Another “hot package” headed to the Cannes market. Sydney Sweeney is set to play boxer Christy Martin, aka the “female Rocky,” in a new biopic from director David Michod (“Animal Kingdom”). Michod co-wrote the script with Mirrah Folks (“Judy & Punch”). Production is set to begin this fall.
Martin, a gay woman, from a conservative Virginia family, was the first female boxer to sign with promoter Don King, and the only female boxer to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated. She also had to deal with the physical and emotional abuse of her husband, and manager, Jim Martine.
Fun Fact: Sweeney should have no problem getting in shape for the role — she wrestled and kickboxed for close to 7 years in her early to late teens. Michod said in a statement having been highly impressed by Sweeney’s turn in last year’s HBO movie “Reality.” I’ve already written about her performance in that film, it convinced me that she was a great actress.
Last we heard from Michod, he was editing a “new version” of his upcoming A24 stoner dramedy, “Wizards!, which had test screened late last year. We might expect that one to be released in the fall. His other filmmaking credits include “Animal Kingdom,” “The Rover,” and “War Machine.”