Sydney Sweeney’s ‘Christy’ Flops Despite Powerful True Story
Sydney Sweeney’s latest film, Christy , hit theaters recently and, unfortunately, it stumbled out of the gate. Opening in over 2,000 theaters, the boxing biopic about trailblazing American boxer Christy Martin brought in just $1.3 million during its opening weekend—a number that immediately landed it among the lowest wide releases ever. Despite the film’s underwhelming box office, its message and impact remain significant.
Christy tells the remarkable story of Christy Martin, one of the first women to rise to prominence in professional boxing. Beyond her achievements in the ring, the film explores Martin’s harrowing personal journey, including surviving a violent attack by her former trainer and spouse. Today, Martin is happily married to former competitor Lisa Holewyne. Sydney Sweeney, who stars as Martin, emphasized that the project was never just about ticket sales. On Instagram, she wrote that if the film inspired even one woman to take steps toward safety and courage, it had already succeeded.
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The movie’s performance has sparked wider discussions about boxing biopics, especially those centered on women. Historically, such films—whether about male or female fighters—have struggled to connect with mainstream audiences. Ryan Destiny’s The Fire Inside , portraying Claressa “T-Rex” Shields, opened to modest numbers despite critical praise. Other films, like Meg Ryan’s Against the Ropes
The flop hasn’t gone without controversy. Actress Ruby Rose, who was originally attached to the project, publicly criticized Sweeney, calling her a “cretin” and blaming her for the movie’s box office failure. Rose argued that the story deserved better representation, pointing out that many original cast members shared experiences with the characters that were lost in production. Sweeney, meanwhile, focused on the positive impact of the story, sharing behind-the-scenes photos and stressing that Christy stands for survival, courage, and hope, particularly in raising awareness about domestic violence.
Christy Martin herself praised Sweeney’s portrayal, saying the actress captured her toughness and resilience rather than Hollywood glamour. Martin highlighted that Sweeney embodied a side of her personality few people had seen—the fierce, determined fighter who refused to back down. This authenticity, Martin suggested, made the story powerful and true to her life.
While the box office numbers are disappointing, Christy remains a testament to the resilience of its real-life subject and the importance of telling stories that matter. It shows that sometimes, a film’s worth isn’t measured in dollars, but in the lives it touches and the awareness it raises about critical social issues. Christy may not have packed theaters, but its message of courage and survival continues to resonate.
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