Sydney Sweeney, best known for her breakout roles in Euphoria and The White Lotus, has recently shared a sneak peek of her portrayal of boxing legend Christy Martin in an upcoming biopic over on Instagram. The announcement has garnered attention across social media, with fans and critics alike weighing in on whether this role signals a new, more serious chapter in Sweeney’s career or simply another Hollywood attempt at a formulaic Oscar bid.
Despite the initial excitement, Reddit users have been quick to point out potential issues with the project. While some are excited about seeing Sweeney step into such a physically demanding role, others are expressing skepticism about the legitimacy of her transformation and Hollywood’s ongoing obsession with biopics. One commenter joked:
“Everyone discovering the easy way to get an Oscar nom is doing a biopic, extra points if it involves some kind of body transformation”.
The sentiment that biopics have become the new fast track to awards-season buzz is a common refrain, with many viewers questioning whether these films bring anything truly fresh to the table.
The physical transformation required for the role, particularly in portraying a fighter like Christy Martin, has also come under scrutiny. Some viewers expressed doubt about how quickly Hollywood actors seem to build muscle for such roles, with one Redditor commenting:
“I know these people have the best trainers and nutritionists but damn, they ‘somehow’ speed up the time it takes for the body to form muscle mass”.
While others defended Sydney Sweeney’s dedication to training—she’s been practicing MMA since the age of 12—speculation about shortcuts, including steroid use, still linger in the conversation.
Moreover, some users are questioning the authenticity of Sweeney’s interest in this project. While she has spoken passionately about her MMA background and connection to the fighting community, others perceive this role as a calculated shift in her career trajectory, designed to steer her away from being typecast as a sex symbol. “She’s ready to do the Margot Robbie ‘I, Tonya’ transition from sex object actress to being taken seriously by the industry. I’m so here for it,” remarked one user. However, this comparison to Margot Robbie’s critically acclaimed turn in I, Tonya has left some questioning whether the Christy Martin biopic can truly stand out, or if it’s another attempt at a well-worn narrative arc.
Adding to the concerns is the broader critique of Hollywood’s obsession with rehashing “transformative” biopics of sports figures or musicians: films that often follow a familiar, predictable formula. These movies tend to focus on physical transformation and personal adversity as a surefire way to attract awards attention. As one skeptical Redditor put it:
“Do we really need another cookie-cutter underdog story about a sports figure? Where’s the originality?”.
Another point of contention is the portrayal of Christy Martin’s story. While her journey is undeniably powerful, some feel that Sweeney’s image and acting style may not fit the rawness and grit required for this role. Critics fear that the film will gloss over the harsh realities of Martin’s life, transforming it into a polished, overly dramatized Hollywood version that prioritizes spectacle over substance.
The stakes are high for Sydney Sweeney, who clearly wants to shed her previous image and prove her versatility. But as fans and critics await the film’s release, the question remains, you have to wonder whether this biopic break the mold or end up as another example of Hollywood’s reliance on well-trodden paths.
