Sydney Sweeney to Portray Boxer Christy Martin in Upcoming Sports Biopic Directed by David Michôd
- 2024-05-13 13:45
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Sydney Sweeney is set to star in her next film following the remarkable success of Anyone But You and Immaculate, venturing into the realm of a sports biopic this time.
Deadline reports that Sweeney, who gained widespread recognition through her role in HBO's Euphoria, will portray the real-life figure Christy Martin under the direction of David Michôd of The King fame. The venture, in collaboration with Black Bear production house, aims to present the project at the Cannes Film Festival this month, eyeing a production start in autumn.
This drama aims to narrate Martin's journey from an amateur to being dubbed the "female Rocky," highlighting her achievements, according to its producers. The film will delve into her groundbreaking deal with the legendary promoter Don King and her historic Sports Illustrated cover feature—marking her as the only woman boxer to do so. Additionally, it will cover the complex dynamics of her relationship with her spouse, Jim Martin, who managed her during their meeting in 1989. In a distressing turn of events, Jim Martin was convicted in 2012 for severely assaulting Martin in November 2010.
"I've engaged in grappling and kickboxing since I was 12 until 19 years old. The idea of re-entering the ring, undergoing training, and physically transforming excites me," declared Sweeney. She added, "Christy's narrative is heavy, demanding both physically and emotionally. Nonetheless, I'm drawn to such challenges."
Michôd expressed his directorial perspective, stating, "My filmography often explores the lives of troubled men, and I've been eager to create a film centered on a woman possessing an indomitable spirit. Christy Martin's story resonated with me instantly upon discovery two years ago. Her fierce spirit, understandable and justified by her trials, is something I believe audiences will be compelled by."