Alex Pereira Brought His Fighting Presence to A24’s
Alex Pereira’s casting in Adam Wingard’s Onslaught was reported in October 2024, adding a major film role to his UFC career. A24 subsequently listed the fighter among the cast of the action film released theatrically on September 4, 2026.
A villainous role followed the championship run
MMA Fighting confirmed the casting after an initial Hollywood Reporter report. Pereira was expected to portray The Butcher, a dangerous figure at the center of the film’s threat.
The role was announced shortly after Pereira defeated Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307. That victory had completed his third successful light heavyweight championship defense of 2024.
Wingard and Barrett built the project
Wingard directed the film from a screenplay by Simon Barrett, his longtime collaborator. Earlier reporting connected its style with the action and horror elements of their previous work.
The story follows an Army sniper, played by Adria Arjona, protecting her daughter when genetically engineered soldiers escape in the desert. The premise provided a screen setting for Pereira’s imposing physical presence.
A24 confirmed the finished film’s cast
The studio’s listing included Arjona, Dan Stevens, Eric Wareheim, Reginald VelJohnson, Michael Biehn, Pereira, Drew Starkey and Rebecca Hall. A24 also gave the film a running time of one hour and thirty-two minutes.
The 2026 listing moved the story beyond the original casting announcement. Pereira’s participation became part of a completed film release, following the initial move from championship fighting into a substantial acting assignment.
Sources
- MMA Fighting: casting confirmation, role and UFC context
- A24: director, writer, synopsis, cast, running time and release date
