NewsBite

Glam actress Sydney Sweeney undergoes makeunder for new boxing movie

This bombshell blonde is virtually unrecognisable in her upcoming boxing movie, ditching her signature looks to star in the biopic.

Sydney Sweeney: I'm proud to be unapologetically myself

Bye-bye bombshell! Sydney Sweeney is virtually unrecognisable in her upcoming boxing movie, ditching her signature blonde hair and hourglass figure to play the lead role in the biopic.

The Euphoria star has been photographed in Charlotte, North Carolina, on the set of the as-yet-titled film, which tells the real life story of trailblazing female boxer Christy Martin.

In the photos, the 27-year-old sported a brown curly wig under a blue bandana, which she teamed with a baggy blue hoodie and trackies.

Sweeney also wore minimal makeup as she further channelled the professional athlete in her ‘90s heyday.

Sydney Sweeney is barely recognisable as she is seen for the first time on the set of her new movie. Picture: BACKGRID
Sydney Sweeney is barely recognisable as she is seen for the first time on the set of her new movie. Picture: BACKGRID
The actress was seen with a crew member on the set in Charlotte, North Carolina. Picture: BACKGRID
The actress was seen with a crew member on the set in Charlotte, North Carolina. Picture: BACKGRID

“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.

Sweeney transforms to play female boxer Christy Martin in the biopic. Picture: BACKGRID
Sweeney transforms to play female boxer Christy Martin in the biopic. Picture: BACKGRID
From her frumpy wardrobe to her short hair, Sweeney is unlike the glam star she is known for being. Picture: BACKGRID
From her frumpy wardrobe to her short hair, Sweeney is unlike the glam star she is known for being. Picture: BACKGRID
Lone Survivor star Ben Foster is also unrecognisable in the movie. Picture: BACKGRID
Lone Survivor star Ben Foster is also unrecognisable in the movie. Picture: BACKGRID
It is yet unknown what character Foster will play in the movie. Picture: BACKGRID
It is yet unknown what character Foster will play in the movie. Picture: BACKGRID

The boxer – who was the first woman to sign with legendary boxing promoter Don King, and the only female boxer to appear on the Sports Illustrated cover – has since been 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.

Sweeney as the bombshell we all know and love. Picture: Monica Schipper/Getty Images
Sweeney as the bombshell we all know and love. Picture: Monica Schipper/Getty Images
Christy Martin was the first woman to sign with legendary boxing promoter Don King. Picture: Jed Jacobsohn/ALLSPORT
Christy Martin was the first woman to sign with legendary boxing promoter Don King. Picture: Jed Jacobsohn/ALLSPORT

“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.

“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.”

Stream Euphoria on BINGE, available on Hubbl.

Sweeney pumps up the glam at the GLAAD Media Awards in May. Picture: Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images
Sweeney pumps up the glam at the GLAAD Media Awards in May. Picture: Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images
Christy approves of Sweeney’s casting in the film. Picture: Al Bello /Allsport
Christy approves of Sweeney’s casting in the film. Picture: Al Bello /Allsport

“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.”

This isn’t the first time Sweeney has ditch her bombshell look for a movie role.

The actress also underwent a makeunder for the 2023 film Reality.
The actress also underwent a makeunder for the 2023 film Reality.

The star was unlike her typically glamorous self last year in the drama Reality, in which is based on the real life of American whistleblower Reality Winner, a former US Air Force member and National Security Agency translator who leaked an intelligence report about Russian interference in the 2016 US elections.

In the film, the actress wore close very little makeup and her trademark blonde hair was tied in a bun throughout.

“At first they were not sure someone who played Cassie [in Euphoria] could pull off Reality,” she told Entertainment Weekly last year, referring to her sexy character in the HBO drama, which streams locally on BINGE.

“She embodies all of these different contradictions that defy what it means to be a woman, a veteran, a Millennial.”

Originally published as Glam actress Sydney Sweeney undergoes makeunder for new boxing movie

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/movies/upcoming-movies/glam-actress-sydney-sweeney-undergoes-makeunder-for-new-boxing-movie/news-story/5ed19b8db3e199a25dc5525289c3da4f