London: Jake Gyllenhaal, the lead actor in the remake of the 1989 hit movie “Road House”, emphasizes the importance of honoring the legacy of the late Patrick Swayze, who originated the iconic role.
In this 2024 adaptation, Gyllenhaal portrays Dalton, a former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter navigating challenges as a bouncer at a bar in the Florida Keys.
“It was important to me. He originated the character and I wanted to bring it through,” Gyllenhaal expressed at the film’s premiere in London.
Having previously collaborated with Swayze in “Donnie Darko” two decades ago, Gyllenhaal fondly reminisced about their relationship: “Patrick was always so lovely to me, so supportive at the beginning of my career. I carried with me some of the tattoos, we designed some tattoos in honor of him, just because I really loved him.”
Directed by Doug Liman, the film marks the acting debut of former UFC champion Conor McGregor, who portrays the savage contract killer Knox. McGregor humbly described the experience as “a learning curve,” expressing gratitude for his supportive cast.
“I went in humble. I went in looking to learn. And I knew my level. I was a white belt and I’m a white belt still. I was blessed with an amazing cast who were patient and very helpful for me,” McGregor shared.
Despite his venture into Hollywood, McGregor affirmed his commitment to his UFC career once the movie’s publicity concludes: “Not right now. I’m going to regroup after this work and get back to work for my fighting career. I’ve got more in the Octagon to do. I’m excited to do it. That’s where I’m at,” he declared.
Gyllenhaal’s rigorous preparation for the film included filming fighting scenes in the Octagon during the UFC 285 event, where he spent two months getting in shape for the physically demanding role. Shot in the Dominican Republic, the movie also features Jessica Williams as Frankie, the bar’s owner, Daniela Melchior as local doctor Ellie, and Billy Magnussen as crime boss Ben Brandt.
