John Wick Actor Criticizes Sydney Sweeney’s Biopic for Box Office Failure

October has proven to be a challenging month for the film industry, as recent figures reveal a historic low in box office revenue. This downturn marks the first time in 27 years that movie earnings have hit such lows. Among the many films affected, “Christy,” a sports biopic directed by David Michôd and starring Sydney Sweeney, stands out for its particularly disappointing performance.

Box Office Struggles of “Christy”

Released in over 2,000 theaters, “Christy” recorded one of the worst openings for a film of its scale. It ranks as the 12th lowest-grossing film among those that debuted in more than 2,000 screens. The situation worsens when excluding re-releases, pushing “Christy” into the 9th spot for the poorest box office performances.

Criticism from Ruby Rose

Amid the film’s struggles, Ruby Rose, known for her roles in the “John Wick” franchise and as Batwoman, publicly criticized Sweeney’s casting as a prominent LGBTQ figure. Rose had initially been connected to the film but later withdrew from the project. Taking to Threads, she expressed her frustration regarding the film’s potential and questioned Sweeney’s suitability for the role, stating:

• “The original Christy Martin script was incredible. Life changing.”
• “Most of us were actually gay,” referring to the original cast’s connection to the LGBTQ community.
• She accused Sweeney of pretending to represent a community she does not belong to, culminating in a strong condemnation of the film’s failure.

Sydney Sweeney’s Response

Despite the backlash, Sweeney remains committed to the film’s message. In an Instagram post, she emphasized the importance of “Christy” beyond box office success. Sweeney stated that the film embodies themes of survival, courage, and hope. She highlighted the film’s role in raising awareness for domestic violence, noting:

• “If Christy gave even one woman the courage to take her first step toward safety, then we will have succeeded.”
• She believes that art should impact lives rather than merely generate revenue.

Details About “Christy”

The divergent perspectives from Sweeney and Rose highlight the tensions surrounding “Christy.” While the film may struggle at the box office, its underlying message remains at the forefront of discussions about representation and impact in cinema.