Zack Snyder to Direct UFC Drama BRAWLER, Teams with Dana White and Saudi Entertainment Boss

Zack Snyder, The filmmaker behind Man of Steel, Justice League, and Netflix's Rebel Moon is set to direct Brawler, a feature film that dives into the world of UFC, centering on a man from Los Angeles who rises through the ranks of the sport. Snyder will co-write and produce the project, and he’s he’s teaming up with some heavyweight partners with UFC president Dana White and His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and recent buyer of The Ring magazine.Snyder said in a statement: “Behind every great fighter is the story of how they got there. UFC is the world leader in combat sports and I’m honored to be partnering with them to tell this incredible story.”Snyder will write the film alongside Shay Hatten (Army of the Dead) and Kurt Johnstad (300), who will also serve as executive producers. Deborah Snyder and Wesley Coller are producing through their Stone Quarry banner, with Craig Borsari, UFC’s chief content officer, also on board as an executive producer.For Alalshikh, the project is a natural extension of his growing influence in the combat sports world.“I’ve been a fan of Zack’s work for years, his unique style — from his iconic action sequences to his sweeping visuals and intensely emotional storytelling — coupled with his humanized portrayal of deeply-flawed characters is singular,” Alalshikh said in a statement. “I couldn’t think of a better person to partner with to bring the UFC to the big screen. The Ring Magazine, with its 103-year legacy, will support to ensure the project’s success.”White, who has led UFC since 2001 and played a central role in its transformation into a global sports empire, is backing the film enthusiastically.“His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and Zack Snyder have a shared vision to create a film about UFC,” White said. “They are both very passionate about this project to show fans what it takes to become a UFC champion. It’s an incredibly ambitious project and I look forward to seeing it come to life.”While Brawler is still in early development, it’s another busy addition to Snyder’s growing slate. He’s also working on a new project for Netflix focused on the LAPD, following his previous work for the streamer, including Army of the Dead and the two-part Rebel Moon saga.This isn’t UFC’s first brush with Hollywood. The brand recently lent its identity to the Amazon MGM Road House remake, starring Jake Gyllenhaal as a former MMA fighter. But Brawler looks to go deeper, aiming to capture the grit, discipline, and personal stakes behind becoming a champion.This sounds like it could be a great project for Snyder to take on. It’s a different kind of film for him, and I hope that he manages to delelop a strong story and script for it.

Mar 31, 2025 - 18:37

Zack Snyder to Direct UFC Drama BRAWLER, Teams with Dana White and Saudi Entertainment Boss

Zack Snyder, The filmmaker behind Man of Steel, Justice League, and Netflix's Rebel Moon is set to direct Brawler, a feature film that dives into the world of UFC, centering on a man from Los Angeles who rises through the ranks of the sport.

Snyder will co-write and produce the project, and he’s he’s teaming up with some heavyweight partners with UFC president Dana White and His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and recent buyer of The Ring magazine.

Snyder said in a statement: “Behind every great fighter is the story of how they got there. UFC is the world leader in combat sports and I’m honored to be partnering with them to tell this incredible story.”

Snyder will write the film alongside Shay Hatten (Army of the Dead) and Kurt Johnstad (300), who will also serve as executive producers. Deborah Snyder and Wesley Coller are producing through their Stone Quarry banner, with Craig Borsari, UFC’s chief content officer, also on board as an executive producer.

For Alalshikh, the project is a natural extension of his growing influence in the combat sports world.

“I’ve been a fan of Zack’s work for years, his unique style — from his iconic action sequences to his sweeping visuals and intensely emotional storytelling — coupled with his humanized portrayal of deeply-flawed characters is singular,” Alalshikh said in a statement.

“I couldn’t think of a better person to partner with to bring the UFC to the big screen. The Ring Magazine, with its 103-year legacy, will support to ensure the project’s success.”

White, who has led UFC since 2001 and played a central role in its transformation into a global sports empire, is backing the film enthusiastically.

“His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and Zack Snyder have a shared vision to create a film about UFC,” White said. “They are both very passionate about this project to show fans what it takes to become a UFC champion. It’s an incredibly ambitious project and I look forward to seeing it come to life.”

While Brawler is still in early development, it’s another busy addition to Snyder’s growing slate. He’s also working on a new project for Netflix focused on the LAPD, following his previous work for the streamer, including Army of the Dead and the two-part Rebel Moon saga.

This isn’t UFC’s first brush with Hollywood. The brand recently lent its identity to the Amazon MGM Road House remake, starring Jake Gyllenhaal as a former MMA fighter. But Brawler looks to go deeper, aiming to capture the grit, discipline, and personal stakes behind becoming a champion.

This sounds like it could be a great project for Snyder to take on. It’s a different kind of film for him, and I hope that he manages to delelop a strong story and script for it.