Director Doug Liman attends SXSW premiere of ‘Road House’ despite previous boycott
Director Doug Liman made a surprising appearance at the SXSW screening of his latest film, Road House, despite previously stating that he would boycott the premiere. Liman had expressed his displeasure with Amazon MGM’s decision to not release the film in theaters, instead using it to promote plumbing fixtures. However, it seems that Liman had a change of heart and decided to attend the premiere after all.
Road House is a remake of the 1989 movie of the same name, which starred the late Patrick Swayze and Sam Elliott. The screening of the film was dedicated to Swayze, as indicated by a title card at the beginning. In this new version, Jake Gyllenhaal takes on the role of Elwood Dalton, an ex-UFC fighter who finds himself living out of his car. He is approached by the owner of a roadside bar in Florida, played by Jessica Williams, who offers him a job as a bouncer. Dalton soon finds himself at odds with a wealthy developer, portrayed by Billy Magnussen, who is determined to take over the bar.
Before the film began, Gyllenhaal took the opportunity to acknowledge Liman from the stage at the Paramount Theater. He expressed his gratitude towards the director, stating that they had been friends for 15 years and had always wanted to work together. Gyllenhaal described Liman as brilliant and praised the movie as well.
The premiere was attended by other cast members, including Lukas Gage, Post Malone, JD Pardo, and UFC champion Conor McGregor, who plays the film’s villainous fixer. McGregor’s performance received mixed reactions online, with many noting its campy and over-the-top nature. During the post-screening Q&A session with moderator Dax Shepherd, McGregor admitted that he initially doubted his ability to deliver in the movie. However, he expressed gratitude towards the filmmakers for casting him and called for Liman to be recognized for his contribution.
Gyllenhaal shared the story of how they managed to secure McGregor for the film, revealing that they had been pursuing him and were thrilled when he agreed to join the project. He likened the feeling to buying a dream house and then questioning the decision. Malone, another newcomer to acting, joked about his lack of experience and the challenges he faced, emphasizing the hard work put in by everyone involved.
Road House is set to be released on Prime Video on March 21, allowing audiences to witness the revamped version of this classic film. Despite the initial controversy surrounding its release strategy, the film’s premiere at SXSW proved to be a star-studded event, with Liman’s presence surprising many. As fans eagerly await its release, it remains to be seen whether this remake will live up to the legacy of its predecessor.