Zack Snyder’s Brawler: Inside the UFC Film Shaking Up Hollywood

Having already left his mark with blockbusters such as Man of Steel, Rebel Moon, and 300, Zack Snyder is now turning his attention to the world of mixed martial arts. His next directorial venture, a feature centred on the UFC, has been quietly gathering momentum behind the scenes.

Production Team and Creative Forces

Word first got out in March 2025 that Snyder would be collaborating with Dana White, the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s CEO and president, on this new project. The partnership doesn’t end there: His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, who chairs Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and owns The Ring magazine, is also on board.

Recent developments have seen Damon Caro join as Supervising Stunt Coordinator. Caro’s previous credits include work on 300, Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Wonder Woman, and Justice League. The creative team is rounded out by co-writers Shay Hatten and Kurt Johnstad, both of whom have previously worked with Snyder on Rebel Moon. Deborah Snyder and Wesley Coller are producing alongside Snyder, with Johnstad, Hatten, Alalshikh, and UFC’s chief content officer Craig Borsari serving as executive producers.

Statements from Key Figures

Alalshikh, reflecting on the collaboration, remarked:

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. 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.

Dana White, meanwhile, described the film as an “incredibly ambitious project,” adding:

His Excellency 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.

Release Timeline and Casting Prospects

Although the script has been completed, with Johnstad confirming as much in a May 2025 interview, there’s no official release date yet. The team is aiming to begin filming either later in 2025 or at the start of 2026. Casting remains under wraps, with no names announced so far. According to Johnstad, Snyder is seeking actors who can convincingly portray professional fighters, ideally with a background in boxing or wrestling, or at least the willingness to undergo rigorous training.

Johnstad also hinted at the inclusion of strong female characters, despite the film’s predominantly masculine tone. He noted that there would be “a couple of females” in the story, including one particularly “amazing” role.

Plot Details and Inspirations

The narrative follows an up-and-coming fighter in Los Angeles as he battles his way through the UFC ranks, delving into his personal journey and the sacrifices required to reach the top. The official synopsis reads:

An LA fighter climbs the ranks of the UFC toward championship glory. The story reveals the path and personal history behind becoming an elite mixed martial arts competitor.

Snyder himself has said, “Behind every great fighter is the story of how they got there.” The project aims to capture the grit and determination behind the sport, with the UFC’s involvement promising an authentic portrayal of the world of mixed martial arts.

Alalshikh has previously expressed a desire for the film to evoke the spirit of Cinderella Man, the 2005 biopic about heavyweight boxing champion James J. Braddock. While the specifics remain closely guarded, the ambition is clear: to deliver a compelling, character-driven sports drama with all the spectacle one would expect from Snyder.

With the core creative team in place and anticipation building, all eyes are on Snyder’s next move as Brawler edges closer to production. The question of who will step into the ring for this much-anticipated project remains unanswered, but the excitement is palpable among fans and industry insiders alike.