Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor is set to star in a remake of the 1989 Patrick Swayze classic Road House.
Last year, the Irishman’s co-star, Jake Gyllenhaal, made headlines when he filmed scenes for the upcoming Amazon-produced action flick at a UFC event. Since then, it’s been radio silence with little-to-no news about the project being revealed. Much of the blame for that can be placed on the lengthy SAG-AFTRA strike and the exit of longtime film producer Joel Silver who was reportedly tossed from the project after allegations of “verbal abuse” emerged.
Silver went on the record stating that the reports surrounding his termination were “irresponsible and defamatory.”
A bit of controversy is once again surrounding the film per a report from Puck News (via World of Reel) that claims Gyllenhaal and his team are “pissed” at the production company’s decision to take the film straight to digital, foregoing a theatrical release.
News of the demotion came shortly after Amazon’s top dog Jeff Bezos watched the film at a private screening, though much of the blame for the new release strategy has been attributed to Amazon Studios head Jennifer Salke.
Take Two: A totally jacked Jake Gyllenhaal does his best UFC fighter impression while filming a scene for the upcoming "Road House" remake featuring Conor McGregor. 🎬
Full story: https://t.co/IJAErEZdzT pic.twitter.com/ZWpFJ3HZ8u
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) March 4, 2023
Road House is Expected to Release in Early 2024
Fans hoping to see their favorite Irish fighter on the big screen will have to settle for seeing the flick from the comfort of their own homes. Luckily, it sounds like they won’t have to wait much longer.
“‘Road House’ is a homerun for us,” Salke said in a press statement. “Not only is it a nod to fans of the original, but it is also a big, fun, broad audience movie. We are thrilled to collaborate with Joel, Doug, and this great cast led by Jake Gyllenhaal, and for them to come together to reimagine the classic MGM film as an action-packed adventure for our global audience.”
Director Doug Liman added, “I’m thrilled to put my own spin on the beloved ‘Road House’ legacy. And I can’t wait to show audiences what Jake and I are going to do with this iconic role.”
Road House will premiere on Amazon Prime Video in early 2024, though an exact date is yet to be announced.
