Zack Snyder’s Brawler: UFC Movie Details, Cast, and Release Updates

After making waves with films like Man of Steel, Rebel Moon, and 300, Zack Snyder is preparing to step into the world of mixed martial arts with a new movie centered on the UFC. The project, first announced in March 2025, brings together Snyder, UFC president Dana White, and Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and owner of The Ring magazine.

Production Team and Creative Vision

Recently, Damon Caro joined the production as Supervising Stunt Coordinator, adding his expertise from previous collaborations with Snyder on titles such as 300, Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Wonder Woman, and Justice League. The film, currently titled Brawler, is moving closer to production, with Caro’s involvement signaling a focus on dynamic action sequences.

Alalshikh expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating,

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 echoed this excitement, calling Brawler an

incredibly ambitious project

and highlighting the shared vision between Alalshikh and Snyder to showcase what it takes to become a UFC champion.

Script, Release Timeline, and Casting

The screenplay for Brawler is a collaboration between Snyder, Shay Hatten, and Kurt Johnstad, the same team behind Rebel Moon. Snyder will also produce alongside Deborah Snyder and Wesley Coller for Stone Quarry, with Johnstad, Hatten, Alalshikh, and UFC’s Craig Borsari serving as executive producers.

While there’s no official release date yet, Johnstad confirmed in a May 2025 interview that the script is complete and the team aims to start filming by late 2025 or early 2026. Casting details remain under wraps, but Snyder is reportedly seeking actors who can convincingly portray professional fighters or athletes. Johnstad mentioned that the search is focused on individuals with real fighting backgrounds or those willing to undergo extensive training for the role. He also hinted at the inclusion of strong female characters, despite the film’s male-driven narrative.

Plot and Inspiration

Brawler will follow the journey of an up-and-coming fighter in Los Angeles as he rises through the UFC ranks, exploring his personal history and the challenges of reaching the top in a fiercely competitive sport. The official synopsis describes the story as:

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 emphasized the importance of the fighters’ backstories, stating,

Behind every great fighter is the story of how they got there.

He expressed his honor in working with the UFC to bring this narrative to the screen.

Alalshikh has compared the project’s ambition to that of Cinderella Man, the 2005 film chronicling the life of boxing champion James J. Braddock. The goal is to create a compelling, character-driven sports drama that resonates with audiences beyond the octagon.

Key Players and Anticipation

Key figures involved in Brawler include Snyder as director, Hatten and Johnstad as co-writers, and a production team featuring Deborah Snyder, Wesley Coller, and executive producers Alalshikh and Borsari. The film is being produced by The Stone Quarry in partnership with the UFC.

With production ramping up and anticipation building, Brawler is shaping up to be one of Snyder’s most intense and ambitious projects yet. While many details remain closely guarded, the collaboration between Snyder, White, and Alalshikh is generating significant buzz among fans and industry insiders alike.