Sydney Sweeney is unveiling the remarkable transformation she underwent to embody the pioneering boxer Christy Martin. The 27-year-old actress, who announced her lead role in the biographical film in October 2024, has been sharing snapshots of her striking metamorphosis into Martin across social media platforms. Now, in an exclusive interview with W Magazine, published on June 9, Sweeney is offering a glimpse into the intensive process that fueled her bold new image.
Sweeney revealed that she intentionally gained over 30 pounds to mirror Martin's muscular physique. "I thoroughly enjoyed the journey," she shared with the outlet. "When I signed on to play Christy, I embarked on a rigorous three-and-a-half-month training regimen. I indulged in a calorie-rich diet and dedicated my mornings to an hour of weight training, followed by two hours of kickboxing in the afternoon and another hour of weight training at night."
The changes began to manifest almost immediately. Sweeney found herself struggling to fit into her usual attire, as her jeans size escalated from a 23 to a 27. Moreover, she witnessed a striking augmentation in the size of her bust and buttocks. "My body underwent a complete transformation," she reminisced, adding, "But it was incredible: I felt unbelievably strong, like never before."
Director and co-writer David Michôd hailed Sweeney's unwavering dedication to her role, stating that she "trained tirelessly to bring the character to life." Michôd also noted her boundless enthusiasm for embodying Martin each day.
Just seven weeks after wrapping up filming for the biographical movie, Sweeney dove into another challenging project – the highly anticipated third season of Euphoria, where she reprises her role as Cassie. When Michôd FaceTimed her on the Euphoria set, he was astounded by her drastic transformation back from Martin's muscular build. "Her appearance had shifted so dramatically," he revealed to W Magazine. "I had only seen her as a resilient, tough moppet with retro '80s hair, ready to box. It was astonishing to witness her glamour on the Euphoria set, a stark contrast to her boxing avatar."
Sweeney's commitment to physically demanding roles wasn't unprecedented. Encouraged by her mother to "embrace a diverse array of passions" from a young age, she immersed herself in various sports and outdoor activities, including skiing, wakeboarding, soccer, and softball. She even dabbled in grappling (similar to wrestling, as she clarified to W) and kickboxing.
Despite her thriving acting career, Sweeney ensured that her love for adventurous activities remained uncompromised. "I often had bruises covering my body," she confessed. "But I loved it! My mom always emphasized that acting shouldn't be the sole focus of my life."
