has done justice to the story of one of boxing’s greatest.

What’s your take on the reactions? Do you feel some other actress instead of Sydney Sweeney should have been cast in the movie?