Ronda Rousey isnt just the star of her own story shes the one writing it. After years in development, her biopic is officially moving forward at Netflix with director Augustine Frizzell attached to bring the project to life.
The film is based on Rouseys two memoirs, My Fight/Your Fight and Our Fight, which she co-wrote with her sister Maria Burns Ortiz. But what shocked Hollywood insiders was how quickly the project came together once Rousey took control behind the scenes.
According to Deadline, Rousey worked inside WMEs story group department to study screenwriting structure and technique. After reading dozens of scripts from other writers, she decided to write the film herself and did it in just one week. The script surprised her agents, who reportedly couldnt believe a first-time writer pulled it off so quickly.
The project, produced by Chernin Entertainment, quickly gained momentum. When it came time to find a director, everyone agreed they wanted a woman to tell Rouseys story. Frizzell, who had read both of Rouseys memoirs before even taking the meeting, impressed the team with her vision for the film. On top of that, Frizzell trains in Muay Thai, giving her a personal connection to the combat sports world that defined Rouseys rise.
Netflix already has a strong working relationship with Frizzell. Shes directing four episodes of their upcoming series The Boroughs, produced by the Duffer Brothers.
This biopic has been in the works for nearly a decade. It was originally set up at Paramount in 2015, but following multiple leadership changes at the studio, the rights lapsed. Netflix stepped in after longtime Rousey supporter Michelle Evans pushed the project forward.
What makes this adaptation different is that it incorporates Rouseys second memoir, Our Fight, which reveals new details about her life. That includes the fallout from her shocking UFC loss to Holly Holm, her mental health struggles after the defeat, a history of concussions predating her MMA career, and her complex relationship with former coach Edmond Tarverdyan.
Frizzell rose to fame with her directorial debut Never Goin Back, which premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival and earned a John Cassavetes Award nomination at the Independent Spirit Awards. She also directed the pilot for HBOs Euphoria and the Netflix/StudioCanal film The Last Letter From Your Lover.
Theres no release date for the Rousey biopic yet, but with Netflix, Chernin Entertainment, and Frizzell on board, the project is officially in motion.
Ringside News will continue to keep you updated as additional information becomes available.
What do you think of Ronda Rousey writing her own biopic script? Are you planning to watch her story play out on Netflix? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
