Actress Sydney Sweeney ‘shines spotlight’ on NC city with filming of Hollywood movie
Gastonia is gushing as crews film scenes for a Hollywood movie starring actress Sydney Sweeney.
“The spotlight is shining on our city!” Gastonia officials posted on social media Friday. “Scenes from the Christy Martin biopic ‘Apopka’ are being filmed right here in Gastonia.”
The Charlotte Observer reported plans for local filming of the movie in August.
Martin boxed professionally in the 1990s. She’s a WBC (World Boxing Council) champion and the first woman to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Martin lived in Charlotte for several years through at least 2020 and was a substitute teacher at Vance High School, according to a 2018 Charlotte Observer article.
Sweeney portrays Martin, “and from what we’ve seen, her transformation is absolutely incredible!” according to the city of Gastonia Facebook post.
The 27-year-old actress rose to fame with roles in the teen drama TV series “Euphoria,” the anthology series “The White Lotus,” Hulu series “The Handmaid’s Tale” and films including director Quentin Tarantino’s comedy-drama “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.”
The movie could appear in theaters by fall or winter 2025, according to music, film and TV news site Uproxx.
“When the film is released, look out for familiar sights in our hometown @followers!” Gastonia officials said.
On Oct. 16, Sweeney told her 22.6 million Instagram followers that she’s “been immersed in training to bring to life the story of an incredible woman — a true champion who fought battles both inside and outside the ring.
“Her journey is a testament to resilience, strength, and hope, and I’m honored to step into her shoes to share her powerful story with you all,” Sweeney wrote. “More to come soon.”
Want to be an extra in the Sydney Sweeney movie?
The movie also continues to need people to work as extras on the film through November. That work is being handled by Tona B. Dahlquist Casting, who has handled numerous film and TV projects in the Charlotte region over the years.
General submissions should include: two current cell phone photos (one close up and one full length); Name, Phone, Age, City/State you reside; Height/Weight, Complete clothing and shoe sizes; description of tattoos and piercings; vehicle Information (make/model/year/color).
Send submissions to charlotteextras@gmail.com: with the email subject: Ethnicity, Gender, Age, City/State you reside. More info on casting needs can be found here on the Tona B. Dahlquist Facebook casting page.
This story was originally published October 26, 2024 at 2:16 PM.