Why Sydney Sweeney Says She “Loved” Grueling Workouts for Christy Role
Sydney Sweeney‘s transformation into her latest role was immaculate.
Indeed, the actress shared that the process of bulking up 30 pounds to play professional boxer Christy Martin in the Christy biopic was a euphoric experience more than anything.
“It was probably one of the most amazing, fun experiences,” Sydney exclusively told E! News’ Francesca Amiker ahead of the world premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 5. “I was a very happy person, and I became so strong. I felt so good. I mean, I just felt Christy’s power.”
And the process of bulking up wasn’t all that bad. Along with eating “everything” to build enough muscle to get into professional boxing mode, the workouts were enjoyable for the 27-year-old, too.
“I loved it,” she shared. “It just felt fun and exciting. I don’t know if I was like, ‘Oh my god, it’s grueling,’ because it was just such a good time.”
Earlier this summer, the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood actress gave more insight into what the process entailed.
“I came onboard to play Christy, and I had about three and a half months of training,” she told W magazine in an interview published in June. “I started eating. I weight-trained in the morning for an hour, kickboxed midday for about two hours, and then weight-trained again at night for an hour.”
While she noted, “I didn’t fit in any of my clothes,” she shared it was well worth it.
“But it was amazing,” she clarified. “I was so strong, like crazy strong.”
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images
She also had to become Christy not just physically, but also mentally, to succeed in the role.
“Christy’s story isn’t a light one, it’s physically and emotionally demanding, there’s a lot of weight to carry,” she told Deadline last year. “But I love challenging myself. Christy Martin not only legitimized female boxing, she overcame gender stereotypes and fought through emotional, physical and financial abuse.”
For photos of Sydney’s major transformation for the role, keep reading.
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Blonde No More
Sydney Sweeney showcased her newly darkened locks while on set in North Carolina for her next film. In the yet-untitled project, the Euphoria star will portray boxing legend Christy Martin, a Hall of Famer who married her former boxing coach James Martin.
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On-set Strolls
For the role, Sydney traded in her signature blonde hair for a neck-length brunette ‘do held back by a navy bandana. She also donned a baggy, zip-up sweatshirt in a navy shade, worn with a yellow-brown T-shirt, dark sweatpants and white sneakers.
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A Euphoric Outfit Change
The 27-year-old later donned oversized, knee-length, gray sweat shorts and a light blue tee, while channeling Christy on set.
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Ben Foster Also Appears Unrecognizable
Sydney’s costar in the film Ben Foster—he’ll play James—similarly underwent a major transformation. The Leave No Trace star, who normally rocks a beard, walked on set clean shaven and with a blonde wig. He wore a light blue polo shirt and navy sweatpants while carrying a brown duffel bag.
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An Immaculate Third Look
Seen from behind, Sydney walked on set in another set of athletic gear. This time, she wore baggy, maroon athletic shorts and a blue-and-white windbreaker.
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Ben Foster Has An Outfit Change
Ben, who shares two children with wife and That ’70s Show alum Laura Prepon, changed into a yellow and white striped polo and navy sweatpants for his role as James.
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Getting in Character
“I am a very hands-on collaborator,” Sydney told The Los Angeles Times in March 2024. “I like being able to give ideas, be a part of it, help come up with solutions. It just changes the whole process. It’s so hard for me now to be on a set and not be able to help in any type of way and be able to take action. And being able to actually have a voice and have a valued opinion—it means so much.”
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Doing Herself Proud
For The White Lotus alum, keeping a packed schedule is not something she shies away from. In fact, she’s always looking forward to what’s next.
“I look up to the older version of myself,” she told Women’s Health in 2023. “When I was 10, I looked up to the 25-year-old version of myself, and now I look up to my 50-year-old version. I hope I make the decisions she would be proud of.”
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