Jake Gyllenhaal is set to take on a formidable remake of the 1989 Patrick Swayze action classic, Road House,”and it has just received an R rating from the MPAA.
The much-anticipated remake of Amazon Studios’ Road House, spearheaded by Jake Gyllenhaal, promises to uphold the gritty and intense spirit of the original.
According to FilmRatings.com, this modern interpretation of the 1989 cult classic, originally starring the late Patrick Swayze, has officially earned an R rating. The rating is attributed to “violence throughout, pervasive language, and some nudity.” This classification aligns seamlessly with the intense action and no-holds-barred approach that characterized the original film, known for its exaggerated violence, liberal use of nudity, and steamy love scenes featuring Swayze and Kelly Lynch. Remarkably, this marks director Doug Liman’s return to R-rated filmmaking since his 2017 venture with “American Made.”
Patrick Swayze’s Iconic Road House Legacy
The 1989 Road House, directed by Rowdy Herrington and produced by Joel Silver (known for “Lethal Weapon” and “The Matrix”), capitalized on Patrick Swayze’s burgeoning stardom following his breakout role in “Dirty Dancing.”
Swayze starred as James Dalton, a seasoned New York City bouncer assigned to secure the Double Deuce, a Missouri nightclub. Alongside his friend and mentor, Wade Garrett (played by Sam Elliott), Dalton clashes with a corrupt businessman who seeks to exploit the Double Deuce. Amidst the chaos, Dalton finds love in the arms of a local doctor, played by Kelly Lynch.
Although the original film didn’t make a huge impact at the box office, Road House gained a devoted following over the years through home video and cable broadcasts. It remains one of Patrick Swayze’s most beloved movies and even inspired a campy off-Broadway musical and a parody on an episode of “Family Guy.” In 2006, a sequel titled “Road House 2” was released directly to DVD, which featured Johnathon Schaech as the character Dalton’s son, a DEA agent seeking retribution for his father’s undisclosed murder.
The Long-Awaited Road House Remake Takes Shape
Plans for a Road House remake were initially unveiled in 2015, with UFC and WWE superstar Ronda Rousey slated to portray a gender-swapped version of Dalton. The director of “The Notebook,” Nick Cassavetes, was attached to write and direct the remake. However, development on the project quietly came to a halt after the news of Cassavetes’ involvement. The remake remained in limbo until Jake Gyllenhaal was announced as the lead in 2022.
This contemporary take on Road House retains the essence of the original plot, with Gyllenhaal’s Dalton having a background in UFC. Joining him is UFC champion Conor McGregor, who, after enjoying the original film, expressed eagerness to contribute to the new adaptation. Producer Joel Silver returns to oversee the remake, with Doug Liman at the helm as director. Liman expressed his excitement, stating, “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 is slated for release on Prime Video, although a specific release date has not been confirmed.