Sydney Sweeney debuted a striking new look at the AFI Fest premiere of her film Christy on Saturday, October 25. The actress, 28, appeared with a dramatically bleached and shortened bob. This marked a significant departure from her signature blonde waves.
Sweeney wore a pastel pink off-the-shoulder lace dress for the event. The gown featured a wide skirt and a matching belt cinched at the waist.
Her colorist, Jacob Schwartz, detailed the hair transformation to Vogue. He stated Sweeney "was looking for a change and wanted a big red carpet hair moment to support her new film, Christy." Schwartz added that she "felt like it was the perfect time to do something bold."
Sweeney transitioned from a "dark suede blonde" to a more icy tone. Schwartz noted this new color "really brings out her eyes and features and complements the cut really well."
This personal transformation mirrors her demanding role in the upcoming biopic. Sweeney portrays boxing sensation Christy Martin in the film. For the role, she underwent various on-screen hair changes, including a brunette mullet, a messy pixie, and blonde braids.
Her longtime stylist, Glen Coco, also spoke to Vogue, emphasizing the theme of change. He said, "This is a transformation." Coco explained that Christy embodies "many nuances of resilience, transformation, and power."
Coco further clarified his styling goals. "Sydney herself transformed for this role, and I wanted to make her this updated version of herself in real life," he shared. He aimed for "something new and fresh to close out the rest of the year."
Sweeney’s commitment to the role extended far beyond hair. She underwent a full physical transformation for Christy.
Speaking to Vanity Fair in September, Sweeney expressed her awe for Martin, 57. She said, "I was shocked her story wasn’t more universally known, because she is one of the most chilling and inspiring women I’ve met in my life." The actress revealed she gained 28 pounds (13 kilograms) for the part.
"I felt so strong and powerful. I loved it," Sweeney shared. "To be able to lose myself and become a vessel for someone else is my dream."
Preparing for the role also involved intense boxing training. Sweeney dedicated three months to getting in fighting shape.
She told Vanity Fair that her on-screen fights are authentic. "In every fight you see [in the film], we are truly hitting each other," she explained. "We are going full force."
Sweeney underscored her dedication to realism. She added, "I always believed that it couldn’t feel real if it’s a stunt double or if the punches are faked."
In June, Sweeney detailed her rigorous training regimen to W magazine. "I loved it. I integrated myself to play Christy and had about three and a half months of training," she recounted. "I started eating."
Her daily routine was intense. "I would weight train in the morning for an hour, kickbox at noon for about two hours, and then I would go back to weight train at night for an hour," she said.
The physical changes were dramatic. Sweeney stated her body was "completely different" after her transformation.
"None of my clothes fit," she told W. "I usually wear a size 23 in jeans, and I was wearing a 27." She also observed, "My breasts got bigger. And my butt got huge. It was crazy! I was like, ‘Oh my God.’ It was amazing. I was so strong, incredibly strong."