How Much Weight Did Sydney Sweeney Gain for Christy: True Biopic Made Actress Get Punched for Real

Sydney Sweeney went through a major physical and emotional transformation for her latest role as boxing legend Christy Martin in the biopic Christy. In fact, speaking at Deadline’s TIFF studio, Sweeney mentioned how she worked with a nutritionist and gained 30 pounds, just to fit the role authentically. 

I absolutely loved it. I truly felt Christy’s power as I transformed. And I really enjoyed being able to train and work with incredible boxing coaches and weight trainers and nutritionists that helped me get to the place that I was for Christy. 

Her upcoming film, which highlights the story of the International Boxing Hall of Famer, recently premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). So far, Sweeney’s dedication to Christy shows her commitment to authenticity and her being more than ready for knockout performances.

The table contains details on Christy:

How Did Sydney Sweeney Prepare for the Role of Christy

While Sydney Sweeney went through a major transformation for the role of Christy Martin, her journey wasn’t without a fair share of nervousness. After all, “portraying” such an “inspiring, incredible” woman onscreen isn’t an easy feat. Naturally, Sweeney wanted to “do justice” to Martin. 

So, how did she prepare for the role? As per Deadline, Sydney Sweeney didn’t just play a boxer on screen; she even trained like one in real life. To step into Christy Martin’s shoes, the Euphoria star committed to a strict routine that included boxing for several hours a day, weight training, and working with nutritionists.

I have to admit, at first I was very nervous, because, I mean, she’s right there, and I’m portraying her. She is such an inspiring, incredible woman, and I wanted to do justice by her. So first I was really nervous. 

But then, what made the experience even more intense was the presence of Christy Martin herself on set. Sweeney claimed that the duo bonded and the actress found herself constantly wanting Martin around. According to her, Martin’s energy and spirit lifted the entire crew, making the filming process more authentic and inspiring. 

But then, after you spend time with Christy, and you get to know her and you’re close with her, you want her around all the time. I kept texting her, ‘When are you going to come visit? When are you going to come back?’ I loved having her presence there. The crew loved having her presence there. We all really enjoyed her energy and her spirit. 

For Sweeney, the role wasn’t just about boxing; it was about becoming a vessel for someone else’s story. She shared that every fight scene was shot with real punches, leaving her and her co-stars with bruises and even concussions. But for her, the pain was worth it, because fake punches would never capture the raw truth of Christy Martin’s life in the ring.

Sydney Sweeney Christy Biopic: Release Date, Cast, Everything We Know 

Following the premiere of Christy at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), the first trailer for the biopic dropped online. And it gives fans a glimpse of a story that’s about more than boxing. Yes, it shows Sydney Sweeney throwing powerful punches, but the film also reveals Christy Martin’s battles outside the ring. 

From family struggles to a violent marriage with her trainer-turned-husband Jim Martin, played by Ben Foster, the drama highlights the personal pain behind her public success. At its core, the movie tells the story of the most successful female boxer of the 1990s. After all, Christy Martin wasn’t just a champion in the ring; she broke barriers as the first female boxer to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated. 

But while she was making history, she was also fighting private demons that nearly ended her career and her life. The film promises to capture both sides of her journey: the triumph and the tragedy. Meanwhile, alongside Sweeney and Foster, the film boasts a strong supporting cast including Merritt Wever, Katy O’Brian, Ethan Embry, Jess Gabor, Chad Coleman, Bryan Hibbard, Tony Cavalero, and Gilbert Cruz. 

Directed by David Michôd and co-written with Mirrah Foulkes, Christy is based on an original concept by Katherine Fugate. Produced and distributed by Black Bear, the film is set to land in theaters on November 7.

Share your opinions and expectations from Christy. 

Christy will hit the theater on November 7, 2025.