Jim Uhls

Jim Uhls
Born	(1957-03-25) March 25, 1957 (age 68) Missouri, U.S.
Occupation	Screenwriter, script doctor
Nationality	American
Education	Drake University (BFA) UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television (MFA)
Notable works	Fight Club (1999)
Spouse	Yalda T. Uhls

James "Jim" Uhls (born March 25, 1957) is an American screenwriter, best known for writing the screenplay for the film Fight Club (1999), directed by David Fincher.^[1] His other major credits include the science fiction film Jumper (2008) and the television film Semper Fi.

Early life and education

Uhls graduated from Drake University in 1979 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in theatre.^[2] Following his undergraduate studies, he attended the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, where he earned a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in its screenwriting program.

Career

Fight Club

Uhls's breakthrough came when he was hired to adapt Chuck Palahniuk's novel Fight Club for the screen. The adaptation process was extensive; Uhls worked closely with Fincher for over a year to translate the novel's complex, non-linear narrative and internal monologue into a workable script. One of the most significant changes from the novel was the introduction of a new, more cinematic ending, a decision made with the blessing of Palahniuk.^[3] Upon its release, Fight Club was met with a polarized critical reception but has since become a widely acclaimed cult classic.^[4]

Later work

Following the success of Fight Club, Uhls co-wrote the screenplay for the science fiction action film Jumper (2008), directed by Doug Liman and starring Hayden Christensen.^[5] Uhls also developed, wrote, and executive produced Semper Fi, a drama series for Fox.^[6]

Uhls has also been attached to several high-profile projects, including an adaptation of the pulp novel series The Destroyer for director Shane Black and Sony Pictures.^[7]

Teaching

In addition to his screenwriting work, Uhls frequently serves as a guest lecturer and instructor. He has taught at his alma mater, UCLA, as well as for the Austin Film Festival.^[8][9]

Personal life

Uhls is married to Dr. Yalda T. Uhls, an author and researcher in child psychology and media at UCLA.^[10][11]

Filmography

Film

• Fight Club (1999)
• Semper Fi (2001) (Television pilot)
• The Scorned (film) (2005) (Television film)
• Jumper (2008) (Co-writer)

References

1. "Screenwriter JIM UHLS on Writing FIGHT CLUB". AMFM Magazine.tv. March 17, 2021.
2. Staff (June 24, 2016). "In memory of 'Doc,' endless possibilities". news.drake.edu. Drake University. Retrieved September 5, 2019.
3. Magazine, Storius (October 4, 2020). "Fight Club Turns 20: Interview with the Film's Screenwriter Jim Uhls". Medium.
4. "In Defense of 'Fight Club'". Vice. October 15, 2019. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
5. Dargis, Manohla (February 14, 2008). "Time-Space Continuum? No Big Deal. And the Swag..." The New York Times.
6. "Semper Fi". Amblin. Retrieved September 5, 2025.
7. "Shane Black to Direct 'The Destroyer' for Sony". The Hollywood Reporter. August 21, 2014. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
8. "First Round of 2013 Panelists!". Austin Film Festival. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
9. "UCLA TFT students excel at writing science fact". UCLA Newsroom. November 1, 2018. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
10. "FIGHT CLUB, THE LEVIATHAN Teaser & More with Screenwriter Jim Uhls". YouTube. Antidote. February 22, 2016. Retrieved August 14, 2025. He is married to Yalda Tehranian.
11. "Yalda T. Uhls • UCLA Department of Psychology". UCLA Department of Psychology. Retrieved September 3, 2025.

External links

• Jim Uhls at IMDb