Road House release date, cast, plot, and everything we know about the famous remake. In this remarkable remake of a Patrick Swayze classic, both Jake Gyllenhaal and Conor McGregor are stars.
Road House Release Date
The iconic 1989 film “Road House,” renowned for its unique blend of so-bad-it’s-good charm, starring Patrick Swayze as the formidable bouncer Dalton, is set for a remake. After three and a half decades, this cult classic will be reimagined with a release slated for spring 2024. The remake has enlisted Doug Liman, known for his work on “Edge of Tomorrow,” as director, promising a fresh take on the beloved story.
Jake Gyllenhaal is set to step into Swayze’s shoes as Dalton, bringing his own star power to the role of the cooler with a mysterious past tasked with cleaning up the notorious Double Deuce club in Jasper, Missouri. Adding to the excitement, UFC superstar Conor McGregor will also join the cast, playing a significant role that remains to be disclosed.
While it remains to be seen whether the remake will capture the original’s blend of martial arts action and its distinctively over-the-top elements, the collaboration between Liman and Gyllenhaal holds promise. This updated “Road House” aims to reinterpret the classic for a new generation, potentially delivering a hit by combining contemporary filmmaking with the essence of what made the original so memorable.
Does This Film Have a Release Date?
The “Road House” remake is scheduled for release on March 21, 2024, marking 35 years since the original film’s debut and 18 years following the less celebrated direct-to-DVD “Road House 2.” The movie is poised for its world premiere at the 2024 edition of the South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival in Austin, Texas, offering a platform for the new iteration to captivate audiences and critics alike at a prominent event celebrating film, music, and digital innovation.
Will Road House Have a Theatrical Release
Despite the efforts of producers Joel Silver, Doug Liman, and Jake Gyllenhaal to secure a theatrical release following positive test screenings, the “Road House” remake will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in March 2024. Amazon MGM Studios, initially known for giving films like “Manchester by the Sea” and “The Big Sick” exclusive theatrical runs, shifted many of their releases directly to the streaming platform due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although there has been a recent strategy change with films like Ben Affleck’s “Air” and Emerald Fennell’s “Saltburn” receiving exclusive theatrical releases, the “Road House” remake will not follow this path and is set to debut directly on Prime Video.
What Is the Film About?
The official synopsis of the film reads;
“In this adrenaline-fueled reimagining of the 80s cult classic, ex-UFC fighter Dalton (Jake Gyllenhaal) takes a job as a bouncer at a Florida Keys roadhouse, only to discover that this paradise is not all it seems.”
In the upcoming “Road House” remake, Jake Gyllenhaal takes on the role of Elwood Dalton, a character with a past as a UFC fighter who finds himself managing the security of a tumultuous bar in the Florida Keys. The narrative quickly unfolds to reveal the deceptive calm of this supposed paradise, promising a fresh take on the classic tale with a tropical twist.
This project is not the first attempt to breathe new life into the 1989 action movie. In 2015, it was announced that Ronda Rousey, a former UFC champion, was set to lead a previous remake attempt, with Nick Cassavetes tapped for writing and directing duties. Rousey even sought the approval of Patrick Swayze’s widow, Lisa Niemi, who granted her blessing for Rousey to step into the role of Dalton.
Before Rousey’s involvement, Rob Cohen, known for “The Fast and The Furious,” was linked to the project as the director but ultimately left when Rousey joined the film. This series of developments underscores the enduring appeal of “Road House” and the challenges of reimagining such a beloved cult classic for a new generation.
Stars and Characters
In the “Road House” remake, Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Elwood Dalton, a former UFC fighter turned bouncer at a bar in the Florida Keys. Gyllenhaal, an actor known for his versatility and depth, has been nominated for an Academy Award and has a distinguished filmography that spans across genres, including notable performances in “Brokeback Mountain,” “Nightcrawler,” “Donnie Darko,” “Zodiac,” “End of Watch,” and “Prisoners.”
His action credentials are solidified with roles in “Ambulance,” “Source Code,” “The Covenant,” “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time,” and as Mysterio in “Spider-Man: Far From Home.” Gyllenhaal has also portrayed an athlete before, playing the lead in Antoine Fuqua’s boxing drama “Southpaw.”
Daniela Melchior, known for her role in “Fast X,” plays Elwood’s love interest, Ellie, a nurse in the Florida Keys. Billy Magnussen (“Game Night”) is cast as the antagonist, Brandt. The film features an ensemble cast including UFC superstar Conor McGregor in his acting debut, alongside Jessica Williams (“Shrinking”), Joaquim de Almeida (“Fast Five”), Darren Barnett (“Never Have I Ever”), Beau Knapp (“The Nice Guys”), Lukas Gage (“The White Lotus”), J.D. Pardo (“Mayans M.C.”), Arturo Castro (“Narcos”), Gbemisola Ikumelo (“A League of Their Own”), Hannah Love Lanier (“Special Ops: Lioness”), Travis Van Winkle (“You”), B.K. Cannon (“Switched at Birth”), Dominique Columbus (“Ray Donovan”), comedian Bob Menery, and Kevin Carroll (“The Leftovers”), making for a diverse and talented lineup that promises to bring a new dimension to the iconic story of “Road House.”
Makers of the Film
The “Road House” remake is directed by Doug Liman, renowned for his work on “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” and “Edge of Tomorrow,” bringing a seasoned hand to this highly anticipated project. The screenplay is the collaborative effort of Anthony Bagarozzi, known for “The Nice Guys,” and Chuck Mondry, with the duo also teaming up with David Lee Henry, the screenwriter of the original “Road House” film, for the story treatment. This melding of new and original creative forces promises a fresh yet respectful take on the cult classic.
Joel Silver, the producer behind the 1989 film, returns to produce the remake, ensuring continuity in the film’s vision and execution. The film’s visual storytelling is helmed by Henry Braham, the cinematographer behind “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” ensuring a visually stunning experience. Doc Crotzer, known for his work on “Shotgun Wedding,” rounds out the key creative team as the editor, promising a tightly crafted narrative. This combination of industry veterans and fresh talent sets the stage for a “Road House” remake that honors its origins while exploring new territories.
When and Where Did Road House Film
Production for the “Road House” remake kicked off in August 2022 in the Dominican Republic, laying the groundwork for this highly anticipated film. To add a layer of authenticity and excitement, additional filming occurred during a UFC event in March 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
These scenes featured Jake Gyllenhaal stepping into the Octagon to face off against former UFC fighter Jay Hieron, promising audiences an immersive and action-packed experience that draws from the real-world intensity of mixed martial arts. This approach to filming not only highlights the film’s commitment to authenticity but also teases the dynamic action sequences that are set to be a focal point of the remake.
MORE RELATED POSTS
