Sydney Sweeney truly unrecognisable in new photo
Sweeney, 27, will play real-life boxer Christy Martin in the upcoming biopic Christy, set for release later this year.
The first official photo from the film, released today, shows Sweeney in the boxing ring during a match, her trademark long blonde locks replaced by a short, brown cut.
Photos of a transformed Sweeney on set first surfaced in October last year during filming.
'Honoured to tell Christy's powerful story,' Sweeney wrote on Instagram in May when the casting news was first announced.
The biopic will also capture Christy's life away from the ring, following her story of substance abuse and domestic violence at the hands of her husband and trainer Jim Martin, who in 2010 was charged with her attempted murder.
The boxer – who was the first woman to sign with legendary boxing promoter Don King, and the only female boxer to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated – has since become sober and is thrilled that Sweeney will play her in the movie, given the star's combat sports background.
Meanwhile, the actress is just as enthused to bring Christy's story to light.
'I grappled and did kickboxing from 12 to 19 years old. I've been itching to get back into the ring, train and transform my body,' the Anyone But You star told Deadline in May last year.
'Christy's story isn't a light one. It's physically and emotionally demanding. There's a lot of weight to carry. But I love challenging myself.'
'Christy Martin not only legitimised female boxing, she overcame gender stereotypes, and fought through emotional, physical, and financial abuse. I'm passionate about the fighting world, Christy's story shines a light on her incredible rise to the top while showing the struggles of fame behind the curtains.
'I feel compelled to tell a story about a woman who faced so much adversity and didn't allow it to defeat her. It's powerful, and emotional.'
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