Zack Snyder is now teaming up with the UFC for a new championship fighter movie called Brawler. Known for his infamous director’s cuts, Snyder is behind movies such as Zack Snyder’s Justice League and 300. Most recently, he directed the two-part sci-fi series Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child Of Fire and Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver, as well as two episodes of the TV series Twilight of the Gods. As for the UFC, the American mixed martial arts company has been around since 1993 and has continued making popular programming.

Per UFC, Snyder is on board to direct the film Brawler. This film will be a collaboration between Snyder, Saudi Arabian Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority Turki Alalshikh, and the UFC. According to the logline, the movie will center around “a young fighter [who] gets a sH๏τ at a UFC championship, battling his inner demons as he fights for redemption.” Snyder will also serve as a co-writer on Brawler alongside Shay Hatten and Kurt Johnstad, both of whom also executive produce. Other producers, through Stone Quarry, include Deborah Snyder and Wesley Coller.

What This Means For UFC And Zack Snyder

This Is Another Major Combat Sport Collaboration

UFC’s deal with Snyder adds to the trend of major physical combat sports groups working with Hollywood producers. Last year, Netflix forged a partnership with the WWE, in a deal that would include the making of documentaries, unscripted series, and more. While the UFC is a separate enтιтy and not part of this deal, it is still another example of a combat sports group partnering with a major Hollywood person or group.

As for the Brawler deal, several people commented, including Snyder himself, who noted, “UFC is the world leader in combat sports, and I’m honored to be partnering with them to tell this incredible story.” The release itself was highly complimentary towards Snyder, noting his “groundbreaking approach” towards the project. This praise was mirrored by Alalshikh, saying he “couldn’t think of a better person to partner with to bring the UFC to the big screen.” Check out Alalshikh’s full quote below:

“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, 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.”

Our Take On The Brawler Movie

This Will Be Different From Snyder’s Past Work

While a notable Hollywood director, Snyder is an interesting choice for a UFC movie. While there are some exceptions, his work typically stays within the superhero and/or sci-fi realm, rather than portraying the kind of direct, hand-to-hand combat needed in a UFC-based movie. For this reason, it will be fascinating to see how Snyder adapts his style for Brawler. The UFC certainly sounds like they have a lot of faith in him, so if the movie is successful, it is possible it could lead to an ongoing partnership.

Source: UFC

Zack Snyder

Birthdate

March 1, 1966

Birthplace

Green Bay, WI, USA

Notable Projects

Dawn of the ᴅᴇᴀᴅ, 300, Watchmen, Sucker Punch, Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Zack Snyder’s Justice League, Army of the ᴅᴇᴀᴅ, Rebel Moon, Twilight of the Gods