Even a Private Screening on His Yacht Couldn’t Convince Jeff Bezos to Give Jake Gyllenhaal’s UFC Movie a Theatrical Release
The buzz among UFC enthusiasts has reached a fever pitch with the unexpected announcement of a UFC movie remake titled Road House, featuring the dynamic duo of Jake Gyllenhaal and former UFC champion Conor McGregor. However, the disappointing twist in this narrative is that Amazon won’t give the Road House remake a theatrical release.
Executive chairman of Amazon Jeff Bezos repeatedly declined the film’s release offer. Despite persistent efforts from various fronts, including actor Jake Gyllenhaal’s appeal to Amazon’s executive chairman Jeff Bezos, the resolute stance against releasing the film in theaters remains unchanged. McGregor’s star power and Gyllenhaal’s persuasive plea seem unable to sway Bezos’ firm decision, leaving fans yearning for a resolution that seems elusive.
Exploring The Theatrical Odyssey of Jake Gyllenhaal’s Road House
Jake Gyllenhaal‘s venture into the UFC Movie Road House marks a bold step in cinematic history, reviving the cult classic from the 1989 film of the same name. Produced by Amazon, this action film is all set for a theatrical release on Amazon Prime Video sometime in 2023. However, in a twist of fate, the confirmed release date remains a tantalizing mystery.
But, Jake Gyllenhaal’s wish for this film’s theatrical release extended beyond his exceptional on-screen prowess. Collaborating with visionary director Doug Liman, the duo orchestrated a unique and audacious attempt to sway Amazon’s decision toward a theatrical release. Their unprecedented move involved a private screening for none other than Jeff Bezos himself, aboard his lavish yacht.
The hope was to charm the Amazon CEO with the film’s gripping narrative and adrenaline-pumping action, persuading him of the necessity for a big-screen experience. However, the outcome took an unexpected turn. Bezos, having watched the film, made the whimsical decision to withhold the theatrical release, creating a moment almost comedic in its resolution.
Unveiling Road House‘s Tussle with Amazon
The new version of Road House focuses on an ex-UFC fighter working in a roadhouse in the Florida Keys, grappling with the complexities of life within a roadhouse setting. The tale takes a dramatic turn as Dalton portrayed by Jake Gyllenhaal, a challenger entrenched in this world, finds himself pitted against the reigning champion, Jacks Harris played by McGregor, in a thrilling showdown.
However, amidst the excitement of the film’s production, another heated debate brewed between the filmmakers and the streaming platform, sparking controversy. Reports surfaced suggesting that Amazon contemplated leveraging AI technology to complete Road House during a production strike, given that the film was nearly finished by that point. Amazon swiftly refuted these claims, denying any such plans or intentions.
While Amazon is still not convinced about its theatrical release, the old version of the film from Patrick Swayze and director Rowdy Herrington can currently be found streaming on Max. Joining Gyllenhaal in this cinematic endeavor are a stellar cast including Daniela Melchior, Billy Magnussen, Lukas Gage, Hannah Love Lanier, Dominique Columbus, and the esteemed MMA figure Conor McGregor, promising a riveting performance that amplifies the movie’s anticipation and allure.
