Sydney Sweeney’s recent box office streak has hit another snag. Following the successes of Anyone But You and Immaculate, the actress’s latest film, Christy, is on track to become her third consecutive box office disappointment, earning less than $2 million during its opening weekend.
The biopic, which tells the story of trailblazing boxer Christy Martin, stars Sweeney alongside Ben Foster, Katy O’Brian, Jess Gabor, Ethan Embry, and Merritt Wever. Despite generating early Oscar buzz and drawing praise for Sweeney’s “phenomenal” performance, Christy has struggled to draw crowds, debuting to muted numbers and mixed reviews.
‘Christy’: Critical Praise, Commercial Struggle
Christy currently holds a 66% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, signaling a divided critical response. While reviewers have lauded Sweeney’s performance, many agree the film’s limited mainstream appeal has held it back.
Audiences seem to appreciate the film’s authenticity, but as one analyst noted, Christy “doesn’t have the kind of pull that convinces people to buy a ticket when they know it’ll be on streaming soon.” This has become an increasingly common trend, particularly for mid-budget dramas and biopics that struggle to compete with blockbuster-driven box office demand.
A Tough Year for Sydney Sweeney
After a breakout 2023, Sweeney appeared poised for movie stardom. Her romantic comedy Anyone But You grossed an impressive $218.9 million worldwide, becoming a runaway hit. However, her momentum has since slowed.
In early 2024, Sony’s Madame Web underperformed, though its failure was largely attributed to the film’s creative issues rather than its cast. Her horror outing Immaculate performed better, opening with $5 million and earning $35 million worldwide on a modest budget.
Then came two back-to-back disappointments:
- Americana – $9 million budget, less than $500,000 box office return.
- Eden – $35 million budget, earned just $2.5 million globally.
Now, with Christy opening around $1.25 million, Sweeney’s recent theatrical releases have all failed to connect with audiences — a worrying trend for one of Hollywood’s most-watched rising stars.
Off-Screen Controversies and Career Outlook
Sweeney’s year hasn’t been without headlines beyond the box office. Her collaboration with American Eagle recently reignited controversy, after she declined to address public backlash during press events. Additionally, her recent “bathwater-infused” soap release sparked ridicule on social media, with some fans calling it a publicity misstep.
Despite the turbulence, Sweeney remains a sought-after talent in Hollywood, with several major projects still in the pipeline.
Looking Ahead: ‘The Housemaid’ and a Big December Test
Up next, Sweeney stars in The Housemaid, directed by Paul Feig, alongside Amanda Seyfried and Brandon Sklenar. The psychological thriller opens in December 2025, but it faces tough competition from James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash, which is expected to dominate the box office during the same period.
Industry insiders say The Housemaid could serve as an important turning point for Sweeney — an opportunity to prove her staying power amid a string of underperforming projects.
Final Words
Sydney Sweeney’s 2025 hasn’t gone as planned. While Christy showcases her undeniable talent and range, the film’s lackluster box office numbers underscore a growing challenge for mid-scale dramas in the streaming era. With The Housemaid around the corner, all eyes are now on whether Sweeney can deliver a much-needed rebound and reclaim her place as one of Hollywood’s most bankable new stars.
