Ronda Rousey isn't done with Gina Carano just yet. Fresh off a lightning-fast 17-second victory over Carano in their Netflix MMA bout, Rousey is now setting her sights on a different kind of collaboration: the big screen.
In a recent interview with On3’s Brian Jones, Rousey revealed she's actively pursuing a joint movie project with Carano. “I would love to make a martial arts film with Gina,” Rousey said. “And I think that the combination of the two of us is something just unique in cinema history, and something that should be taken advantage of. And so I’m on the lookout for projects right now, and hopefully we can find something and do it together.”
It's not a far-fetched idea. Both women have substantial acting résumés. Carano appeared in Fast & Furious 6, while Rousey joined the franchise in Furious 7. Rousey has also popped up in Entourage, The Expendables 3, and Mile 22. Carano, meanwhile, made a splash as Cara Dune in The Mandalorian and appeared in Deadpool. Their paths have even crossed in the Ric Flair-backed buildup to their recent fight, which saw Rousey return to the octagon after a decade away.
Rousey’s last MMA fights before this were knockout losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes in 2015 and 2016. Carano, now 44, hadn't competed since 2009. Their Netflix clash was brief but intense, with Rousey landing a quick submission. Afterward, Rousey was reflective. “I was hoping to come out as unscathed as possible,” she told ESPN’s Brett Okamoto. “I didn’t really want to hurt her. It was beautiful martial arts, that’s what I think that was. It was art.”
Carano, for her part, underwent an incredible transformation to get back in fighting shape. She said she lost 100 pounds in preparation, calling it “the hardest thing I’ve ever done” in an Instagram post. She also shared a heartfelt note to Rousey after the loss: “I’m so glad the world got to experience this version of Ronda Rousey. I found a beautiful woman, wife, mother, daughter, sister and legend. I adore you lady.”
That mutual respect could translate into box-office chemistry. Rousey believes a joint film would be unlike anything audiences have seen. “The combination of the two of us is something just unique in cinema history,” she said. Neither has appeared in a new movie since 2022 (Carano) and 2019 (Rousey), so both are due for a comeback. Rousey hopes the fight put them back in the spotlight, opening doors for a project that could capitalize on their renewed visibility.
While the fight was over in seconds, a movie could give them a lot more screen time together. Whether it's a gritty martial arts drama or an action-packed thriller, Rousey is determined to make it happen. For now, she's scouting scripts and hoping Carano is ready to join her in front of the camera again.
