Zack Snyder has signed on to direct Brawler, a new feature centered on a Los Angeles-based fighter’s rise in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The filmmaker, known for his stylized action and emotionally charged storytelling, will also co-write and produce the project.

The film is backed by UFC president Dana White and His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia and owner of The Ring magazine.

A Visionary Filmmaker Meets the UFC

Snyder, known for directing Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Rebel Moon, brings his signature cinematic style to the world of mixed martial arts. Alongside him, Shay Hatten and Kurt Johnstad will serve as co-writers, while Deborah Snyder and Wesley Coller will co-produce under their Stone Quarry banner.

Turki Alalshikh, a key figure in the sports and entertainment industry, expressed his enthusiasm about working with Snyder. “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,” Alashikh said. “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.”

Dana White’s Support and UFC’s Expanding Reach

Dana White, who has led UFC since 2001 and transformed it into a global phenomenon, highlighted the ambition behind Brawler.

“His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and Zack Snyder have a shared vision to create a film about UFC,” said White. “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.”

Dana White, CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship gestures as he speaks during a rally for Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden, in New York, U.S., October 27, 2024. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo

Despite White’s influence in UFC’s massive growth, his leadership has not been without controversy. In 2023, he was filmed slapping his wife at a nightclub in Mexico, an incident that made headlines. White later issued an apology, but the event remains a part of his public narrative.

Snyder’s Perspective on the Story

Snyder himself emphasized the emotional and physical challenges behind a fighter’s journey.

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

UFC’s Growing Footprint in Entertainment

Since its founding in 1993, UFC has held over 700 events and merged with WWE in 2023 under the publicly traded company TKO, led by Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel. The organization has also ventured into film, lending its branding to Amazon MGM’s Road House remake, which starred Jake Gyllenhaal as a former MMA fighter.

Meanwhile, Alalshikh has played a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global sports and entertainment. A member of the Saudi Royal Court, he became the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in 2018 and has since been instrumental in bringing major boxing events to the country. In 2024, he acquired The Ring magazine, further solidifying his presence in combat sports. Beyond his sports ventures, he has also dabbled in filmmaking, writing the horror movie The Cello, which was released in 2023.

Snyder’s Expanding Portfolio

While Brawler moves forward, Snyder is also developing an untitled Netflix project focusing on the Los Angeles Police Department. His recent collaborations with the streaming giant, including Army of the Dead and the Rebel Moon saga, have demonstrated his ability to handle large-scale productions.

FAQs

What is Zack Snyder’s new movie Brawler about?

Brawler follows the journey of a Los Angeles-based fighter rising through the ranks of the UFC, showcasing the physical and emotional struggles of becoming a champion.

Who is producing Brawler?

The film is produced by Zack Snyder, Deborah Snyder, Wesley Coller, and co-written by Shay Hatten and Kurt Johnstad. His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and UFC’s Dana White are also involved.

Why is UFC President Dana White backing Brawler?

Dana White believes the film will authentically showcase the dedication and challenges of UFC fighters, calling it “an incredibly ambitious project.”

What is Turki Alalshikh’s role in Brawler?

Turki Alalshikh, Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority chairman and owner of The Ring magazine, is co-producing the film to bring an authentic MMA story to the big screen.