The controversy surrounding the release strategy of Road House continues to garner headlines. Last month, Road House’s director Doug Liman said he would be boycotting the premiere at SXSW 2024 over Amazon’s decision to bypass theaters for a streaming-only release on Prime Video. Now, Road House star Jake Gyllenhaal is explaining his stance on the film’s release strategy.
What Did Jake Gyllenhaal Say About Road House’s Streamin Controversy?
In an interview with Total Film magazine, Gyllenhaal expressed his admiration for Liman and his passion for theaters. However, Gyllenhaal confirmed Amazon always planned to release Road House on Prime Video.
“I adore Doug’s tenacity, and I think he is advocating for filmmakers, and film in the cinema, and theatrical releases,” Gyllenhaal said. “But, I mean, Amazon was always clear that it was streaming. I just want as many people to see it as possible. And I think we’re living in a world that’s changing in how we see and watch movies, and how they’re made. What’s clear to me, and what I loved so much, was [Liman’s] deep love for this movie, and his pride at how much he cares for it, how good he feels it is, and how much people should see it.”
Variety reported that Amazon offered Liman, Gyllenhaal, and producer Joel Silver a chance to make Road House for $60 million and receive a theatrical release. The other option was to make the film for $85 million and go straight to streaming. The trio chose the latter option.
While Gyllenhaal supports theatrical releases, he also embraces the streaming world, explaining that stories, not the platform, are what connect to the audience.
Road House is a reimaging of the 1989 cult classic starring Patrick Swayze. In the 2024 version, Gyllenhaal stars as Elwood Dalton, a former UFC fighter recruited to work at a roadhouse in the Florida Keys and prevent a violent gang from taking over the bar. Besides Gyllenhaal, Road House stars Daniela Melchior, Jessica Williams, Billy Magnussen, Darren Barnet, Lukas Gage, Post Malone, and Conor McGregor.
Road House is directed by Liman from a screenplay by Anthony Bagarozzi and Chuck Mondry. After its premiere at SXSW, Road House will steam to Prime Video on March 21, 2024.
