Sydney Sweeney Christy Martin Boxing Biopic Adds Tony Cavalero

EXCLUSIVE: The Righteous GemsTony Cavalero stars in the untitled film Black Bear directed by Sydney Sweeney. Christy Martin Biopic.

David Michôd's film, co-written with Mirrah Foulkes, tells the true story of the formidable Christy Martin, who rose to fame in the 1990s as America's most successful female boxer. A naturally gifted fighter, her life changed in 1989 when she met her manager and future husband, Jim Martin. She broke boundaries and was the first woman to sign with legendary promoter Don King and the only female boxer to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Christy's charisma, good looks and unwavering resilience in the ring earned her a large following and made her the welterweight champion of the world. Behind this cultured public persona, Christy battled personal demons, toxic relationships and an attempt on her life, proving that a fighter's toughest victories aren't always won in the ring.

Cavalero will star as James “Shortdog” Maloney in the film, which also stars Ben Foster, Merritt Weaver, Ethan Embry, Jess Gabor, Katy O'Brian and Chad L. Colman.

Cavalero is best known for his breakthrough performance as “Keefe” in the HBO series Danny McBride The Righteous Gems. He recently made his debut at the SXSW Film Festival Cold wallet as “Dom”, alongside Raul Castillo and Melonie Diaz and directed by editor Hodierne. He also stars alongside Simon Rex in the upcoming feature film Operation Taco Gary's. Cavalero is represented by Gersh, Nicole Garcia Management and Lichter, Grossman, Nichols, Feldman, Rogal, Shikora & Clark.

The untitled project is produced by Kerry Kohansky-Roberts for Anonymous Content, Michôd for Yoki, Inc., Justin Lothrop and Brent Boots for Votiv, Sweeney for Fifty-Fifty Films and Teddy Schwarzman for Black Bear, who is also providing full financing. EPs include Michael Heimler and John Friedberg for Black Bear, Foulkes, Brad Zimmerman for Yoki, Inc., David Levine, Ryan Schwartz and Nick Shumaker for Anonymous Content, and Harrison Huffman. Black Bear is handling foreign rights, while UTA Independent Film Group, AC Independent (Anonymous Content's sales and finance division) and Black Bear are jointly representing U.S. rights. This image marks the second collaboration between Sweeney and Black Bear, who recently collaborated on a horror vehicle Immaculate which was released by NEON and grossed $28.4 million at the worldwide box office.