
When it comes to 80’s classics of both action and machismo, “Road House” is the distillation of both boiled down to two hours of bar fights and Zen philosophy. It also became one of the definitive performances in the career of the late Patrick Swayze through his portrayal of the calm-yet-deadly legend of nightclub bouncer, Dalton.
Now, ICYMI, Dalton’s story will be given a modern update with the newly announced remake of “Road House”, set to be released on Amazon Prime!
Dalton is Now a Former UFC Fighter
As covered in Deadline, Jake Gyllenhaal will take on the role of Dalton, re-imagined in the “Road House” remake as a former UFC fighter who becomes the bouncer of a road house located in the Florida Keys.
Doug Liman will direct with Anthony Bagarozzi and Charles Mondry scripting the film, which will also see Billy Magnussen, Daniela Melchior, Gbemisola Ikumelo, and UFC fighter Conor McGregor (in his film debut) join the cast, among others.
Per the Deadline report, producer Joel Silver, who produced the original “Road House”, commented on the remake, which will commence production in the Dominican Republic this month:
“The original Road House has a special place in my heart and I am so excited to bring this newly imagined version to audiences around the world. Doug and I have each made some big, boisterous action movies and are ready to bring everything we have to this one.”
Liman also adds in the Deadline report:
“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” Remains a Cult Classic
There’s likely no action movie ever made as closely associated with the profession of bouncing as “Road House”. Still, Patrick Swayze’s Dalton breaks down the essentials of it with three simple rules:
1. Never underestimate your opponent – expect the unexpected.
2. Take it outside – never start anything inside the bar unless it’s absolutely necessary…and most importantly of all…
3. Be nice – until it’s time to not be nice.
However, up against the gang of local crime boss Brad Wesley (Ben Gazzara), Dalton finds himself forced to not be nice far more than ever.
With the charisma of Patrick Swayze and fight choreography by the legendary Benny “The Jet” Urquidez, “Road House” is tons of fun for action fans.
Every martial arts fight in “Road House” packs a punch and then some, and the movie really gets wild when Wesley brings in his hand-picked fighter Jimmy (Marshall Teague) to defeat Dalton in two of the most smashingly entertaining fights of “Road House”.
Dalton as a UFC Fighter Sounds Intriguing…!
Re-imagining Dalton as an ex-UFC fighter gives the “Road House” remake a very modern component indeed, which is only amplified by the presence of a genuine UFC fighter like Conor McGregor.
Jake Gyllenhaal has had his share of action-heavy roles, including “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time”, “Spider-Man: Far From Home” as Mysterio, and most recently in Michael Bay’s “Ambulance”. Combined with his strong screen presence and intensity, Gyllenhaal will hopefully make a compelling successor to Patrick Swayze in both his performance and action scenes!