Sydney Sweeney has opened up about her dramatic physical transformation, revealing that she gained 35 pounds in preparation for her role in the upcoming biopic about boxer Christy Martin. During an interview on Sirius XM on October 29, she described the commitment required for the role, stating, “It was a huge undertaking.”
Sweeney emphasized the emotional and physical challenges she faced while embodying Martin, who is now 57 years old. “The emotional toll of the span of [Christy’s] lifetime, there’s a lot of growth, and a lot of pain and a lot of understanding,” she explained. With a training period of approximately two and a half months, she noted, “It was a lot of prep. I was eating everything.”
In a light-hearted moment, the actress shared her nickname on set: “My smuckers! That was my nickname on set because I ate so many [Uncrustables].” Sweeney also highlighted her consumption of protein shakes, which she described as less than enjoyable, saying, “I would just plug my nose and down them. Ugh, it was a lot.” She confirmed that her diet included substantial amounts of egg whites and chicken as part of her weight gain regimen.
Embracing Christy Martin’s Legacy
Sweeney expressed deep respect for Martin’s legacy, stating, “Christy’s story is beyond important to tell. She is inspiring and an ultimate underdog. She completely changed the way that women in sports and boxing have gone on in time past her.” Her dedication to portraying Martin accurately was evident as she acknowledged the significance of each detail in her transformation. “Having Christy by my side during it was the biggest gift I could have asked for,” Sweeney added, reflecting on their relationship.
During the interview, Sweeney also discussed her physical change, noting that her body was “completely different” from her usual appearance. “I didn’t fit in any of my clothes,” she admitted. Typically a size 23 in jeans, she required size 27 during the shoot. “My boobs got bigger. And my butt got huge. It was crazy! I was like, ‘Oh, my God,’” she recalled.
Sweeney previously spoke about her training regimen with Vanity Fair, where she mentioned feeling “very strong and powerful.” Having a background in jiu jitsu, grappling, and kickboxing as a teenager, she noted the challenges of learning proper boxing techniques. “You square up differently, and, of course, you don’t get brought to the ground — everything’s on your feet,” she explained.
Upcoming Premiere and Personal Reflections
Excitement builds as *Christy* is set to premiere in theaters on November 7, 2023. Sweeney expressed pride in her accomplishments during this transformative process, describing it as an “amazing” experience. “I was so strong, like, crazy strong,” she concluded, highlighting the personal growth she experienced through the role.
As audiences anticipate the film’s release, Sweeney’s dedication exemplifies the lengths actors go to portray real-life figures authentically. The journey to become Christy Martin has not only changed her physically but has also provided her with profound insights into the life of a trailblazing athlete.
