Move over, Patrick Swayze: Jake Gyllenhaal’s adaptation of the iconic film Road House has startled audiences as initial reviews come in.
The 1989 original and its 2024 remake follow ex-UFC fighter Dalton as he becomes a bouncer at the mysterious Florida Keys roadhouse that conceals a sinister secret.
Amazon Prime Video’s reimagined version has already pleased, earning a new 77% rating on review aggregate Rotten Tomatoes.
Only six of the first 26 reviews were unfavourable, referred to as ‘rotten’ on the site, while commentators praised the gritty and violent pleasure ride.
In comparison, Swayze’s first rendition received a splat-inducing 41% from critics, but audiences gave it a more favourable 67%.
The casting of the Nocturnal Animals actor was confirmed in 2022, surprising fans given that the remake had been planned almost a decade before.
Jake’s co-star will be Conor McGregor, with Fast X’s Daniela Melchior, White Lotus’ Lukas Gauge, and Post Malone rounding out the roster.
Doug Liman will direct, having previously worked on the Bourne series, Mr & Mrs Smith, and Edge of Tomorrow.
He earlier stated about the project: ‘I’m excited to put my own perspective on the cherished Road House tradition.
‘And I can’t wait to show audiences what Jake and I are going to do with this iconic role.’
To portray the former MMA fighter, the Marvel actor pushed his already toned frame to new heights of muscle.
Jake attended a UFC285 ceremonial weigh-in last March, when he met his ‘opponent’, former UFC fighter Jay Hieron.
The two squared up, with the Brokeback Mountain legend hitting Jay in the face as the crew raced in to rip them apart (all in good fun).
Speaking to the compere, Jake shouted: ‘Man, this f***er just makes me laugh because he’s a f***ing joke.
‘Let’s go. Just give me the belt, give it to me.’
Road House will be available on Amazon Prime from March 21.
