“It Was Painful”- Sydney Sweeney Reflects Filming 'Christy' Movie and How It “Changed” Her

Published 11/08/2025, 11:31 AM EST

Sydney Sweeney reflected on her transformative experience filming Christy, describing it as a journey that touched her deeply in her recent Instagram post. She shared how joining a passionate crew and training alongside a dedicated group of women forged strong bonds, turning colleagues into family. Immersed in Christy Martin’s inspiring story, she felt empowered to embrace strength and resilience, pushing herself further than she imagined. She added, “This film was painful, joyful, resilient, beautiful, it was everything. thank you David for believing in me. i will never forget the way it changed me.”

Christy is a 2025 sports drama that tells the thrilling, true story of boxer Christy Martin, played by Sydney Sweeney. Directed by David Michôd, the film follows Martin’s rise to fame in the 1990s and the shocking attempt on her life by her husband in 2010. The film premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival on September 5 and hit theaters on November 7. It is a gripping tale of courage, resilience, and unstoppable spirit.

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The film features a talented cast bringing Christy Martin’s world to life. Sweeney stars as Christy, with Ben Foster portraying her coach-turned-abusive husband, James V. Martin. Merritt Wever plays her mother, Joyce Salters, while Ethan Embry is her father, John Salters. Katy O’Brian embodies her fiercest rival, Lisa Holewyne. Jess Gabor appears as Rosie, Chad L. Coleman as Don King. Together, this ensemble brings Christy Martin’s inspiring story vividly to life.

All Sydney Sweeney Movies Available on Netflix You Can Stream Right Now

Step inside Christy, Sydney Sweeney’s gripping journey into the real-life battles of boxing legend Christy Martin, her rise, her fights, and the shocking personal struggles that defined her unstoppable spirit.

Sydney Sweeney in Christy: The real-life battles that shaped a boxing legend

Christy Martin rose from a small West Virginia town to become one of the most celebrated female boxers of the 1990s, earning 49 wins and national recognition. Behind the glory, she endured decades of abuse from her husband and coach, Jim Martin, culminating in a 2010 attack where he stabbed and shot her. Miraculously surviving, Martin continued to fight for her life and her sport. Today, she is celebrated as a boxing pioneer and advocates against domestic violence.

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After retiring from boxing in 2012, Christy Martin turned her focus to promoting the sport, founding Christy Martin Promotions in 2016 and guiding a new generation of fighters across the country. She married former rival Lisa Holewyne in 2017, finding love and stability after years of hardship. Her film starring Sydney Sweeney delivered a knockout performance, capturing not only Christy’s legendary career but also the resilience and courage that reshaped her life and inspired Sydney Sweeney.

Jeans Outrage or Falling Fortune? Sydney Sweeney Hit Bad as Continued Failure Eclipses Her Fame

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What do you think about Sydney Sweeney’s latest revelation about the movie? Let us know in comments below.

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Yusra Miraj Khan

1185 articles

Yusra Miraj Khan is an Entertainment Journalist at Netflix Junkie. Specializing in Taylor Swift and the British Royal Family, she transforms modern mythologies into high-ranking, reader-first narratives. Since joining in early 2025, Khan has penned over 500 articles, known for their sharp decoding of Easter eggs and PR silences.

Edited By: Itti Mahajan

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