Sydney Sweeney Channels Old Hollywood in Gold Paint, Sparks Marilyn Monroe Comparisons

Sydney Sweeney is drawing widespread attention after a striking new photoshoot that has prompted comparisons to Marilyn Monroe. The images arrive as Sweeney continues a high-profile run following her portrayal of boxing legend Christy Martin in the biopic Christy. The actress appears in W Magazine’s Best Performances issue, published January 6, styled in metallic gold body paint with her hair set in classic retro curls. The editorial pays homage to old Hollywood glamour, a visual direction that quickly fueled Monroe comparisons across social media.

A Visual Tribute That Went Viral

The minimalist styling—gold paint paired with vintage waves—sparked immediate conversation online. Fans and fashion observers praised the bold, cinematic look, noting its clear nod to Hollywood’s Golden Age. The shoot positions Sweeney within a lineage of screen icons while signaling her evolving star power beyond contemporary roles. The feature lands at a pivotal moment in Sweeney’s career, following a year marked by ambitious performances across genres.

Inside Sweeney’s Transformation for Christy

In the accompanying interview, Sweeney reflected on the physical and emotional demands of portraying Christy Martin, whose life story includes domestic violence and professional triumph. The actress explained her approach to emotionally intense scenes, emphasizing a strict separation between herself and her characters.

“I’ve always trained myself to separate as much as I can from my characters,” Sweeney said. “When they call ‘Cut,’ I’m able to jump out of it and be back to Syd.”

For Christy, Sweeney also underwent a significant physical transformation, gaining approximately 30 pounds to authentically portray the boxer. She described the process as demanding but necessary, while noting she was careful not to carry the character’s trauma into her personal life.

A Busy Year on Screen—and Behind the Scenes

Beyond Christy, Sweeney’s 2025 slate included The Housemaid alongside Amanda Seyfried, the indie drama Americana, the thriller Echo Valley with Julianne Moore, and the historical thriller Eden featuring Jude Law. Sweeney also revealed her growing interest in producing, particularly on The Housemaid. A longtime fan of the novel, she helped package the project with Lionsgate, underscoring her desire to shape projects beyond acting alone.

From Modern Star to Classic Icon

The Monroe comparisons highlight a broader shift in how Sweeney is being perceived—less as a rising TV star and more as a versatile, old-school Hollywood presence. With daring fashion choices, physically demanding roles, and hands-on involvement behind the camera, she continues to redefine her image. As Christy becomes available to rent or buy on major platforms and The Housemaid continues its theatrical run, Sweeney’s gold-painted homage may mark another defining moment in a rapidly expanding career.