Jake Gyllenhaal is roundhouse-kicking his way into the “Road House” canon.
The Oscar-nominated actor stars as a former UFC fighter in the reimagining of the 1989 MGM film of the same name. The original movie followed a bouncer with a mysterious past (Patrick Swayze) who overhauls a rowdy bar and takes down local corruption in the process.
The official synopsis for the remake reads: “In this adrenaline-fueled reimagining of the 80s cult classic, ex-UFC fighter Dalton (Gyllenhaal) takes a job as a bouncer at a Florida Keys roadhouse, only to discover that this paradise is not all it seems. Prepare for legendary fights, brutal bloodshed, massive explosions, epic boat chases, and jolts of mischief. Set to deliver first-rate action with some playful surprises along the way.”
We’re in.
Production on this “Road House” took place in the Dominican Republic, as well as during the UFC 285 event in Las Vegas.
Real-life UFC champion Conor McGregor co-stars alongside Gyllenhaal, with Billy Magnussen, Jessica Williams, Daniela Melchior, Lukas Gage, Joaquim de Almedia, Arturo Castro, B.K. Cannon, Beau Knapp, and Darren Barnet rounding out the cast. “Road House” is directed by Doug Liman, from a script written by Anthony Bagarozzi (“The Nice Guys”) and Charles Mondry.
“I’m thrilled to put my own spin on the beloved ‘Road House’ legacy,” Liman said in a press statement back in August, “and I can’t wait to show audiences what Jake and I are going to do with this iconic role.”
Longtime Liman collaborator Joel Silver, who produced the 1989 movie, said at the time, “The original ‘Road House’ has a special place in my heart and I am so excited to bring this newly imagined version to audiences around the world. Doug and I have each made some big, boisterous action movies and are ready to bring everything we have to this one.”
JJ Hook, Alison Winter, and Aaron Auch also serve as executive producers.
What Liman is not “thrilled” about is Amazon’s decision to forego movie theaters in favor of this “Road House” being a Prime Video exclusive. In an essay for Deadline, Liman says he signed up to make “Road House” for MGM before Amazon bought MGM. But now, despite ‘Road House’ apparently testing off the charts, Liman says Amazon is “using [his film] to sell plumbing fixtures.” Read more here.
Despite Liman’s best efforts, “Road House” premieres March 21 on Prime Video. “Road House” will also open the 2024 SXSW Film & TV Festival on March 8, 2024, marking its world premiere. Check out the trailer below.
