Latest news with #Brawler
Forbes
01-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Zack Snyder's New UFC Movie ‘Brawler' Could Have A Star-Studded Cast
A unique fictional story about the UFC is headed to the big screen, and the cast could include familiar faces from film and mixed martial arts. According to a statement released by Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia and owner of boxing magazine The Ring, acclaimed film director Zack Snyder (Justice League and Rebel Moon) has teamed up with UFC CEO Dana White and Alalshikh to direct Brawler, a new film. The story is about a man in pursuit of a spot on the UFC's main roster and his journey through the promotion. While the remake of Road House had some ties to the UFC based on Jake Gyllenhaal's character's (Dalton) past—and Conor McGregor served as the primary antagonist—it wasn't a movie about the UFC. Brawler appears to be a film with a story heavily rooted in the dream of reaching the UFC and the experience associated with the promotion. As of now, there's been no official news on the cast, but I do not expect to see fighters placed in the key roles of the film. However, I do believe the film will have some noteworthy cameos from people in the UFC stratosphere. Based on Snyder's history and the UFC's involvement, here are some casting concepts and people to consider. Take this as nothing more than deep-thought spitballing and fodder for conversation about an exciting film concept. Fisher has history with Snyder. The 37-year-old from Maryland played Cyborg in Justice League and Darrian Bloodaxe in Rebel Moon. Fisher has already shown his level of commitment to fitness, as he has gotten jacked to play Cyborg and other roles. Also, Snyder has shown continued support for Fisher, particularly after Joss Whedon took over the original Justice League film and clashed with Fisher. It would be easy to see Fisher de-aged a bit and placed into the lead role for the film. While he is 48 years old, Joe Manganiello would seemingly be a strong fit to play an established champion and the man Fisher's character is aiming to face and defeat. Perhaps Manganiello would be a guy who was once a mentor, but has now become an enemy. There are so many stories of gym drama associated with the UFC to pull from to add a level of familiarity. Team Alpha Male's fallout involving TJ Dillashaw, Cody Garbrandt, and Urijah Faber is perhaps the most noteworthy situation. In any case, this dynamic could be one direction for the story. There are a plethora of options for female leads in the film, but consider Sofia Boutella—someone else who has history with Snyder from Rebel Moon. Boutella is also a trained dancer and martial artist. That would seemingly make her a strong fit for the role—on top of her skills as an actress. If she's also a fighter in the film—even without being the main character—her presence would provide some spotlight on the female experience in the UFC. While this kind of thing isn't typically something we'd see White do, I'd be shocked if he didn't have a cameo or at least a couple of impact scenes in the film. It's pretty tough to imagine anyone doing an authentic film about the UFC without having White in it in some capacity. I'd also pencil in people like Jon Anik, Joe Rogan, Daniel Cormier, Megan Olivi, and possibly Michael Bisping, Paul Felder, Brendan Fitzgerald, and Laura Sanko. It depends on the way Snyder shoots the in-Octagon scenes, but traditionally there is some inclusion of commentary with modern combat sports films. The UFC's commentary teams have become synonymous with the product, and in order to convey the grandness of a UFC event, the crew would seemingly be needed. Last but not least, you can bet on Alalshikh being in the film—especially if there is an event in Saudi Arabia captured in the film. With the combat sports powerbroker involved, it would be a major surprise if he has no face time in the movie.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Zack Snyder confirmed to write and direct UFC film Brawler
Hollywood director Zack Snyder will be at the helm of an upcoming film about the UFC, titled Brawler, it has been announced. Snyder, who counts 300, Batman v Superman and Dawn Of The Dead among his films, will direct the movie, which will be made in collaboration with the UFC and Saudi adviser Turki Alalshikh. Snyder will also serve as part of the writing team for the film. The UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) is the flagship promotion in mixed martial arts, and per a press release, Brawler will depict 'a young fighter' getting a shot at a UFC title, 'rising from the rough streets of Los Angeles' and 'battling his inner demons as he fights for redemption'. Snyder, whose style has long proved divisive, said on Monday (31 March): 'Behind every great fighter is the story of how they got there. UFC is the world leader in combat sports, and I'm honoured to be partnering with them to tell this incredible story.' Meanwhile, UFC president Dana White said: '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.' Alalshikh added: '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 humanised 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.' Alalshikh has been the chief matchmaker behind most major boxing events over the past two years, and he recently partnered with White as they prepare to launch their own boxing promotion in 2026. Snyder's most recent films were Rebel Moon – Part One and Part Two in 2023 and 2024, respectively. He has been heavily involved in the DC cinematic universe over the last decade-plus, having directed the Superman film Man Of Steel in 2013 before tackling Batman v Superman (2016) and Justice League (2017). As well as Dawn Of The Dead (2004) and 300 (2006), the 59-year-old American counts Watchmen (2009) and Sucker Punch (2011) among his most famous directed works.
USA Today
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Report: Zack Snyder signs on to direct MMA movie 'Brawler' with UFC, Saudi backing
An upcoming feature film will be squarely centered on the octagon with an A-List director at the helm. Zack Snyder will direct 'Brawler,' which reportedly will be about a Los Angeles man's rise in the UFC. According to a report from Variety, Snyder will co-write the feature and produce alongside UFC CEO Dana White and Turki Alalshikh, Saudi Arabia's chair of the General Entertainment Authority. Snyder long has been a fixture at UFC events, and now he'll bring what he knows about the UFC's brand of entertainment to the big screen. 'They are both very passionate about this project to show fans what it takes to become a UFC champion,' White said in a statement published by Ring Magazine, which Alalshikh purchased in 2024. 'It's an incredibly ambitious project and I look forward to seeing it come to life.' No production, casting or release timetables have been announced for the project. Snyder made his directorial debut with 'Dawn of the Dead' more than 20 years ago and followed it with the highly acclaimed '300,' which he co-wrote. His work on the action sequences in '300' alone could serve him well directing MMA fight scenes, it could be presumed. In later years, he became a bit of a polarizing name in the industry, at least among fans who argued over his takes on DC Comics legendary characters like Superman in 'Man of Steel' and Batman. But most notably, he directed the 2017 'Justice League,' but left mid-project after the death of his daughter. He got lone directing credit, but said very little of his original cut was retained. A version of the film was put out in 2021 that is his version, and the consensus reception from fans and critics alike was far better than the original. 'Behind every great fighter is the story of how they got there,' Snyder stated. 'UFC is the world leader in combat sports and I'm honored to be partnering with them to tell this incredible story.'
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Zack Snyder confirmed to write and direct UFC film Brawler
Hollywood director Zack Snyder will be at the helm of an upcoming film about the UFC, titled Brawler, it has been announced. Snyder, who counts 300, Batman v Superman and Dawn Of The Dead among his films, will direct the movie, which will be made in collaboration with the UFC and Saudi adviser Turki Alalshikh. Snyder will also serve as part of the writing team for the film. The UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) is the flagship promotion in mixed martial arts, and per a press release, Brawler will depict 'a young fighter' getting a shot at a UFC title, 'rising from the rough streets of Los Angeles' and 'battling his inner demons as he fights for redemption'. Snyder, whose style has long proved divisive, said on Monday (31 March): 'Behind every great fighter is the story of how they got there. UFC is the world leader in combat sports, and I'm honoured to be partnering with them to tell this incredible story.' Meanwhile, UFC president Dana White said: '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.' Alalshikh added: '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 humanised 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.' 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 🎬Rising from the rough streets of Los Angeles, a young fighter gets a shot at a UFC championship, battling his inner demons… — Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) March 31, 2025 Alalshikh has been the chief matchmaker behind most major boxing events over the past two years, and he recently partnered with White as they prepare to launch their own boxing promotion in 2026. Snyder's most recent films were Rebel Moon – Part One and Part Two in 2023 and 2024, respectively. He has been heavily involved in the DC cinematic universe over the last decade-plus, having directed the Superman film Man Of Steel in 2013 before tackling Batman v Superman (2016) and Justice League (2017). As well as Dawn Of The Dead (2004) and 300 (2006), the 59-year-old American counts Watchmen (2009) and Sucker Punch (2011) among his most famous directed works.
The Independent
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Zack Snyder confirmed to write and direct UFC film Brawler
Hollywood director Zack Snyder will be at the helm of an upcoming film about the UFC, titled Brawler, it has been announced. Snyder, who counts 300, Batman v Superman and Dawn Of The Dead among his films, will direct the movie, which will be made in collaboration with the UFC and Saudi adviser Turki Alalshikh. Snyder will also serve as part of the writing team for the film. The UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) is the flagship promotion in mixed martial arts, and per a press release, Brawler will depict 'a young fighter' getting a shot at a UFC title, 'rising from the rough streets of Los Angeles' and 'battling his inner demons as he fights for redemption'. Snyder, whose style has long proved divisive, said on Monday (31 March): 'Behind every great fighter is the story of how they got there. UFC is the world leader in combat sports, and I'm honoured to be partnering with them to tell this incredible story.' Meanwhile, UFC president Dana White said: '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.' Alalshikh added: '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 humanised 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.' Alalshikh has been the chief matchmaker behind most major boxing events over the past two years, and he recently partnered with White as they prepare to launch their own boxing promotion in 2026. Snyder's most recent films were Rebel Moon – Part One and Part Two in 2023 and 2024, respectively. He has been heavily involved in the DC cinematic universe over the last decade-plus, having directed the Superman film Man Of Steel in 2013 before tackling Batman v Superman (2016) and Justice League (2017). As well as Dawn Of The Dead (2004) and 300 (2006), the 59-year-old American counts Watchmen (2009) and Sucker Punch (2011) among his most famous directed works.
