Christy sparks major backlash as Ruby Rose calls Sydney Sweeney ‘cretin’ after film flops

Ruby Rose sparked major backlash after calling Sydney Sweeney a “cretin” on November 10, 2025. The Australian actress blamed Sweeney for ruining the boxing biopic Christy. The film flopped catastrophically at the box office. Sweeney defended her artistic work despite the devastating numbers.

What Happened: The Viral Blowup

Ruby Rose ignited a major Hollywood controversy on November 10. She posted scathing comments on Threads about Sydney Sweeney and the Christy film. Rose claimed she was originally cast as the lead role. Sweeney replaced her at some point in production.

Rose didn’t hold back her criticism. She wrote that Sweeney “ruined the film” and called her a “cretin.” Rose also suggested Sweeney was inauthentic for the role. The comments referenced broader concerns about casting choices. Rose alleged the actress “hates gay people.”

“You ruined the film. Period. Christy deserved better.”

The backlash intensified quickly across social media. Supporters of Rose rallied behind her claims. Critics argued Rose was being “bitter” about losing the role. The comments went viral within hours.

Why This Matters: A Major Box Office Disaster

Christy became one of the worst box office bombs in modern cinema history. The film’s $1.3 million opening ranked among the worst wide releases ever. Studios spend millions on marketing for films shown in 2,000+ theaters. This return was catastrophically low.

For context, the film cost approximately $15 million to produce. The $1.3 million opening weekend grossed only $600 per theater on average. Industry analysts predicted the film would struggle to break even. The disaster triggered major questions about Sweeney’s star power.

Sweeney had gained fame on HBO’s hit series Euphoria and The White Lotus. Neither show prepared audiences for a serious boxing biopic. The actress worked extensively to prepare for the role. She gained significant weight to authentically portray boxer Christy Martin. The physical transformation didn’t translate to ticket sales.

Critics pointed to other factors beyond casting decisions. The R-rated film explored dark themes of abuse and trauma. Some industry observers suggested the content scared off mainstream audiences. Others blamed poor marketing strategies. The film’s release timing faced fierce competition from other releases.

The Details: Box Office Performance Breakdown

Christy tells the true story of legendary boxer Christy Martin. The biopic follows her rise to fame in the 1990s. It also covers her survival of a brutal attack by her husband. The film was released on November 7, 2025 in theaters across North America.

Box Office Metric	Christy Opening	Industry Average
Opening Weekend Gross	$1.3 million	$10-15 million
Theater Count	2,000+	2,000+
Per-Theater Average	$600	$5,000+
Production Budget	$15 million	Variable

The stark numbers reveal how badly the film underperformed. Sydney Sweeney had previously appeared in multiple films. Most performed reasonably at the box office. Christy marked a significant departure for her. The role required dramatic acting chops beyond her typical genre.

Sweeney responded to the box office disaster professionally. She stated: “We don’t always make art for numbers.” She emphasized the film’s artistic impact over commercial success. Her comments suggested she remains proud of the project. However, studio executives and investors likely felt differently about the massive loss.

What to Watch For: The Aftermath Unfolds

• Digital release dates for Christy have not yet been announced by studios.
• Sydney Sweeney has several upcoming projects in development post-controversy.
• Ruby Rose‘s public criticism may spark broader industry conversations about casting.
• The film’s critical reception remains mixed among major review outlets.
• Financial implications for the production company are still being assessed.

The industry will likely scrutinize Sweeney’s next career move carefully. Studios may become more cautious about casting her in lead roles. The Christy disaster will haunt her resume for years. However, one film failure rarely ends major careers in Hollywood.

Ruby Rose faces potential backlash for her public commentary. Some view her criticism as justified professional disappointment. Others consider it unnecessarily harsh and bitter. The controversy raises questions about workplace dynamics in the entertainment industry.

The Big Question: Can Sweeney Recover from This Box Office Bomb?

The Christy failure presents a critical juncture for Sydney Sweeney’s film career. She has demonstrated talent in television formats. Translating that success to cinema requires different skill sets. One massive flop doesn’t necessarily derail careers permanently.

However, the numbers are alarming. Studios already feel pressure to maximize returns on investments. A $1.3 million opening on a $15 million budget signals major problems. The film likely won’t recoup its costs domestically. International markets could provide some recovery. Still, the damage is substantial.

Sweeney will need her next film to perform significantly better. She should ideally choose projects better suited to mainstream audiences. Supporting roles in established franchises might be safer bets. Leading a small independent film could also rebuild confidence.

Watch the official trailer to understand what audiences rejected:

The theatrical release was November 7, 2025. Streaming availability will determine the long-term profitability. Digital rentals and purchases could eventually recoup some losses.

Sources

• Variety – Comprehensive coverage of the Ruby Rose criticism and box office numbers.
• Deadline – Breaking news on the casting controversy and Hollywood reactions.
• USA Today – Analysis of Sydney Sweeney’s response to the box office disaster.