Sydney Sweeney stunned fans and critics by gaining 30 pounds of muscle and radically transforming her appearance to portray boxing legend Christy Martin in the upcoming biopic Christy, a gritty role born from months of intense training and emotional preparation that has already sparked Oscar buzz and left audiences in awe.

Sydney Sweeney looks unrecognizable in 'Christy' trailer as boxer Christy  Martin

Sydney Sweeney is once again proving why she has become one of Hollywood’s fastest-rising stars.

The 27-year-old actress, best known for her breakout performances in Euphoria and Anyone But You, has stunned fans and critics alike with her dramatic physical transformation for the upcoming biopic Christy.

In the first trailer released this week, Sweeney is nearly unrecognizable as she steps into the role of boxing icon Christy Martin, a woman whose story shook the world of sports in the 1990s.

The film, slated for a late 2025 theatrical release, tells the gritty and emotional true story of Martin, who rose from small-town obscurity to become one of the most celebrated female fighters in history.

Dubbed “The Coal Miner’s Daughter” during her prime, Martin defied gender norms, survived abuse, and fought her way into the national spotlight, eventually becoming the first woman boxer to secure a major contract under Don King.

For Sweeney, the challenge was immense.

According to insiders, the actress dedicated nearly a year to training for the role, pushing her body through an intense boxing regimen under the guidance of former professional trainers.

Reports confirm she gained 30 pounds of pure muscle, reshaping her frame into that of a true fighter.

 

Sydney Sweeney is unrecognisable after transformation for boxing role |  Radio Times

 

The transformation was not just physical—Sweeney also immersed herself in the emotional depth of Martin’s story, which includes triumphs in the ring, struggles with addiction, and surviving a brutal attempt on her life by her then-husband and trainer, Jim Martin.

In the trailer, fans catch glimpses of Sweeney sparring in the ring, her face bloodied but determined, and her hair styled in a variety of bold looks to mirror Martin’s real-life style throughout the decades.

From a shaggy, curly mullet to tightly braided blond cornrows, Sweeney’s willingness to abandon her glamorous Hollywood image has already become one of the most talked-about elements of the film.

“I didn’t want to just look like Christy—I wanted to feel like her,” Sweeney shared in a recent behind-the-scenes interview.

“Every bruise, every scar, every win, every loss—I wanted it all to be authentic.”

Critics who viewed the trailer early are already buzzing about awards potential.

One entertainment columnist wrote, “If Sweeney’s performance is half as powerful as her physical transformation, she could very well find herself in the Oscar conversation next year.”

Others have praised the film for finally giving Martin’s remarkable yet turbulent story the big-screen treatment it deserves.

The film’s director, acclaimed filmmaker Rachel Morrison, also stressed the importance of portraying Martin’s life with honesty and grit.

“Christy Martin wasn’t just a boxer—she was a pioneer,” Morrison explained.

 

See Sydney Sweeney As Boxer Christy Martin in Pic From Upcoming Film

 

“She broke barriers in a sport dominated by men, and she carried the weight of her personal battles into the ring.

Sydney understood that from the very beginning, and what she’s delivered is nothing short of breathtaking.”

Fans on social media have echoed the excitement.

Twitter and Instagram were flooded with shocked reactions after the trailer dropped.

“I had to do a double-take—that’s Sydney Sweeney?! She looks incredible,” one user posted.

Another wrote, “The Academy better be paying attention already.

This is transformation and storytelling at its finest.”

Even Christy Martin herself has reportedly been moved by Sweeney’s dedication to the role.

In a recent podcast appearance, Martin admitted she was initially skeptical about Hollywood turning her life into a film, but Sweeney’s commitment quickly won her over.

 

Christy Martin Biopic Trailer: Sydney Sweeney Stars As Pioneering Boxer

 

“She’s got the fighter’s spirit,” Martin said.

“I can see myself in her.

She’s not just acting—she’s living it.”

While the trailer has only given fans a taste of what’s to come, anticipation is already soaring.

Between the raw sports sequences, the emotional personal drama, and Sweeney’s jaw-dropping transformation, Christy is shaping up to be one of the most compelling biopics of the year.

Whether it becomes an awards-season darling or not, one thing is certain: Sydney Sweeney has once again raised the bar for what audiences can expect from her.

From television stardom to romantic comedies and now to a gritty sports biopic, she continues to redefine her career and cement her status as one of the most versatile actresses of her generation.

And if the reaction to the trailer is any indication, viewers are already bracing themselves for a knockout performance that will linger long after the final bell.