Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor is set to make his debut on the silver screen. He’s slated to star in a remake of the iconic 1989 movie ‘Road House’ originally directed by Patrick Swayze.
The anticipation surrounding this project skyrocketed when McGregor’s co-star and Hollywood icon Jake Gyllenhaal was spotted filming segments at a UFC event last year. There has been little to no news on the project’s disclosure since then.
This is mainly due to setbacks like the extensive SAG-AFTRA strike and the departure of longtime film producer Joel Silver. He was reportedly removed from the project amidst allegations of “verbal abuse.”
Silver said publicly that the reports pertaining to his dismissal were “irresponsible and defamatory.”
Recent reports from Puck News (via World of Reel) indicate a brewing controversy. Allegedly, Gyllenhaal and his team expressed discontent towards the production company’s decision to bypass a theatrical release and opt for a digital premiere instead.
Not long after Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos saw the movie at a private screening, word of the demotion leaked out. However, head of Amazon Studios Jennifer Salke has been mostly held responsible for the revised release plan.
For eager fans anticipating McGregor’s big-screen appearance, they will have to make do with watching it in the comfort of their own homes. Fortunately, it seems that their wait won’t be too lengthy.
Salke said in a recent press statement: “‘Road House’ is a homerun for us. 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 echoed the excitement, sharing: “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.”
While an exact premiere date is yet to be disclosed, ‘Road House’ will make its Amazon Prime Video debut in early 2024.