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Sydney Sweeney has addressed the disappointing box office performance of her boxing drama “Christy” on social media after the film recorded one of the 10 worst opening weekends ever for a movie released in over 2,000 theaters.
Despite Sweeney’s ability to generate headlines and social media buzz, her box office appeal hasn’t followed suit. “Christy” marks her third consecutive commercial failure – following “Eden” and “Americana” – and represents her biggest financial disappointment to date.
The boxing drama earned a meager $1.3 million during its domestic opening weekend. With this total spread across more than 2,000 theaters, “Christy” averaged just $646 per location.
Sweeney and her team are now repositioning the film as an artistic achievement rather than a commercial venture.
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On Instagram, Sweeney expressed her feelings about the project: “I am so deeply proud of this movie. Proud of the film david made. Proud of the story we told. proud to represent someone as strong and resilient as Christy Martin. This experience has been one of the greatest honors of my life.”
She emphasized the film’s social impact, writing, “This film stands for survival, courage, and hope. Through our campaigns, we’ve helped raise awareness for so many affected by domestic violence. We all signed on to this film with the belief that Christy’s story could save lives.”
The actress concluded her post with a passionate defense of the project’s value beyond financial metrics: “Thank you to everyone who saw, felt, and believed and will believe in this story for years to come. If Christy gave even one woman the courage to take her first step toward safety, then we will have succeeded. so yes I’m proud. why? because 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. Thank you Christy. I love you.”
Sweeney’s public statement mirrors messaging from her publicity team. A PR firm representing the actress contacted our publication requesting a headline change regarding “Christy’s” box office performance, asking us to highlight its audience reception instead.
“Would you please mind updating the headline for us to say that despite low box office, the audience has spoken! We are 99% positive on the Popcornmeter! Box office aside, this one’s a win in all the ways that matter. We’re so proud to back independent cinema and share a story that genuinely deserves to be seen!” the email stated.
Sweeney will attempt to end a challenging year at the box office with the release of Paul Feig’s thriller “The Housemaid,” which arrives in theaters on Dec. 25.
