Former WWE and UFC star Ronda Rousey is on the verge of a new chapter in her career, as she has revealed that Netflix has offered her a deal for a biopic based on her life. Rousey, who concluded her professional wrestling career last year, has transitioned into writing, having released her memoir “Our Fight” and a graphic novel titled “Expecting the Unexpected.”
In a recent interview with TV Insider, Rousey shared insights into her journey as a writer. She explained that her passion for screenwriting led her to intern with WME executive Adam Novak. During this time, her agent informed her that Paramount had previously acquired the rights to her life story, but due to various changes within the studio, the project had stalled. Rousey learned that her life rights had expired, and she was encouraged to write her own biopic.
Rousey took this advice to heart and began working on her screenplay. She dedicated eight consecutive days to writing after completing media engagements, producing a first draft that impressed many who read it. “Everyone thought I had this ghostwriter because they thought it was so good,” she remarked. After submitting her draft to Netflix, the streaming giant responded positively and made an offer almost immediately. Rousey is currently finalizing her second draft.
The biopic is expected to draw from both of her memoirs, “My Fight/Your Fight” and “Our Fight,” which she co-wrote with her sister, Maria Burns Ortiz. The project was initially set up at Paramount in 2015, but after several regime changes, the rights lapsed, allowing Netflix to step in. Michelle Evans, a Netflix executive and longtime fan of Rousey, played a significant role in championing the project.
Rousey’s second memoir delves deeper into her life, covering her first loss to Holly Holm, her struggles with mental health, and her complex relationship with her coach, Edmond Tarverdyan. This new material adds layers to her story, making it a compelling narrative for the biopic.
What sets Rousey’s project apart is her determination to adapt the script herself, a rarity in the industry where established screenwriters typically handle such tasks. Rousey worked diligently to understand the nuances of screenwriting, receiving feedback on her work from Novak, who provided her with scripts for analysis. This rigorous process allowed her to grasp the structure and techniques necessary for crafting a screenplay.
After months of preparation, Rousey was challenged by her agents to write her life story. In just seven days, she completed a script that astonished her team, who were unaware that it was her first attempt at screenwriting. The script was then presented to Chernin Entertainment, who quickly expressed interest in producing the film.
In a strategic move, the front page of Rousey’s script was removed before it was presented to Netflix, ensuring that executives would evaluate the content without any preconceived notions. Once they finished reading, they were eager to learn the identity of the writer, and upon discovering it was Rousey, they swiftly made an offer.
While the project was initially envisioned as one in which Rousey would also star, it appears she now intends to focus solely on writing. Discussions regarding potential actors to portray her are expected to commence in the coming months.
Ronda Rousey’s journey from a celebrated athlete to a burgeoning screenwriter is a testament to her versatility and determination. As she embarks on this new venture, fans and followers are eager to see how her life story will be brought to the screen.
Source: Deadline, TV Insider
