Snyder's UFC Fighter Film Brawler Adds Stunt Coordinator
The visionary director behind 300 and Man of Steel teams up with UFC's Dana White for an ambitious mixed martial arts movie that promises intense action and emotional storytelling.
Zack Snyder's upcoming UFC project just gained serious momentum. The director famous for 300, Man of Steel, and Rebel Moon has brought on Damon Caro as supervising stunt coordinator for Brawler, his mixed martial arts film collaboration with UFC president Dana White.
Caro brings heavyweight credentials to the production. His resume includes work on Snyder's previous hits like 300, Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Wonder Woman, and Justice League. The addition signals that Brawler is moving closer to actual filming.
High-Profile Partnership Takes Shape
The project emerged from a March 2025 announcement pairing Snyder with White and His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority. Alalshikh also owns boxing publication The Ring.
Alalshikh praised Snyder's unique approach in a statement: "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."
White called the venture "an incredibly ambitious project" focused on showing "what it takes to become a UFC champion."
Production Timeline and Creative Team
The script is complete, according to co-writer Kurt Johnstad. Speaking in May 2025, he confirmed the writing team of Snyder, himself, and Shay Hatten had finished their work. The same trio collaborated on Rebel Moon.
Johnstad revealed filming could begin by late 2025 or January 2026. "We're done writing...They're hoping to shoot maybe at the end of this year or maybe the beginning, like in January," he said.
Snyder will produce alongside his wife Deborah Snyder and Wesley Coller through Stone Quarry. Executive producers include Johnstad, Hatten, Alalshikh, and UFC's chief content officer Craig Borsari.
Casting Search and Story Details
No actors have been announced yet. Johnstad explained Snyder is seeking performers who can convincingly portray professional fighters and athletes. "He has to find somebody that either has that talent already, was a boxer, maybe a wrestler, or he's got to then train them to get them ready for the camera," Johnstad noted.
The story follows an LA fighter climbing UFC ranks toward championship glory. Snyder described it as revealing "the path and personal history behind becoming an elite mixed martial arts competitor."
Alalshikh previously compared his vision to Cinderella Man, the 2005 Russell Crowe boxing drama about heavyweight champion James J. Braddock. That film told the true story of a fighter's comeback during the Great Depression.
Female characters will appear despite the male-dominated setting. Johnstad confirmed "a couple of females" in the cast, including one "amazing" character role.
The project represents Snyder's return to original action filmmaking after his recent Netflix science fiction work. With key personnel now in place, Brawler appears ready to enter its next production phase.