Conor McGregor has made his acting debut alongside Jake Gyllenhaal in the action film Road House. With the MMA star venturing into the world of Hollywood, comparisons naturally arise with another icon who traveled a similar path, Dwayne Johnson. The former wrestling champion made his feature film debut in the early 2000s and has since become one of the most prominent names in the film industry.
However, McGregor is already setting himself apart by defying a notable rule reportedly upheld by Johnson by embracing the antagonistic role of Knox in his debut film.
Conor McGregor Signals Bold Departure from Hollywood Norms
Conor McGregor’s debut in Doug Liman’s adaptation of the 1989 film Road House has generated significant buzz, even drawing comparisons to Dwayne Johnson’s transition from wrestling to acting. And after claiming to surpass him as the highest-paid acting debut, the MMA star seems to be carving his own path by defying a notable rule reportedly upheld by Johnson.
The Black Adam star adheres to specific guidelines for his movie roles. One of these reportedly includes not portraying a villain on-screen. Although he started his career as the antagonist in The Mummy Returns, he would later transform the role into an antihero in the 2002 film The Scorpion King.
So far, the only villain Johnson has portrayed includes Sgt. Asher Mahonin in the 2005 film Doom. Additionally, he is also reported to have a “no-lose” agreement, which ensures that his characters don’t face defeat or significant physical harm. Along with Johnson, many other action stars are also known for following a similar set of rules.
While no certain information is available about McGregor’s agreement, the UFC champion has certainly not shied away from taking on a villain’s role in his debut film. This bold choice showcases McGregor’s willingness to carve out a unique and compelling niche for his promising future as an actor in the film industry.
Conor McGregor Makes A Remarkable Debut With Road House
Starring alongside the Oscar-nominated actor Jake Gyllenhaal, Conor McGregor stole the show in the recently released action film Road House. The actor delivers a captivating performance as Knox, a mafia enforcer tasked with hunting down Elwood. McGregor’s portrayal has garnered widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences.
CinemaBlend highlights his significant presence in the film, stating that he “provides the necessary spark every single minute that he’s on screen.” IndieWire’s Christian Zilko even went on to claim, “But his first acting role—could establish him as his generation’s Arnold Schwarzenegger.”
Schwarzenegger, a legendary sports figure turned actor, was also a bit hesitant when he was offered the role of the titular antagonist for The Terminator. However, it ultimately became one of the most iconic roles of his career. And the reviews for McGregor’s performance hint at a promising future for the MMA star as well.
Road House is streaming on Prime Video.
