Sydney Sweeney has been hitting the gym to portray the queer trailblazing boxer Christy Martin in an upcoming biopic, and now we’ve got the photos to prove it. The actress recently shared on-set photos showing off the stunning physical transformation she’s undergone for the role.

The as-yet-untitled biopic, directed by David Michôd (The King), will cover Christy Martin’s journey to becoming one of the most famous boxers of the 90s. In 1996, Martin became the first female boxer to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated and in 2020 she was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Related
Conservatives are dead wrong about the sapphic reaction to Sydney Sweeney’s thirst trap

The film will also star Katy O’Brian as Martin’s rival and eventual wife Lisa Holewyne, and Ben Foster as James Martin, her manager and eventual husband (who later attempted to murder her).

On Wednesday, Sweeney posted two behind-the-scenes photos, where she sports a red muscle tank, brown curly hair, and some serious guns.

“Well the cats out of the bag thanks to some paps in bushes so here’s a little bts from my film I’m working on right now,” she wrote on Instagram. “Over the past few months, I’ve been immersed in training to bring to life the story of an incredible woman — a true champion who fought battles both inside and outside the ring.

“Her journey is a testament to resilience, strength, and hope, and I’m honored to step into her shoes to share her powerful story with you all. More to come soon.”

In 2010, Martin survived a murder attempt by her husband, who was eventually charged with attempted murder in the second degree and sentenced to 25 years in prison. In the aftermath, Martin described the pattern of abuse in the relationship, which included blackmail over her sexual orientation.

“The whole sexuality part is really difficult because I was so intertwined,” she said in a CBS interview, per The Hollywood Reporter. “First of all, I trusted Jim Martin, and he was 25 years older than me. He was my coach. I felt like this was someone that I could open up and bear my soul to, and tell him all about my sexuality struggles, my struggles with my family, just life struggles, and all of that was used against me.”

Sign up for the INTO newsletter and get your twice-weekly dose of stories that shape the queer experience, culture, and lifestyle.

Help make sure LGBTQ+ stories are being told...

We can't rely on mainstream media to tell our stories. That's why we don't lock our articles behind a paywall. Will you support our mission with a contribution today?

Once Monthly Annually

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated