Reviving the essence of the beloved 1989 classic, Road House, the upcoming remake features Jake Gyllenhaal stepping into Patrick Swayze’s iconic role. Directed by Doug Liman, this modern take on the action-packed thriller explores the concept of a supremely cool guy who excels both in awesomeness and the art of hand-to-hand combat. Now, 35 years later, the age-old question resurfaces with Gyllenhaal as Dalton, a former UFC fighter turned uncompromising ‘cooler’ at a roadhouse where unruly patrons are met with swift, physical consequences.
Liman injects pumped-up energy into this remake, creating a vibrant action movie with laid-back hangout vibes. Catch a glimpse of the excitement in the trailer here:
Certainly promising a good time, just be cautious not to get too rowdy. Liman’s film boasts an ensemble cast featuring talents like Daniela Melchior (known for The Suicide Squad), Billy Magnussen, Jessica Williams, and Conor McGregor. Interestingly, despite its star-studded lineup, the film is set for a direct-to-Prime Video release.
However, Liman’s decision to boycott the film’s premiere at SXSW due to Amazon’s streaming choice has stirred some controversy. In a Deadline article, Liman expressed disappointment, stating that Amazon is using Road House to “sell plumbing fixtures” instead of opting for a traditional cinematic release. The clash between artistic vision and streaming convenience adds an intriguing layer of drama off-screen.
Whether the release strategy evolves is uncertain, but as it stands, Road House is slated to hit Prime Video on March 21. Grab your popcorn and get ready for a cinematic experience, or, in Liman’s words, see if the film is destined to be more than just a tool for selling plumbing fixtures. Cheers!