Sydney Sweeney's latest film, the boxing biopic 'Christy,' debuted to a disappointing $1.3 million in domestic box office earnings over its opening weekend. The movie, which opened in 2,184 theaters, marks one of the worst wide-release starts in history despite a solid 67% Rotten Tomatoes score. Sweeney responded on Instagram, emphasizing the film's impact on raising awareness for domestic violence over financial success.
Box Office Performance
'Christy,' a biographical drama directed by David Michôd, grossed just $1.3 million domestically during its opening weekend, averaging $646 per screen across 2,184 theaters. This performance places it among the lowest openings for wide-release films, ranking ninth worst according to box office data, behind titles like 'Hitpig' and 'The King's Daughter.' Produced by Black Bear Pictures for $15 million, the film represents the company's first theatrical release and has already secured international sales to offset losses.
The movie chronicles the life of trailblazing boxer Christy Martin, focusing on her rise in the ring and her abusive relationship with her coach-husband, who attempted to murder her. Co-starring Ben Foster, Merritt Weaver, and Katy O'Brian, 'Christy' earned praise from critics, including Variety's Owen Gleiberman, who called Sweeney's portrayal a 'transformative performance' and the film a 'wrenching portrait of abuse.' Despite the positive reception with a 67% on Rotten Tomatoes, the biopic failed to draw audiences, possibly due to its niche subject matter about an athlete not widely known outside boxing circles.
Sweeney's Response
Addressing the flop on Instagram, Sweeney expressed pride in the project: 'We don’t always just make art for numbers, we make it for impact. And Christy has been the most impactful project of my life.' She highlighted the film's themes of survival, courage, and hope, noting campaigns that raised awareness for domestic violence. 'If Christy gave even one woman the courage to take her first step toward safety, then we will have succeeded,' she added, thanking supporters and affirming her deep pride in representing Martin.
This underwhelming debut follows a pattern for Sweeney's theatrical films, with past releases like 'Immaculate' ($15.6 million domestic) and 'Madame Web' ($43 million) also underperforming relative to expectations, except for the rom-com 'Anyone But You' ($88 million domestic). Upcoming projects include 'Split Fiction,' a 'Gundam' adaptation, and 'The Housemaid' remake.
