Zack Snyder, the director behind hits likeWatchmen,Man of Steel, andZack Snyder’s Justice League, as well as more divisive movies like theRebel Moonfranchise, has found his next film. So, what magical, superhero world will Snyder be bringing to life in his next movie? Los Angeles. Snyder’s next film will partner the director with the UFC for a new martial arts/action thriller,Brawler. As mixed martial arts grows as a sport, movies focusing on MMA have skyrocketed in popularity. But Snyder is certainly the biggest director to step into the octagon.
Per The Hollywood Reporter,Brawlersees Zack Snyderpartner with the UFC’s CEO, Dana White,to produce the second movie ever shot in the organization’s prestigious octagon. Snyder is co-writing the film, along with Shay Hatten and Kurt Johnstad (who will also executive produce). The trio previously worked together on theRebel Moonseries and300.
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According to the report,Brawlerwill follow a young fighter “rising from the rough streets of Los Angeles to get a shot at a UFC championship.” As well as the other contenders in his division, the fighter will also have to “battle his inner demons as he fights for redemption.” An official synopsis has yet to be revealed as the film is still in development. But, the report promises “bone-breaking action scenes likely not seen before in Snyderverse superhero films” — which is saying something consideringhow violentWatchmenwas.It has not been confirmed ifBrawlerwill get a theatrical release, or if it will fall under Snyder’s ongoing deal with Netflix.
Can ‘Brawler’ Become an MMA Champion?
While the sport of mixed martial arts has only risen and risen over the past few years, attempts to translate that action on to the big screen have been less than successful.Warrior, starring Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton,still remains the undisputed pound-for-pound champ in the sub-genre, and that film was released back in 2011. The MMA/action sub-genre does include some fan-favorite contenders, like theNever Back DownandUndisputedseries of movies. But, nothing has come close to the highs ofWarrior.
WhileBrawlerwill be the first movie to put the UFC in the spotlight, it isn’t the first to include the organization.2024’sRoad House, starring Jake Gyllenhaal,made the film’s protagonist, Dalton, a retired UFC veteran. During the film’s production, videos leaked online of Gyllenhall and the crew shooting scenes during the undercard of a live UFC event.
Brawlerwill make Zack Snyder even busier as he is also working on another project as part of his Netflix deal. The director has released three films under the contract so far.Army of the Deaddebuted in 2021. Snyder then released the first two installments in the now-axedRebel Moonfranchise in 2023 and 2024, respectively. All three failed to land with critics, and received mixed reactions from audiences. Fans are hoping thatBrawlerand Snyder’s new Netflix film can put the director back on a winning streak.
