In a new wide-ranging interview, actress Sydney Sweeney addressed the defining factors of her rapidly accelerating career, from the intense Oscar buzz surrounding her new film, Christy, to the viral speculation linking her to the James Bond franchise. Having frequently topped online trends for her high-profile roles, the star also spoke candidly about the public’s fixation on her image, asserting that she refuses to be defined solely by the “sex symbol” label she has often been given by the media.
When pressed about the swirling rumors that she is a top contender for the next “Bond Girl” role, Sweeney initially paused, teasing that she would “have more fun as James Bond.” Addressing the broader issue of her public image, the actress strongly challenged the notion that her personal choices should restrict her professional seriousness. Sweeney stated, “You shouldn’t have to hide or cover up in any room. My body is my business, and my work is my work.”
Sweeney’s primary focus remains on the critical acclaim for the boxing biopic, Christy, which premiered to rave reviews and immediate Oscar contention at the Toronto International Film Festival. To play boxing trailblazer Christy Salters Martin, Sweeney underwent a dramatic physical transformation gaining muscle, cutting her hair short, and training three times a day for months. This grittier, less-glamorous performance has been widely hailed as the most “mature and compelling work” of her career.
The dramatic pivot represented by Christy is a deliberate move to shift the public perception of the actress, proving her capability extends far beyond the complex, sexualized roles she became known for in Euphoria and The White Lotus. By prioritizing demanding, producer-led projects while openly defying reductive labels, Sweeney is firmly positioning herself as a serious, multifaceted movie star.
