Sydney Sweeney is embracing a bold and dramatic transformation for her latest role. The Euphoria actress unveiled a shocking new look on October 11, stepping into character as legendary boxer Christy Martin for an upcoming biopic. Known for her signature blonde locks, Sweeney was almost unrecognizable as she sported a neck-length brunette hairstyle, pulled back by a navy bandana, while filming on set in North Carolina.
In photos from the set, the 27-year-old traded her glamorous red carpet looks for the casual, rugged attire of a professional fighter. One outfit featured a navy zip-up sweatshirt layered over a yellow-brown T-shirt, paired with dark sweatpants and white sneakers. In another scene, she wore oversized gray sweat shorts and a light blue T-shirt, further embracing the rough-and-tumble world of boxing.
This yet-untitled project, directed by David Michôd, sees Sweeney starring alongside Ben Foster, Merritt Wever, and Katy O’Brian, as she takes on the role of Christy Martin, a trailblazing Hall of Fame boxer. Christy Martin was not only a boxing pioneer but also made headlines for her tumultuous marriage to her former boxing coach, James Martin.
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For Sweeney, portraying a real-life athlete marks an exciting new challenge. Known for her roles in Euphoria and The White Lotus, Sweeney is eager to push her boundaries both as an actress and a producer.
In a recent interview with The Los Angeles Times, she shared her passion for being involved in all aspects of a project. “I am a very hands-on collaborator,” Sweeney explained. “I like being able to give ideas, be a part of it, help come up with solutions. It just changes the whole process. It’s so hard for me now to be on a set and not be able to help in any type of way and be able to take action. And being able to actually have a voice and a valued opinion—it means so much.”
Sweeney’s commitment to authenticity in her roles is something she takes seriously, ensuring that her performances serve the character she’s playing.
In the same interview, she emphasized the importance of this, even when it comes to decisions about more vulnerable scenes. “It’s always whether it serves the character or not,” she said. “I’m living someone else’s life. So if it serves the development or the emotional state of a character, then it makes sense. It just depends on the character.”
To keep herself grounded and separate her roles from her personal life, Sweeney explained how she approaches character work. “I started working with [my friend’s dad] Andy, and we would just talk character work. The number one thing he always told me was to make sure that I separated myself as much as possible from my characters. Don’t put any of my own memories, emotions, feelings, people, relationships, anything in the thoughts of my characters, so that I can jump in and out.”
This dedication to her craft, along with her relentless work ethic, has become a defining feature of Sweeney’s career. Whether she’s tackling dramatic television roles or stepping into the shoes of a boxing legend, she’s always striving for growth. “I look up to the older version of myself,” she shared in an interview with Women’s Health in 2023. “When I was 10, I looked up to the 25-year-old version of myself, and now I look up to my 50-year-old version. I hope I make the decisions she would be proud of.”
As Sweeney takes on the role of Christy Martin, she’s clearly embracing the physical and emotional transformation required to bring the legendary boxer’s story to life. With her intense commitment to authenticity and her collaborative spirit, fans are eagerly anticipating this new chapter in her career.
The upcoming biopic promises to be another powerful addition to her already impressive portfolio, showcasing her ability to take on diverse and challenging roles with confidence and depth.
Keep an eye out for more updates from the set as Sydney Sweeney continues to deliver her remarkable performance as the unstoppable Christy Martin.
