In an exciting new venture, acclaimed director Zack Snyder is partnering with the UFC and Turki Alalshikh, the Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GAE), to create the highly anticipated fighter drama Brawler. Known for his work on blockbuster hits such as Justice League and Man of Steel, Snyder will take on the dual roles of director and co-writer for this project, collaborating with talented writers and executive producers Shay Hatten, known for Ballerina, and Kurt Johnstad, famed for 300. Both Hatten and Johnstad have previously worked with Snyder on his recent space opera, Rebel Moon.
The film Brawler promises to deliver a gripping narrative, centered around a young fighter rising from the tough streets of Los Angeles. As he prepares for a shot at a UFC championship, he must confront his inner demons in a quest for redemption. This compelling story highlights the struggles and triumphs that define the journey of an aspiring UFC champion.
Producing the film will be Deborah Snyder and Wesley Coller through their production company, Stone Quarry. They are joined by Alalshikh and UFC Chief Content Officer Craig Borsari, who will also serve as executive producers for the project. Snyder expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “Behind every great fighter is the story of how they got there. UFC is the world leader in combat sports, and I’m honored to be partnering with them to tell this incredible story.”
As the driving force behind Saudi Arabia’s sports and entertainment strategy, Alalshikh plays a pivotal role in the development of the country’s entertainment sector. His leadership in the General Entertainment Authority, established in 2016, aligns with Saudi Arabia's 2030 vision plan, which aims to diversify the economy beyond oil dependence. Additionally, since 2024, Alalshikh has been the owner of the renowned boxing publication, Ring Magazine, which will lend its legacy to the film's success.
Alalshikh shared his admiration for Snyder, stating, “I’ve been a fan of Zack’s work for years. His unique style — from iconic action sequences to sweeping visuals and intensely emotional storytelling — is singular. I couldn’t think of a better person to partner with to bring the UFC to the big screen.” The collaboration aims to capture the essence of what it takes to be a UFC champion.
UFC CEO Dana White also expressed his excitement for the project, highlighting the shared vision between Alalshikh and Snyder. “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,” White said.
Recent productions from Snyder and his team at Stone Quarry include Rebel Moon: Part Two – The Scargiver, Rebel Moon: Part One – A Child Of Fire, Army Of The Dead, and Army Of Thieves. They are also currently developing an untitled LAPD project for Netflix, marking their fourth creative partnership with the streaming giant.
As anticipation builds for Brawler, fans of both the UFC and Snyder’s cinematic storytelling can look forward to an inspiring portrayal of the fighter’s journey to greatness. Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling collaboration!
