Sydney Sweeney’s Christy struggles with disappointing box office debut.
Sydney Sweeney’s Christy disappoints fans, earning only $1.3 million in its slow North American opening weekend debut.
Actor Sydney Sweeney’s recent theatrical journey has encountered another hurdle. Her newest film, Christy, a gripping biographical drama about boxing star Christy Martin, has opened to one of the weakest box office performances ever for a wide Hollywood release. The news has been disappointing for many who admire Sydney’s rise through acclaimed projects like Euphoria and Anyone But You.
Directed by David Michôd, Christy premiered on November 7 with attention on Sydney’s intense physical training for the role. She transformed her body to convincingly portray Christy Martin’s strength, while also stepping into a story about survival, ambition, and the emotional toll of fame. The film co-stars Ben Foster, Merritt Weaver, Katy O’Brian, Ethan Embry, and Chad L. Coleman, forming a talented ensemble.
However, despite these strengths, the movie struggled to bring audiences into cinemas. According to Box Office Mojo, Christy debuted on 2,184 screens across North America but earned only about $1.31 million during its opening weekend. That’s roughly $600 per theatre, a result that places it among the bottom ten worst wide-release openings in Hollywood history. Even several films released during the pandemic, when theatres were barely operating, managed stronger starts.
International earnings have not helped ease concerns. So far, the movie has taken in only around $39,000 outside North America, bringing its worldwide total to roughly $1.35 million after three days. With a production budget reportedly exceeding $15 million, plus marketing costs, the film appears likely to struggle financially unless viewership grows significantly.
Still, numbers only tell part of the story. Sydney’s performance has been praised by those who have already seen the film. Many viewers call her portrayal courageous and emotionally immersive, highlighting the vulnerability she brings to Christy Martin’s darkest battles. For Sydney, the role is a meaningful artistic leap, demonstrating her commitment to challenging and physically demanding characters.
Some industry analysts believe the subject matter—centered on trauma, abuse, and professional conflict—may have contributed to the muted turnout. Others point to limited promotion and competition from bigger theatrical releases this month. Yet biographical dramas often gain appreciation gradually, especially once they reach streaming platforms where audiences discover them at their own pace.
For Sydney Sweeney, Christy may still hold long-lasting significance, even if the opening figures weren’t ideal. Her willingness to take risks reflects an artist eager to expand her range rather than play it safe. With time, the film might find a dedicated viewership that values its emotional depth more than its box office statistics.
As Sydney continues to explore bold roles, fans remain hopeful that her talent and courage will lead her to brighter big-screen moments ahead. Christy is not just a movie about a fighter—it is also a reminder that careers, like boxing matches, are full of unexpected rounds, and this one is far from over. Her journey inspires fans daily.