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In an inspiring career pivot, Ronda Rousey, the former UFC champion and WWE star, has undertaken the challenge of adapting her own life story into a screenplay for Netflix, per Deadline. The streaming giant has grabbed the rights to her biopic, which draws from her memoirs “My Fight/Your Fight” and the more recent “Our Fight,” co-written with her sister, Maria Burns Ortiz.
Rousey’s transition to screenwriting marks a significant shift, showcasing her determination to tell her story her way. Initially set up at Paramount in 2015, the project lost momentum due to studio changes until Netflix, spurred by executive Michelle Evans, a longtime admirer of Rousey, revived the project.
From Fighter to Writer
The uniqueness of this project lies in Rousey's hands-on approach to crafting the script—a rare move in an industry where veteran screenwriters typically handle biopics. She immersed herself in the screenwriting process, working closely with Adam Novak, a seasoned executive from WME’s story department. Novak provided Ronda Rousey with critical feedback on numerous scripts, helping her master the craft’s structural and technical aspects.
This educational journey through script coverage—often viewed as a rudimentary task within Hollywood—mirrored the rigorous training regimens of her athletic career. Rousey's commitment to learning and refining her writing skills speaks volumes about her dedication to authenticity and excellence.
The new memoir, “Our Fight,” delves into more personal and challenging aspects of her life, including her devastating loss to Holly Holm, battles with mental health, and the complexities of her relationships both in and outside the ring. These themes are expected to be central to the screenplay, providing a deeper look into the struggles and triumphs that have defined her.
A Strategic Script Reveal
In a strategic move that underscores the project’s unique nature, insiders revealed that the cover page of the script was removed before Netflix executives reviewed it. This ensured that the initial judgments were based solely on the script's merits without any biases towards Rousey’s celebrity status. The reveal that Rousey was the scriptwriter only after the executives had reviewed the work underscores the quality of her writing and the compelling nature of her story.
Rousey's foray into screenwriting is not just a personal victory but a bold statement in an industry that often typecasts individuals. By taking control of her narrative and the portrayal of her life, Ronda Rousey continues to redefine her boundaries and capabilities, promising a biopic that is as unflinchingly honest and bold as she is.
Looking Ahead
As “The Fantastic Four” gears up for production this summer, fans of Rousey and the MCU alike are eager to see the depth and complexity she brings to her undisclosed role. With a release date set for July 25, 2025, the anticipation is building not only for her performance but for how her off-screen endeavors, like screenwriting, may color her future roles.
Furthermore, Rousey's journey from Olympic rings to the wrestling ring, and now to the scripted pages of a Netflix biopic, continues to inspire. Her evolution from an athlete and entertainer to a storyteller highlights her relentless pursuit of new challenges and her desire to impact the world beyond the physical feats attached to her name.
