When it comes to good looks, charisma, and strong acting chops, Jake Gyllenhaal is the complete package. With a variety of roles and films that have showcased his prowess, Gyllenhaal has proved that he can walk the fine balance between commerical success and critical acclaim.
Sometimes, serious talent can also come with a few eccentric quirks. Recently, Gyllenhaal has been in the news for his reportedly controlling behavior back in 2021 when he was signed on to produce and star in French director Thomas Bidegain‘s film. The movie which was ultimately made in French, never saw a Hollywood release owing to the Brokeback Mountain actor’s impossible demands.
Jake Gyllenhaal’s Aggression Ruined This Film’s Chances
French screenwriter-turned-director’s Thomas Bidegain’s second film Soudain Seuls was originally meant to have an English release in 2021 with Jake Gyllenhaal in the lead. Gyllenhaal in addition, also stepped in as the producer of the film. The script which reportedly attracted Margot Robbie, was touted to be a marquee project with Vanessa Kirby also on board.
Set at a budget of $30 million, the movie unfortunately did not see light of day after disturbing revelations of the Spider-Man: Far From Home actor’s allegedly paranoid and controlling behavior on set. To begin with, Gyllenhaal wanted to have a say in the script and demanded that it be changed completely just weeks before filming was about to begin and set design was already well underway.
To make matters worse, Gyllenhaal proceeded to impose extreme rules on set which included some shocking conditions for cast and crew members. A few art constructors claimed that the Nightcrawler actor insisted that they sleep in cars to avoid spreading Covid to him and the film’s main unit. Bidegain also revealed many instances when the celebrity would abruptly yell at him without cause or context.
In addition, Gyllenhaal exhibited extremely erratic behavior on set which included stripping down and diving into the sea without rhyme or reason. When this got too much for the director to handle, he took the executive decision to shelve the film despite knowing that he will lose quite a few millions. In an interview with Technikart (via World of Reel), Bidegain revealed the heartbreaking moment when he called his producer with the news.
“Our visions diverge too much. We won’t be able to shoot in September. … It’s all over, and the €26 million is gone!”
With Jake Gyllenhaal always known to have a pleasant and endearing public persona in Hollywood, news of the actor’s disturbing behavior in an international project is definitely not a good sign for him if similar collaborations come his way in the future.
Jake Gyllenhaal’s Road House Remake Is An Ode To Patrick Swayze
While Jake Gyllenhaal may not be the most popular actor in France right now, there is no denying that he still holds pride of place in Hollywood. The actor will next be seen in Patrick Swayze’s iconic role in the remake of Road House. Swayze became synonymous with the fighter-turned-bouncer who courts trouble in a bar. Now, nearly 35 years later, the Oscar nominee is stepping into the Dirty Dancing star’s big shoes.
Gyllenhaal in an interview with Fox News, revealed that there were expectedly high expectations on him to do justice to the part immortalized by Swayze who was also his close friend. Speaking of incorporating elements of the late star’s style as an ode to his memory, he said,
“Patrick was a friend when he was here. He was always so loving and lovely to me, and I take that all to heart in playing the role and there are some things I take from him.”
Apart from honoring Swayze in this manner, Gyllenhaal went on to state that the film would be an original and unique take on its predecessor which was an exciting prospect for him.
Road House will release in theaters on March 8th, 2024.
