Behind-the-Scenes Drama and Streaming Release Controversy Surrounds ‘Road House’ Remake
The highly anticipated remake of the classic film “Road House” is causing quite a stir behind the scenes. According to a recent report by Variety, the decision to release the film on a streaming platform instead of in theaters has sparked controversy among the filmmakers and star Jake Gyllenhaal. It turns out that Amazon, the streaming giant, offered the team two options: a $60 million budget for a theatrical release or an $85 million budget for a streaming debut. In the end, they chose the latter.
The decision to opt for a streaming release has raised eyebrows in the industry. Typically, a bigger budget means a larger upfront payday for the filmmakers and their star actors. However, without a theatrical run, they won’t see as much profit on the back end. The hope was that the film would be such a massive success that a theatrical release would become inevitable, regardless of the original deal. It’s a risky move that could potentially pay off or backfire.
While Amazon declined to comment on the matter, director Doug Liman and producer Joel Silver have remained tight-lipped as well. Representatives for Gyllenhaal and Silver did not respond to requests for comment. However, insiders claim that everyone involved in the project chose to take the money offered by Amazon.
This isn’t the first time controversy has surrounded the production of “Road House.” Silver, who served as producer, was let go from the film as well as another Amazon project, Mark Wahlberg’s “Play Dirty,” over accusations of mistreatment towards MGM marketing head Sue Kroll and Amazon film head Courtenay Valenti. The release strategy for “Road House” is believed to have been one of the sources of friction between Silver and the studios.
There were also reports that Silver had raised concerns about Amazon’s intention to use artificial intelligence (AI) to complete the production of “Road House” during a strike. However, Amazon has vehemently denied ever considering the use of AI for the film.
One of the major hurdles faced by the production was the timing. When the idea for the remake was conceived, Amazon and MGM were separate entities. However, after Amazon acquired MGM for a staggering $8.5 billion, the dynamics changed. Key figures from MGM, including Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, left to run Warner Bros., leaving the fate of “Road House” uncertain.
In response to the exclusive streaming release, Liman penned a first-person essay for Deadline, announcing his decision to skip the film’s premiere at SXSW. He expressed his disappointment with the release strategy and his belief that the film deserved a theatrical run. Many agreed with Liman’s stance, although they acknowledged that watching it in theaters would have been an incredible experience.
“Road House,” starring Jake Gyllenhaal alongside a talented ensemble cast including Daniela Melchior, Billy Magnussen, Jessica Williams, and Conor McGregor, will be available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video starting March 21. Despite the controversy surrounding its release, fans are eagerly anticipating this modern take on the beloved 1989 Patrick Swayze film.