Iconic UFC Fighter Conor McGregor Expands His Career into Hollywood

Conor McGregor and Jake Gyllenhaal

The former UFC lightweight and featherweight champion Conor McGregor will now appear as a debutant in the Prime Video’s remake of ‘Road House’, starring Jake Gyllenhaal. The original Road House was released in 1989 and featured Patrick Swayze in the lead role of Dalton, alongside Sam Elliot, Kelly Lynch, and Ben Gazzara.

The remake is finally set to be directed by many well-known filmmakers including Edge of Tomorrow’s Doug Liman and co-stars Billy Magnussen along with Daniela Melchior, Gbemisola Ikumelo, Lukas Gage, Hannah Love Lanier, Travis Van Winkle, B.K. Cannon, Arturo Castro, Dominique Columbus, Beau Knapp, and Bob Menery.

The remake follows the footsteps of a former UFC fighter, played by Gyllenhaal, who – according to Amazon – “takes a job as a bouncer at a rough-and-tumble roadhouse in the Florida Keys, but soon discovers that not everything is what it seems”.

McGregor (also known as The Notorious) is a UFC fighter who had been in the ring since 2008 with a record of 22-6-0 on his name. UFC, the most popular and also the most brutal fighting sport is aired on ESPN channels regularly. If you have geo-restrictions, and cannot access ESPN channels, here’s how you can watch all the upcoming UFC fights on ESPN+ from anywhere in the world.

The Irish fighter has been ranked the highest-paid athlete in the world and has regularly been a target of controversies due to his antics outside of the ring.

McGregor always wanted to make an appearance in Hollywood. He even came close to starring in Vin Diesel’s XXX: Return of Xander Cage, but had to withdraw from the role due to some personal reasons. However, before joining the film industry, he took on the character of Bradley Fillion in the Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare video game. 

McGregor has now signed to be a part of an undisclosed role opposite Gyllenhaal in the Road House remake. Although his role in the film is kept hidden, it is reported that he is going to play an original character and not himself. 

The production work has begun this month and he will soon be appearing as a debutant in the beloved classic’s remake. Here’s an update by Amazon Studios.

According to insiders, McGregor has been eager to break into Hollywood but was waiting for the right project that justifies his personality. With the Road House remake, he finally believes this could be the right movie to take off his film career.

Will McGregor shine in Hollywood like in UFC? Share your thoughts!

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Reportedly, when McGregor learned about the filmmaker showing interest in casting him in the Road House remake, he sat down and watched the original Road House movie. The moment he ended up watching the movie, he was inspired enough by the movie’s characters, story, and screenplay, leading him to meet with the producers to be a part of it.

The producer Joel Silver, who also produced the original Road House, claims that the fighter enjoyed the idea of the updated storyline compared to the original.

Although the trend of MMA and UFC athletes moving to Hollywood is not new, UFC and  McGregor fans are eagerly waiting to see him in action, but this time in a movie. Finally, McGregor is entering Hollywood to possibly see another turning point of his life (first one being a hit in UFC). 

His personality as a champion fighter can easily get him into an action movie role, and it won’t be difficult for him to transform into an actor, and appear as a hit on the big screens.

It is not the first time that MMA fighter is becoming a part of the Hollywood industry. Other MMA fighters who also have made the move include the likes of Georges St-Pierre in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Gina Carano in The Mandalorian, Ronda Rousey in The Expendables 3, and many more. 

McGregor won’t know whether Hollywood is for him until he actually plays a part in a movie, but appearing in the Road House remake would seem to be a perfect start for his acting career.

It is a common trend now that athletes are tuning into actors, taking leading roles in well known movies. One of the most prominent sports celebrities stepping into acting careers is Dwayne Johnson, who has been among the highest-paid actors in Hollywood. Widely known by his ring name ‘The Rock’ as a former professional wrestler, he is now an American actor and a businessman who has worked in numerous Hollywood hits. McGregor fans are also hoping the same for him, if not more. Let’s see what the movie, and McGregor himself bring to the screen with the Road House reboot. 

Lily Bart

Lily Bart is your guide to the streaming universe. Let her help you navigate the world of entertainment with passion and insight into thrilling sports events, the hottest movies and so much more! From riveting documentaries to captivating series, Lily unravels stories that transcend screens. Join the journey through a multitude of genres, where every click reveals a new adventure.


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