The highly anticipated remake of the ’80s classic action movieRoad HousestaringPatrick Swayzehas finally been given a new look asJake Gyllenhaalenters the ring, ready for action. Gyllenhaal will star in the lead role of James Dalton, alongside UFC superstarConor McGregorin an undisclosed role. Prime Video recentlyunveiled a video montagefor its upcoming 2024 movie and TV projects likeRoad House— which has been given a March 2024 release date. This follows news of reports that, despiteRoad Housetesting well with audiences and previous producerJoel Silver’s push for a theatrical release, the studio has opted for a streaming premiere instead. PerVariety, Silver was fired from the film due to verbally abusive misconduct, which could have played into the studio’s decision to go against his wishes for a theatrical release.
The remake aims to stay close to the original source material, asthe plotfollows James Dalton, a former UFC fighter who takes a job as a bouncer at a crowded, rowdy bar in Florida. A gig that initially seems like paradise proves to be more than he realized, as the film leans into the violent and brutal nature of UFC fights. Aside from Gyllenhaal and McGregor, theRoad Housecast includesDaniela Melchior(Fast X) as Ellie,Joaquim de Almedia(Fast Five) as Sheriff Black,Billy Magnussen(Into the Woods),Lukas Gage(The White Lotus),Darren Barnett(Never Have I Ever), andBeau Knapp(Death Wish) in various undisclosed roles.
Gyllenhaal is no stranger to stepping into the ring for a role. In 2015, the actor portrayed champion boxer fighter Billy Hope inSouthpawoppositeForest Whitaker,Rachel McAdams, andNaomie Harris. PerMen’s Health, Gyllenhaal put on 15lbs of pure muscle by “working out for six hours a day for six months”. The actor has pushed himself to the limit in other fast-paced projects, such asGuy Ritchie’s 2023 army filmThe Covenant, where Gyllenhaal portrays the deadly Master Sgt. John Kinley. Clearly, the actor isn’t afraid to put in the work to completely transform his body for a role.
During filming forRoad House, Gyllenhaal made a surprise appearance in March at theUFC 285 event in Las Vegas. The actor was in tip-top shape for his outing as he took part in a fictional fight against UFC veteranJay Hieron. They delighted fans as the two powerhouses acted out a coordinated fight scene during intermission to a jam-packed crowd in the MGM Grand. It’s likely that Gyllenhaal received a few tips from his co-star, McGregor, as he is a major (and sometimes controversial) figure in the world of UFC.Road HousemarksMcGregor’s first major acting gigwith his spokesperson,Karen Kesslersharing, “Conor McGregor is very excited to expand his storied career to Hollywood and join with Jake Gyllenhaal in this re-imagining of “Road House,” a beloved classic.”
Road Houseis set to debut on August 02, 2025. Check out the first look below: