Sydney Sweeney is widely recognized for her roles, but you might not recognize her in her latest transformation.
Leaked photos from the set of The Coal Miner’s Daughter reveal Sweeney portraying iconic boxer Christy Martin, marking a striking departure from her usual roles.
Typically seen in glamorous outfits on the red carpet, Sweeney is tackling a gritty and intense role this time. She has swapped her typical red-carpet elegance for a darker, rawer look as she takes on the challenge of portraying Martin, who now goes by her maiden name, Salters.
Portraying the trailblazing boxer won’t be easy. Martin, often referred to as the “female Rocky,” was a world champion, the first female boxer on the cover of Sports Illustrated, and a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame. In 1996, she made headlines for stealing the spotlight from Mike Tyson during an undercard fight against Deirdre Gogarty—praised by Sports Illustrated as offering “more action and better boxing” than Tyson’s main event against Frank Bruno.
But the film will go beyond Martin’s achievements in the ring. Salters endured years of domestic abuse from her former husband, James Martin, culminating in a horrific attack in 2010 where she was stabbed and shot. Miraculously, she survived, and Martin was convicted of attempted second-degree murder.
Sweeney acknowledges the immense physical and emotional demands of the role but embraces the challenge. “I’ve been eager to get back in the ring,” she said, referring to her previous training in grappling and kickboxing from ages 12 to 19.
The movie, directed by David Michôd, aims to explore more than just boxing. “It’s about survival, identity, and resilience,” Sweeney explains. The film also highlights the importance of raising awareness about domestic violence, making it a story that resonates far beyond sports.
Fans may not recognize Sweeney’s appearance, but her performance is sure to deliver something unlike anything they’ve seen from her before.
