People on the web have been left jaw-dropped after spotting Sydney Sweeney looking unrecognizable on set her of new film.
The 26-year-old was a world away from her usual California chic style as she transformed into boxer Christy Martin to film David Michôd’s new biopic in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday.
The Anyone But You star, who is known for her blonde bombshell look and hourglass curves, sported a brunette curly wig, blue bandana and baggy clothing to channel Martin’s 90s’ heyday – years before her husband James attempted to kill her.
She covered up her famed curves in a brown shirt, blue hoodie and joggers and wore minimal make-up as she was escorted to set.
Her new appearance in exclusive DailyMail photos was anything but flattering as fans flooded X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their shock at the transformation and praise the power of makeup.
Many fans questioned how much work had been done to take the star from glam to drab.
Some pondered whether she had just swiped off her makeup as they shared their theories online, with many people on the web noting they couldn’t even tell who A-lister was.
One person said: ‘Makeup is a lie.’
Someone else added: ‘She looks like Elon.’
Another user wrote: ‘I have no idea who that is.’
One user questioned: ‘Is that just her without makeup?’
Her new appearance was a shock as even the star’s chest appeared to have been flattened with tape for her transformation.
Sydney stars alongside Ben Foster in the film – who plays her scorned husband James – with the X-Men star showing off his own incredible transformation with a blonde wig and facial prosthetics.
He wore a blue polo shirt, joggers and sneakers as he headed to set.
Known as ‘The Coal Miner’s Daughter’ thanks to her father’s job, Christy, 56, originally from West Virginia, is credited with putting women’s boxing on the map after taking on Deirdre Gogarty in front of a sell-out crowd at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in 1996.
She graced the cover of Sports Illustrated, appeared on talk shows and even made guest appearances on US sitcoms.
Yet her life away from the cameras was anything but glamorous. Christy has spoken to the Daily Telegraph about how she spent 20 years suffering abuse at the hands of her husband, James ‘Jim’ Martin, who was also her trainer.
On November 23, 2010, he stabbed Christy stabbed several times and shot her at least once in her torso, leaving her for dead.
The attack reportedly occurred after an argument at home – Christy survived the assault.
In June 2012, Jim was sentenced to 25 years in prison after being found guilty of attempted second-degree murder and manslaughter.
Christy now works as a promoter and has been married to Lisa Holewyne, a fellow former boxer who she used to meet in the ring, since 2017, after coming out as a lesbian in the wake of her marriage ending.
In May, Martin revealed she was ecstatic over the actress taking on the challenge of playing her and said she would also be eager to help her train for the role.
While speaking about the project, which will be directed by filmmaker David Michôd, she told TMZ that she is thrilled about the casting, especially considering Sydney’s experience in MMA and combat sports.
The Emmy-nominated actress said she was ready for the ‘physically and emotionally demanding’ part in the biopic, which will be put on the market at the Cannes Film Festival.
The Hall of Fame boxer gushed over Sweeney and also wholly refuted the claims that the Euphoria star ‘is not pretty and she can’t act’ as previously stated by a top Hollywood producer.
‘I think she is young, hot, talented,’ she said about the leading lady.
She added that Sydney is ‘about to make a movie that in 20+ years, fathers will watch with their daughters to make them aware of domestic violence.’
Martin also explained the importance of the biopic because it’s about more than just her boxing career and journey.
She said: ‘I want this movie to bring awareness to domestic violence, the challenge of sexuality and overall underdog story.
‘I am a coal miner’s daughter from a small town in southern West Virginia that made an impact in a sport that wasn’t taken seriously — women’s boxing.’
And although Martin was not involved in the casting and has not spoken to Sydney yet, she said she was honored that the Euphoria alum will be taking on the role.
She added that she would love to help her with boxing training, which Sydney has experience in already.
Sydney previously said that she ‘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,’ she told Deadline earlier this week.
Additionally, Martin added that she would love to make a cameo as a nod to her fans.
