Amazon Prime Video’s Road House remake, starring Jake Gyllenhaal and directed by Doug Liman, has become a streaming sensation.
In just two weekends, the film, a modern take on the 1989 action classic, attracted over 50 million viewers, setting a new record for Amazon MGM Studios. Released on 21 March, Road House features Gyllenhaal as Elwood Dalton, an ex-UFC fighter turned bouncer in the Florida Keys, where he faces off against a local crime boss played by Billy Magnussen.
The movie, which also marks UFC fighter Conor McGregor’s acting debut, has outperformed any original movie produced by Amazon for Prime Video, according to the studio. Despite not detailing how viewership numbers were calculated, Amazon’s announcement highlighted the film’s global appeal and massive audience draw.
Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon MGM Studios, praised the film for its broad appeal in a statement, celebrating its success among both fans of the original and new viewers. “The groundbreaking, successful debut of ‘Road House‘ is a testament to the hard work and commitment from the entire ‘Road House‘ filmmaking team and the film’s cast led by the phenomenal Jake Gyllenhaal.” The film’s stellar cast also includes Daniela Melchior, Darren Barnet, Jessica Williams, Lukas Gage, and Arturo Castro, contributing to its wide acclaim.
Originally intended for a theatrical release, Road House faced changes in its distribution plan following Amazon’s acquisition of MGM. Director Doug Liman had envisioned the film for the big screen, but its direct-to-streaming release sparked debate about the future of film distribution. Despite Liman’s initial reservations and a boycott of the film’s press tour and SXSW premiere, the film has found a large and enthusiastic audience on Prime Video.
Road House revisits the story of Dalton’s struggle against corruption and violence, this time set in a picturesque yet perilous Florida Keys. As the film redefines action and suspense for a new generation, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of its story and characters, even as it navigates the evolving landscape of movie distribution.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing Honkai: Star Rail, cosplaying, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
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