Zack Snyder has conquered ancient Greece, battled the undead, and even made Batman throw hands with Superman. Now, he’s stepping into the octagon with a UFC film. The DCEU director, known for his cinematic style, is teaming up with the mixed martial arts company to helm Brawler, a film that promises bone-crunching, sweat-drenched, slow-motion-infused fight sequences that could make 300 look like a warm-up session.
According to the film’s logline, Zack Snyder’s Brawler follows a young fighter clawing his way up from the rough streets of Los Angeles to earn a shot at UFC glory. But, of course, it’s not just about the battles inside the cage—he’ll also be fighting his inner demons, because what’s a sports drama without a little personal redemption? If Snyder brings his signature visual flair and, more importantly, gets a strong writing team on board, this could be something special. After all, storytelling has never been the Batman v Superman director’s strongest suit, but his action sequences? Unmatched.
The project marks the UFC’s latest foray into immersive entertainment. In September 2024, UFC CEO Dana White transformed the Sphere in Las Vegas into a combat sports spectacle, utilizing its 160,000-square-foot curved LED screen for a live sporting event. Now, they’re betting on Zack Snyder to bring that same level of spectacle to the big screen with Brawler.
Snyder won’t just be directing—he’s also co-writing Brawler with executive producers Shay Hatten and Kurt Johnstad. The latter previously worked with Snyder on 300 and the Rebel Moon movies, so expect plenty of stylized, brutal combat. Producing the film under their Stone Quarry banner are Snyder, his wife and longtime producing partner, Deborah Snyder, and Wesley Coller. UFC’s chief content officer Craig Borsari and Saudi investor Turki Alalshikh are on board as executive producers.
“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,” Zack Snyder said in a statement about Brawler.
Meanwhile, the Snyders’ Stone Quarry is also developing an untitled LAPD project for Netflix, adding to their slate after Rebel Moon, Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver, and Army of the Dead. With the Rebel Moon films receiving lukewarm responses (some would say outright flopping), Brawler could be Snyder’s shot at redemption. He’s the guy who gave us Watchmen, 300, and Dawn of the Dead—all considered classics. A return to form is exactly what his fans (and maybe even his critics) are hoping for.
While many still dream of him returning to DC, it looks like Snyder is moving forward, and maybe that’s for the best. If Brawler delivers, it could prove that Zack Snyder’s talents are better suited outside the superhero genre. Matched with the right script, he just might land another knockout film.
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