Major spoiler alert
Road House 2, the latest iteration of the action-packed 1989 classic original, takes a bold step from its predecessor with noticeable changes to the plot. Unlike the original, there are noticeably no throat-splitting scenes in this modern adaptation.
This change may come as a disappointment to fans of the over-the-top original performances starring Patrick Swayze. Instead, the remastered version of Road House, now available to stream on Prime Video, stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Dalton, who, like Swayze’s iconic role, is tasked with restoring order to a chaotic bar plagued by nightly brawls and violence.
So, how does Road House 2 compare to the legendary original? Let’s take a closer look at the differences that set them apart.
What’s Different Between Road House (1989) and Road House 2 (2024)?
The contrast between the original Road House and its sequel, Road House 2, is stark, offering viewers two distinct experiences. The 1989 classic embodies the quintessential ’80s vibe, characterized by its exaggerated action sequences and gritty bar fights set in a dimly lit honky tonk. On the other hand, the newer installment presents a more picturesque setting, featuring a bar by the water, complete with boats drifting by and even the presence of a hungry crocodile.
In the original film, Patrick Swayze’s character, Dalton, is portrayed as a seasoned bouncer who, despite his combat prowess, adopts a somewhat pacifist stance after a violent altercation where he defends himself by fatally injuring an assailant. In contrast, the sequel introduces Jake Gyllenhaal‘s Dalton as a wandering drifter who has retired from his days as a UFC fighter after inadvertently causing the death of an opponent during a match.
Swayze’s Dalton finds a sense of permanence in the town, with the Double Deuce Road House now saved, and he continues his romantic involvement with Dr. Elizabeth Clay, played by Kelly Lynch, as evidenced by their n*ked swim in a nearby lake during the film’s ending scene. Conversely, Gyllenhaal’s Dalton makes a distinct choice in the sequel, opting to depart from the Florida Keys on a bus after ensuring the safety of the Road House, leaving behind his newfound companions and his love interest, Ellie, portrayed by Daniela Melchior.
Fans of the original will notice the absence of Sam Elliott’s gruff but wise mentor, Wade Garrett. The remake carves its own path without this iconic character. Moreover, the sequel introduces a hint of a potential sequel, as a mid-credits scene reveals that Conor McGregor‘s character, Knox, believed to be deceased, is actually alive, hinting at the possibility of a sequel to further explore his storyline.
Jake Gyllenhaal Addresses Fighting Conor McGregor in Road House Remake
Jake Gyllenhaal has returned to the silver screen alongside MMA sensation Conor McGregor in a modern take on the beloved 1989 film, Road House. In this adrenaline-fueled remake, Gyllenhaal embodies the character of Elwood Dalton, a former UFC fighter who finds himself tangled in the gritty world of a roadhouse in the Florida Keys. McGregor, known for his prowess in combat sports, takes on the role of Knox, providing a formidable opponent for Gyllenhaal’s character.
In preparation for the intense physicality of his role, Gyllenhaal delved deep into training, pushing himself to new limits to square off against McGregor on screen.
When sharing his experience facing McGregor, Gyllenhaal told Access Hollywood during the movie’s New York premiere,
“I think, when you start to get into the physical space like that when you start to train like that, you start to get confidence in the things you can do.”
He continued,
“Whether that was right or not when you face Connor McGregor for a fake fight that confidence kind of falls to the ground but it’s great.”
He asserted, “It was a once in a lifetime experience, honestly, to be there and do that.”
Undoubtedly, sharing the screen with McGregor wasn’t a walk in the park. Gyllenhaal committed himself wholeheartedly to a rigorous training regimen, sculpting his body and honing his skills to bring authenticity to his portrayal.
Road House 2 is streaming now on Prime Video.
