Sydney Sweeney sparks backlash as ‘Christy’ bombs at box office amid Ruby Rose feud

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By: Daniel Harris

Sydney Sweeney’s boxing biopic ‘Christy’ crashed at the box office on November 7. The film earned just $1.3 million across 2,011 theaters. It ranks among the worst theatrical openings in history. Now Ruby Rose is fueling the backlash with explosive allegations.

🔥 Quick Facts:

  • ‘Christy’ opened to $1.3 million, one of the worst theatrical debuts ever.
  • Ruby Rose claims she was the original choice before Sydney Sweeney got cast.
  • Sweeney’s recent films have repeatedly flopped at box offices nationwide.
  • Rose attacked Sweeney’s political views and American Eagle ad controversy.
  • Box office decline reflects theatrical audiences rejecting adult-oriented dramas.

What Happened at the Box Office

Sydney Sweeney’s ‘Christy’ opened on November 7, 2025 to catastrophic results. The film grossed only $1.3 million domestically across 2,011 screens in its opening weekend. This marks one of the worst starts for any theatrical release in over 2,000 theaters nationwide.

The biographical drama explores the life of boxer Christy Martin, a trailblazing athlete who rose to prominence in the 1990s. Director David Michôd crafted the film to depict her rise from poverty to boxing stardom. The movie also chronicles the domestic abuse she suffered from her coach-turned-husband and her eventual survival.

“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.”

Sydney Sweeney, via Instagram

Ruby Rose Ignites Backlash

Ruby Rose exploded on social media, claiming she originally landed the role. The Orange is the New Black star wrote a scathing post calling Sweeney a “cretin” who “ruined” the film. Rose argues that the original script was “incredible” and “life changing.”

Rose also criticized Sweeney’s political beliefs, referencing her registered Republican status and controversial American Eagle advertisement. The ad sparked accusations of Nazi propaganda and received praise from President Donald Trump. Rose wrote that Sweeney was “parading around pretending to be us” while representing people who “hate” her audience.

Rose, also known for her LGBTQ+ advocacy, noted that the original casting featured mostly gay actors. She emphasized the cultural importance of representation in the biopic. The feud escalated tensions within Hollywood surrounding the film’s failure.

Box Office Numbers Tell the Story

The film’s collapse reflects a larger industry trend where adult-oriented dramas struggle. ‘Christy’ marks Sweeney’s third major theatrical flop in recent months:

Movie Title Release Date Box Office Budget
Eden September 2024 $2.5M $35M
Americana August 2025 $500K $9M
Christy November 2025 $1.3M $15M

Black Bear Pictures financed ‘Christy’ for $15 million and handled distribution. The studio released it across 2,011 theaters on November 7. Despite the massive theatrical footprint, audiences stayed away completely.

What Reviewers and Audiences Think

Interestingly, critical and audience reception diverged sharply from box office performance. Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a 98% audience score. Critics praised Sweeney’s physical transformation and dramatic range throughout the role.

The Guardian’s reviewer said the film “just isn’t nearly good enough,” calling it “a by-the-numbers slog.” Yet the New York Post awarded three stars, calling Sweeney a “knockout.” The mixed critical reception couldn’t overcome audience indifference.

What’s Next for Sydney Sweeney

Sweeney has a major project coming in December. ‘The Housemaid,’ a psychological thriller, releases on December 19, 2025. The film stars Amanda Seyfried and is directed by Paul Feig. It’s based on bestselling author Freida McFadden’s 2022 novel of the same name.

The box office disasters raise questions about Sweeney’s theatrical viability. Her only massive theatrical success remains ‘Anyone But You’ in 2023, which grossed $220 million worldwide. ‘The Housemaid’ represents a critical opportunity to restore her commercial appeal.

Despite the brutal “Christy” collapse, Sweeney defended the project online. She emphasized domestic violence awareness and the film’s cultural mission. But box office realities paint a different picture for the 29-year-old actress’s future in cinema.

Sources

  • The Guardian – Box office reporting and critical analysis of the film’s performance.
  • Page Six – Ruby Rose’s direct statements and celebrity feud coverage.
  • Deadline – Industry insights on the theatrical bomb and market trends.

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