Latest news with #Brawler
Elle
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
Exclusive: Lauren Groff Reveals Her Next Book, the Short Story Collection ‘Brawler'
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Seven years have passed since the three-time National Book Award-nominated author Lauren Groff last published a short story collection: the beloved, Story Prize-winning Florida. In the near-decade since, she has published two additional novels—Matrix and The Vaster Wilds—and opened The Lynx, a bookstore in Gainesville, Florida. She's served as a chair for the National Book Award for fiction and edited The Best American Short Stories anthology. Last year, she was named one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People of the year. A letter from former President Obama hangs in her office. She reads hundreds of books a year and has provided many of her colleagues with glowing blurbs for those books. In other words, Groff is not only one of our 'finest living writers,' as fellow author Hernan Diaz put it to The New York Times; she's also one of our finest and most beloved literary citizens. So it's a relief to know that, in the midst of her ever-growing to-do list, coupled with the shifting gears of modern publishing, Groff has far from abandoned the short-story form. On Feb. 24, 2026, Riverhead Books will publish her next book, a story collection named Brawler. Groff says she's been working on Brawler for a number of years now, having pulled a few of its nine stories from as far back as 2016. Organizing each piece meant considering the collection's connective tissue: Despite its sprawling territory—Brawler jumps from Florida to California to New England and beyond, refusing to stay settled in any one place or time, or with any one cast of characters—the book feels neatly and distinctly of a kind. 'As I'm writing, I don't have much control over which stories come to me with urgency,' Groff says. 'But I do have control over the selection of the stories and the way that they speak to one another. The first story offers questions that are then modified as the stories go on—they're shifted, they're moved, they're seen in a different light. And then the last story has possibly the hardest job, which is to take all the questions that have been asked throughout the story collection, and fragment them, right? I fragment them outward, and create a sense of backwards cohesion.' Brawler's assembled stories follow a mother and her children attempting to flee an abusive husband; a young woman newly responsible for her disabled sibling; a talented but angry swimmer awash in her parent's pain; a group of old classmates gathered to say goodbye to their dying friend; a stunted business scion yearning to make the woman he's fallen for 'presentable' to his family; and more. Each piece brushes up against, as Groff puts it, 'the violence that lurks within familial spaces,' which echo within the 'larger moments of cultural violence that I think we've been in for a very long time.' She continues, 'I was thinking about a lot of the hidden loves and the hidden costs of family—a lot of the secrets that we keep from one another.' The cover features the titular 'brawler' from Groff's story of the same name, first published in The New Yorker in 2019. 'Brawler' became the title of the collection after Groff's literary agent, Bill Clegg, suggested it. 'He was like, 'Of course you're going to call it Brawler,'' Groff says, laughing. 'And I don't know about you, but right now I feel like we need to fight. There's a lot of laser-like rage happening now, and so, of course, it would make sense to have a book called Brawler out.' Brawler's official artwork—designed by Jaya Miceli and featuring the swimmer in black-and-white, her reflection mirrored in an inky blue pool—was immediately Groff's favorite of the options Riverhead sent her. 'It was the one that I gasped when I saw it,' Groff says. 'I was a swimmer, and I have so much love for this girl. I love the way that her swim cap fades into the water, and the way that, if you turn the image upside down, it's a completely different book. It kind of takes your breath away.' As a writer, a bookseller, and the aforementioned literary citizen, Groff insists that the breathtaking nature of such art is, in fact, an issue she considers 'morally urgent.' That's what keeps her returning not only to her novels, but to the creation and curation of her short stories. 'There are times,' she says, 'that I feel unequal to the task of writing in this world because, with the gravity of everything that's going on, you can trick yourself into believing that it's not important, right? Or that it's not important enough to meet with your full soul, because there are people suffering.' To that idea, she responds with a quote from the William Carlos Williams poem 'Asphodel, That Greeny Flower': 'It is difficult / to get the news from poems / yet men die miserably every day / for lack / of what is found there.' Groff continues, 'I do feel very deeply that loving attention to the soul—which is what art is—is just as important, if not more so, than constant attention to the news or to Bluesky or to Instagram. I'm not saying that an individual soul can heal the world,' she concludes. 'But I am saying that, if we collectively paid more attention to our own particular souls, possibly the world would be better than it is now.'Brawler is out from Riverhead Books on Feb. 24, 2026.
Forbes
01-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Zack Snyder's New UFC Movie ‘Brawler' Could Have A Star-Studded Cast
A unique fictional story about the UFC is headed to the big screen, and the cast could include familiar faces from film and mixed martial arts. According to a statement released by Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia and owner of boxing magazine The Ring, acclaimed film director Zack Snyder (Justice League and Rebel Moon) has teamed up with UFC CEO Dana White and Alalshikh to direct Brawler, a new film. The story is about a man in pursuit of a spot on the UFC's main roster and his journey through the promotion. While the remake of Road House had some ties to the UFC based on Jake Gyllenhaal's character's (Dalton) past—and Conor McGregor served as the primary antagonist—it wasn't a movie about the UFC. Brawler appears to be a film with a story heavily rooted in the dream of reaching the UFC and the experience associated with the promotion. As of now, there's been no official news on the cast, but I do not expect to see fighters placed in the key roles of the film. However, I do believe the film will have some noteworthy cameos from people in the UFC stratosphere. Based on Snyder's history and the UFC's involvement, here are some casting concepts and people to consider. Take this as nothing more than deep-thought spitballing and fodder for conversation about an exciting film concept. Fisher has history with Snyder. The 37-year-old from Maryland played Cyborg in Justice League and Darrian Bloodaxe in Rebel Moon. Fisher has already shown his level of commitment to fitness, as he has gotten jacked to play Cyborg and other roles. Also, Snyder has shown continued support for Fisher, particularly after Joss Whedon took over the original Justice League film and clashed with Fisher. It would be easy to see Fisher de-aged a bit and placed into the lead role for the film. While he is 48 years old, Joe Manganiello would seemingly be a strong fit to play an established champion and the man Fisher's character is aiming to face and defeat. Perhaps Manganiello would be a guy who was once a mentor, but has now become an enemy. There are so many stories of gym drama associated with the UFC to pull from to add a level of familiarity. Team Alpha Male's fallout involving TJ Dillashaw, Cody Garbrandt, and Urijah Faber is perhaps the most noteworthy situation. In any case, this dynamic could be one direction for the story. There are a plethora of options for female leads in the film, but consider Sofia Boutella—someone else who has history with Snyder from Rebel Moon. Boutella is also a trained dancer and martial artist. That would seemingly make her a strong fit for the role—on top of her skills as an actress. If she's also a fighter in the film—even without being the main character—her presence would provide some spotlight on the female experience in the UFC. While this kind of thing isn't typically something we'd see White do, I'd be shocked if he didn't have a cameo or at least a couple of impact scenes in the film. It's pretty tough to imagine anyone doing an authentic film about the UFC without having White in it in some capacity. I'd also pencil in people like Jon Anik, Joe Rogan, Daniel Cormier, Megan Olivi, and possibly Michael Bisping, Paul Felder, Brendan Fitzgerald, and Laura Sanko. It depends on the way Snyder shoots the in-Octagon scenes, but traditionally there is some inclusion of commentary with modern combat sports films. The UFC's commentary teams have become synonymous with the product, and in order to convey the grandness of a UFC event, the crew would seemingly be needed. Last but not least, you can bet on Alalshikh being in the film—especially if there is an event in Saudi Arabia captured in the film. With the combat sports powerbroker involved, it would be a major surprise if he has no face time in the movie.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Zack Snyder confirmed to write and direct UFC film Brawler
Hollywood director Zack Snyder will be at the helm of an upcoming film about the UFC, titled Brawler, it has been announced. Snyder, who counts 300, Batman v Superman and Dawn Of The Dead among his films, will direct the movie, which will be made in collaboration with the UFC and Saudi adviser Turki Alalshikh. Snyder will also serve as part of the writing team for the film. The UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) is the flagship promotion in mixed martial arts, and per a press release, Brawler will depict 'a young fighter' getting a shot at a UFC title, 'rising from the rough streets of Los Angeles' and 'battling his inner demons as he fights for redemption'. Snyder, whose style has long proved divisive, said on Monday (31 March): 'Behind every great fighter is the story of how they got there. UFC is the world leader in combat sports, and I'm honoured to be partnering with them to tell this incredible story.' Meanwhile, UFC president Dana White said: 'Turki Alalshikh and Zack Snyder have a shared vision to create a film about UFC. 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.' Alalshikh added: '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 humanised 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.' Alalshikh has been the chief matchmaker behind most major boxing events over the past two years, and he recently partnered with White as they prepare to launch their own boxing promotion in 2026. Snyder's most recent films were Rebel Moon – Part One and Part Two in 2023 and 2024, respectively. He has been heavily involved in the DC cinematic universe over the last decade-plus, having directed the Superman film Man Of Steel in 2013 before tackling Batman v Superman (2016) and Justice League (2017). As well as Dawn Of The Dead (2004) and 300 (2006), the 59-year-old American counts Watchmen (2009) and Sucker Punch (2011) among his most famous directed works.
USA Today
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Report: Zack Snyder signs on to direct MMA movie 'Brawler' with UFC, Saudi backing
An upcoming feature film will be squarely centered on the octagon with an A-List director at the helm. Zack Snyder will direct 'Brawler,' which reportedly will be about a Los Angeles man's rise in the UFC. According to a report from Variety, Snyder will co-write the feature and produce alongside UFC CEO Dana White and Turki Alalshikh, Saudi Arabia's chair of the General Entertainment Authority. Snyder long has been a fixture at UFC events, and now he'll bring what he knows about the UFC's brand of entertainment to the big screen. 'They are both very passionate about this project to show fans what it takes to become a UFC champion,' White said in a statement published by Ring Magazine, which Alalshikh purchased in 2024. 'It's an incredibly ambitious project and I look forward to seeing it come to life.' No production, casting or release timetables have been announced for the project. Snyder made his directorial debut with 'Dawn of the Dead' more than 20 years ago and followed it with the highly acclaimed '300,' which he co-wrote. His work on the action sequences in '300' alone could serve him well directing MMA fight scenes, it could be presumed. In later years, he became a bit of a polarizing name in the industry, at least among fans who argued over his takes on DC Comics legendary characters like Superman in 'Man of Steel' and Batman. But most notably, he directed the 2017 'Justice League,' but left mid-project after the death of his daughter. He got lone directing credit, but said very little of his original cut was retained. A version of the film was put out in 2021 that is his version, and the consensus reception from fans and critics alike was far better than the original. 'Behind every great fighter is the story of how they got there,' Snyder stated. 'UFC is the world leader in combat sports and I'm honored to be partnering with them to tell this incredible story.'
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Zack Snyder confirmed to write and direct UFC film Brawler
Hollywood director Zack Snyder will be at the helm of an upcoming film about the UFC, titled Brawler, it has been announced. Snyder, who counts 300, Batman v Superman and Dawn Of The Dead among his films, will direct the movie, which will be made in collaboration with the UFC and Saudi adviser Turki Alalshikh. Snyder will also serve as part of the writing team for the film. The UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) is the flagship promotion in mixed martial arts, and per a press release, Brawler will depict 'a young fighter' getting a shot at a UFC title, 'rising from the rough streets of Los Angeles' and 'battling his inner demons as he fights for redemption'. Snyder, whose style has long proved divisive, said on Monday (31 March): 'Behind every great fighter is the story of how they got there. UFC is the world leader in combat sports, and I'm honoured to be partnering with them to tell this incredible story.' Meanwhile, UFC president Dana White said: 'Turki Alalshikh and Zack Snyder have a shared vision to create a film about UFC. 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.' Alalshikh added: '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 humanised 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.' Acclaimed filmmaker Zack Snyder has partnered with UFC and Turki Alalshikh to create the film BRAWLER. Snyder will direct the film and serve as a writer 🎬Rising from the rough streets of Los Angeles, a young fighter gets a shot at a UFC championship, battling his inner demons… — Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) March 31, 2025 Alalshikh has been the chief matchmaker behind most major boxing events over the past two years, and he recently partnered with White as they prepare to launch their own boxing promotion in 2026. Snyder's most recent films were Rebel Moon – Part One and Part Two in 2023 and 2024, respectively. He has been heavily involved in the DC cinematic universe over the last decade-plus, having directed the Superman film Man Of Steel in 2013 before tackling Batman v Superman (2016) and Justice League (2017). As well as Dawn Of The Dead (2004) and 300 (2006), the 59-year-old American counts Watchmen (2009) and Sucker Punch (2011) among his most famous directed works.
