Zack Snyder is taking his talents to the Octagon, teaming with the UFC to direct Brawler, a film about a mixed martial artist who gets his big shot at the UFC championship but is riddled with inner demons.
What are the details?
The details include Snyder and his production company, Stone Quarry, have partnered with the UFC, Dana White, and HE Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia‘s General Entertainment Authority (GAE), for Brawler.
The screenplay is being written by Snyder’s longtime collaborators Shay Hatten (Ballerina, John Wick 4, Army of the Dead) and Kurt Johnstad (300) who were also behind Snyder’s Rebel Moon. Snyder is co-writing with the pair. Hatten and Johnstad are also executive producing. Deborah Snyder and Wesley Coller will also produce through Stone Quarry, with Alalshikh and UFC Chief Content Officer Craig Borsari serving as executive producers.
What is Brawler about?
The logline for Brawler offers: “Rising from the rough streets of Los Angeles, a young fighter gets a shot at a UFC championship, battling his inner demons as he fights for redemption.”
Snyder, Alalshikh, White comment
“Behind every great fighter is the story of how they got there,” said Snyder in a statement. “UFC is the world leader in combat sports, and I’m honored to be partnering with them to tell this incredible story.”
Alalshikh, who also owns The Ring Magazine, said, “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, 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.”
UFC CEO Dana White added, “HE Turki Alalshikh and Zack Snyder have a shared vision to create a film about UFC. 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.”
Zack Snyder and Dana White comment on partnering with Turki Alalshikh to create the film BRAWLER. pic.twitter.com/zSiADhNS2S
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) March 31, 2025
Turki Alalshikh comments on partnering with Zack Snyder and UFC to create the film BRAWLER. pic.twitter.com/mUK3IzBjyP
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) March 31, 2025
Acclaimed filmmaker Zack Snyder has partnered with UFC and Turki Alalshikh to create the film BRAWLER. Snyder will direct the film and serve as a writer 🎬
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) March 31, 2025
Rising from the rough streets of Los Angeles, a young fighter gets a shot at a UFC championship, battling his inner demons… pic.twitter.com/h4GVeiMXSw
What’s next for Zack Snyder?
Recently announced, Zack Snyder marks his sixth project with Netflix on an untitled upcoming LAPD police drama series.
Snyder also released at Netflix, Rebel Moon: Part Two – The Scargiver, Rebel Moon: Part One – A Child Of Fire, Army Of The Dead, Army Of Thieves and the Twilight Of The Gods anime.
Snyder is also known for directing Justice League, Man of Steel, Watchmen, and Dawn of the Dead.
