Christy Biopic Flops at Box Office Amid Ruby Rose Casting Controversy

The new boxing biopic “Christy” had a disastrous opening weekend. The film earned just $1.3 million across over 2,000 theaters. This poor performance sparked a major debate about indie film viability.

The controversy deepened when actor Ruby Rose publicly criticized the film’s star, Sydney Sweeney. Rose’s comments about casting authenticity have ignited a wider conversation about LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood.

Disappointing Box Office Numbers for “Christy”

“Christy” opened on November 7, 2025. The film ranked as one of the worst wide-release openings in recent history. It placed No. 12 on the list of lowest-grossing openings for a film on over 2,000 screens.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film’s $15 million budget makes recouping costs nearly impossible. This performance highlights a growing crisis for mid-budget independent films. Many distributors are now rethinking their release strategies.

The film’s failure follows a pattern of struggling specialty releases. Other festival favorites have also faced similar challenges in finding audiences. The indie film market is undergoing significant changes.

Ruby Rose’s Public Criticism of the Film

Ruby Rose did not hold back her thoughts on the casting. She took to social media to express her disappointment. Rose had been previously attached to play Christy Martin herself.

“The original Christy Martin script was incredible,” Rose stated. She emphasized that “most of us were actually gay” in the original project. Her comments suggested the final film lacked authentic representation.

Rose directly criticized Sydney Sweeney’s performance and involvement. She accused Sweeney of “parading around pretending to be us.” Her remarks referenced ongoing speculation about Sweeney’s personal views.

Mixed Critical Reception and Industry Impact

Critical response to “Christy” was divided. The film holds a 65% score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, the audience score was significantly higher at 97%.

Many critics praised Sydney Sweeney’s transformative performance. They noted her commitment to portraying the boxer’s physicality and emotional journey. The film’s depiction of Martin’s personal struggles received particular attention.

Christy Martin herself endorsed Sweeney’s portrayal. She praised the actor’s dedication to capturing her dual nature. Martin appreciated how Sweeney showed both her toughness and vulnerability.

Broader Implications for Indie Filmmaking

The film’s commercial failure has wider implications. According to industry analysis from The Hollywood Reporter, the specialty film market is facing unprecedented challenges. Streaming platforms are pulling back on acquisitions.

Even films with major stars and festival buzz are struggling. Distributors must now find new ways to reach audiences. This often means smaller budgets and targeted marketing campaigns.

Some distributors are finding success with niche approaches. Faith-based and culturally specific films are performing well. However, mid-budget projects like “Christy” face the greatest risks.

The “Christy” biopic’s box office performance and surrounding controversy highlight ongoing issues in film representation and distribution. While the film may not have succeeded commercially, it has sparked important conversations that will likely influence future casting decisions and marketing strategies in the independent film sector.

Info at your fingertips

How much did the Christy biopic make opening weekend?

The film earned only $1.3 million in its opening weekend. This was across more than 2,000 theaters in the United States. The performance was among the worst for a wide release this year.

What did Ruby Rose say about Sydney Sweeney?

Ruby Rose criticized Sydney Sweeney’s casting and performance. She claimed the original script was “life changing” and featured LGBTQ+ actors. Rose accused Sweeney of lacking authenticity in the role.

How did Christy Martin react to the film?

Christy Martin praised Sydney Sweeney’s portrayal of her. She appreciated how Sweeney captured her toughness in the ring. Martin said Sweeney transformed into the “tough, rugged Christy” for the role.

Why are indie films struggling at the box office?

The indie film market faces multiple challenges today. Streaming services are buying fewer films for their platforms. Audience viewing habits have changed significantly since the pandemic.

What was the budget for the Christy movie?

The production budget was approximately $15 million. This makes recouping costs difficult after the poor box office performance. The film needed stronger audience turnout to break even.