The first trailer for ‘Christy’, starring Sydney Sweeney as iconic American boxer Christy Martin, has just dropped—and it’s already generating Oscar buzz.
Directed by David Michôd, the film is set to release in U.S. theaters on November 7, 2025, and chronicles the turbulent rise of one of boxing’s most trailblazing female athletes.
Set to Stevie Nicks’ “Edge of Seventeen,” the trailer opens with Christy meeting legendary promoter Don King (played by Chad L. Coleman), marking the start of her professional journey.
However, the story quickly shifts from ringside glory to personal battles, including her abusive relationship with trainer-turned-husband Jim Martin (Ben Foster).
Who Stars in ‘Christy’?
In addition to Sweeney’s transformative lead role, the cast includes:
- Ben Foster as Jim Martin
- Merritt Wever as Joyce, Christy’s mother
- Ethan Embry as John, Christy’s father
- Katy O’Brian, Jess Gabor, and Tony Cavalero in supporting roles
Sweeney reportedly gained over 30 pounds and trained for months to embody Christy’s physicality. “I trained two to three times a day, every day—even while filming,” she said in a recent interview.
Why Is Christy Martin’s Story So Powerful?
Christy Martin’s boxing career spanned over two decades, with a record of 49 wins in 59 professional fights.
She became a household name after her legendary 1996 bout on the undercard of Mike Tyson vs. Frank Bruno. In 2009, she won the WBC female super welterweight title, and in 2020, she was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
First trailer for ‘CHRISTY’, starring Sydney Sweeney as pro boxer Christy Martin.
In theaters on November 7. pic.twitter.com/tV6MN8MWOL
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) September 11, 2025
However, her life outside the ring was marked by trauma. In 2010, she survived a brutal attack by her husband, who stabbed and shot her after she asked for a divorce. She later came out publicly and married fellow boxer Lisa Holewyne, whom she once fought in the ring.
What to Expect from the Film?
‘Christy’ isn’t just another boxing movie—it’s a raw, emotional biopic that explores themes of resilience, identity, and survival. Critics at the Toronto International Film Festival praised Sweeney’s performance, calling it “career-defining” and “emotionally gripping”.
While some early reviews note the film’s conventional storytelling, most agree that Sweeney’s portrayal elevates the narrative. As Rolling Stone put it, “Sweeney goes the distance for this role—and it shows.”
With its gripping trailer, powerhouse performances, and real-life inspiration, ‘Christy’ is shaping up to be a major contender this awards season. Whether you’re a boxing fan or a lover of true stories, this film promises to deliver both punches and heart.
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