“I always like painting on the two-hour canvas”: David Michôd on Christy

As Christy Martin, or “The Coal Miner’s Daughter”, Christy Salters made boxing history by breaking the sport’s glass ceiling for women. Nevertheless, it is clear why she no longer wishes to carry her husband’s last name, despite its continued presence on her official record. After exploring historical figures in his previous films War Machine and The King, Australian director David Michôd now tackles the biopic genre outright with his take on this remarkable woman’s life story. Christy follows Salter’s professional career, her identity struggle, and her abusive marriage.

The Upcoming spoke to the filmmaker about juggling these different elements within the same narrative. As Christy marks Sydney Sweeney’s most transformative role to date, we were interested to learn about the key elements to Michôd’s casting choices as well as the involvement of the real people in the creative process. Further, the director discussed choreographing the fight scenes to match the emotional trajectory of the happenings beyond the ring.

Selina Sondermann

Christy is released nationwide on 28^th November 2025.

Watch the trailer for Christy here: