Development on Jake Gyllenhaal and Amazon MGM's Road House 2 is heating up.
The latest report comes from Nexus Point News, who state that wrestler-turned-actor Dave Bautista (Dune: Part Two, The Last Showgirl) has joined the cast. However, it should be noted that the trades are reporting that Bautista is only in talks, at this time.
The 2024 remake of Road House may have split critics, but it struck a major chord with audiences, quickly becoming a breakout hit on Prime Video.
While some reviewers took issue with the film’s predictable plot and unnecessary overuse of CGI, many praised its high-octane action, Jake Gyllenhaal’s commanding lead performance, and Conor McGregor’s unexpectedly solid acting debut.
Despite the mixed critical reception, the film shattered expectations by becoming Amazon’s most-watched movie premiere globally. Specifically, the streamer touted that the remake tallied 50 million-plus viewers over its first two weekends.
Ultimately, this modern reimagining of the 1989 cult classic delivered exactly what many viewers were hoping for: a fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled ride that updates the original’s gritty charm for a new generation, cementing its status as a streaming success story.
The remake of the '89 Patrick Swayze movie stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Elwood Dalton, a former UFC fighter grappling with a dark past. He's hired by Frankie (Jessie Williams) to be the head bouncer at her struggling Florida Keys roadhouse, where he quickly establishes order.
Dalton soon discovers the roadhouse's troubles are orchestrated by Ben Brandt (Billy Magnussen), who aims to buy the property for a resort. The conflict escalates with the arrival of Knox (Conor McGregor), a psychopathic enforcer hired by Brandt's incarcerated father. Dalton's past, involving an accidental death in the octagon, comes to light.
When Brandt's men burn a local bookstore, Dalton retaliates in quick fashion. The climax features a violent showdown at the roadhouse between Dalton and Know,with the former ultimately prevailing. In the aftermath, Dalton decides to leave town.
Doug Liman (Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Edge of Tomorrow) heavily criticized Amazon's handling of the Road House remake, specifically its exclusive streaming release.
He felt Amazon betrayed a promise for a theatrical run, arguing it devalued filmmaking and jeopardized movie theaters. For the sequel, Liman is out and Guy Ritchie (RocknRolla, Aladdin) is in, as the new director. Will Beall (Aquaman, Bad Boys: Ride or Die) is writing the script.
The 1986 film received a direct-to-video sequel in 2006, which followed the son of Swayze's character; however, Ritchie's upcoming film is expected to chart its own course.