Zack Snyder Tackles UFC Drama with New Film Brawler
Zack Snyder is set to direct Brawler, a UFC-inspired film with a star-studded team behind the scenes. Find out what’s brewing, who’s involved, and when it might hit screens.
After making waves with blockbusters like Man of Steel, Rebel Moon, and 300, Zack Snyder is gearing up for a fresh challenge: bringing the world of the UFC to the big screen. The project, titled Brawler, has been in the works since March 2025, when Snyder joined forces with UFC boss Dana White and Turki Alalshikh, the Saudi General Entertainment Authority’s chairman. Alalshikh, who also owns The Ring magazine, is throwing his support behind the film.
Recently, Damon Caro signed on as Supervising Stunt Coordinator, a familiar face from Snyder’s previous action-packed projects. Caro’s credits include 300, Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Wonder Woman, and Justice League. The production is picking up pace, with Caro’s involvement signalling a focus on high-octane fight choreography.
Production Team and Creative Vision
Alalshikh has spoken highly of Snyder’s unique approach, saying,
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 is equally enthusiastic, calling Brawler an “incredibly ambitious project” and highlighting the shared passion between Snyder and Alalshikh.
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.
The script is a collaboration between Snyder, Shay Hatten, and Kurt Johnstad, who previously teamed up on Rebel Moon. Snyder, his wife Deborah, and Wesley Coller are producing for Stone Quarry, with Johnstad, Hatten, Alalshikh, and UFC’s Craig Borsari as executive producers.
Release Timeline and Casting Hints
Brawler is still in its early days, so there’s no official release date yet. Kurt Johnstad confirmed in a May 2025 interview that the script is finished, and the team is aiming to start filming either late 2025 or early 2026.
We’re done writing…same writing team is on ‘Rebel Moon’. So, Zack, myself, and Shay Hatten. Fantastic. Great experience. They’re hoping to shoot maybe at the end of this year or maybe the beginning, like in January.
As for the cast, it’s all under wraps. No names have been floated, and it’s unclear whether Snyder will opt for big stars or fresh faces. What’s certain is that the search is on for actors who can convincingly portray professional fighters. Johnstad mentioned that Snyder is keen to find talent with real fighting backgrounds or those willing to train hard for the role.
Zack is starting to talk to actors and really just finding the right people that can, you know, pull off being kind of professional fighters and athletes.
He added,
He has to find somebody that either has that talent already, was a boxer, maybe a wrestler, or he’s got to then train them to get them ready for the camera.
There’s also word that a couple of strong female characters will feature, including one standout role.
Plot Details and Inspirations
Brawler will follow the journey of an up-and-coming UFC competitor, delving into his background and the grit required to reach the top in a fiercely competitive sport. 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 has said,
Behind every great fighter is the story of how they got there.
He’s expressed his excitement about working with the UFC, calling them the world leader in combat sports. Alalshikh has compared the project’s ambition to Cinderella Man, the 2005 film about boxing legend James J. Braddock, hinting at a similar underdog narrative.
Key Players and What’s Next
Here’s a quick rundown of the main details: Brawler is an action-sports film directed by Snyder, co-written with Johnstad and Hatten, and produced by Stone Quarry and UFC. Executive producers include Alalshikh, Johnstad, Hatten, and Borsari. With the core team in place and production gathering steam, anticipation is building among fans and industry insiders alike.
There’s still plenty we don’t know, especially about the cast, but the buzz is only growing. Who would you like to see step into the octagon for Brawler?