British filmmaker Guy Ritchie appears poised to take over directorial duties for the follow-up to Amazon’s streaming smash Road House, according to an industry insider. The acclaimed director behind action capers like Sherlock Holmes and The Gentlemen is reportedly in negotiations to helm Road House 2, with Jake Gyllenhaal returning as ex-UFC fighter turned bouncer Elwood Dalton. This development comes amid the first film’s complicated release history, which ignited a very public feud between director Doug Liman and Amazon/MGM when the studio opted to bypass theaters entirely for a streaming-only debut. The sequel, however, is rumored to receive the theatrical treatment that Liman vocally demanded for its predecessor, potentially adding another layer to the ongoing behind-the-scenes drama.
Videos by ComicBook.com
Matthew Belloni first broke the news in his newsletter, revealing that Amazon/MGM “couldn’t close [Ritchie’s] deal in time for CinemaCon” but that negotiations are actively underway. The project will reportedly feature a screenplay by Will Beall, though plot details remain closely guarded. This directorial change marks a notable shift for the franchise, especially considering Liman’s public condemnation of Amazon’s release strategy for the first film. As Belloni suggested, if the sequel receives the theatrical release denied to the original, it “might trigger a full-on stroke for Doug Liman.”
For Ritchie, Road House 2 would represent just his second sequel effort following 2011’s Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. Industry observers note that the project aligns perfectly with Ritchie’s filmmaking sensibilities – action-packed, stylish entertainment featuring charismatic tough guys.
The first Road House remake proved immensely successful on Prime Video despite mixed critical reception, becoming the platform’s most-watched film debut globally with nearly 100 million views. This impressive performance likely accelerated Amazon’s sequel plans. Gyllenhaal has already expressed enthusiasm about continuing the franchise, teasing that the follow-up will be “expansive” and “bigger” than its predecessor. Whether other cast members like Conor McGregor or Daniela Melchior will return remains uncertain.
[RELATED – Road House Director Claims Reboot Was Streamed by 50 Million Viewers, And He “Didn’t Get a Cent”]
The pairing of Ritchie’s distinctive visual flair and storytelling approach with the Road House universe presents fascinating creative possibilities. His trademark quick-cut editing, witty dialogue, and ability to craft memorable action sequences could potentially elevate the franchise beyond its “cheesy brawn over narrative brains” reputation. The Florida Keys setting of the first film might also give way to new locales more suited to Ritchie’s urban sensibilities, perhaps bringing Dalton’s bouncing talents to a gritty London establishment or another international hotspot.
The theatrical release strategy for the sequel also signals Amazon/MGM’s evolving approach to content distribution. After experimenting with direct-to-streaming premieres for major titles, the studio appears to be reconsidering the value of traditional theatrical windows for certain properties. This shift aligns with other streaming platforms that have begun embracing hybrid release models, recognizing that theatrical runs can enhance a film’s cultural impact and potentially its long-term streaming performance as well.
For Gyllenhaal, the sequel represents another opportunity to showcase his physical transformation and action credentials following the first film’s demanding fight sequences. Gyllenhaal seems genuinely pumped about stepping back into Dalton’s shoes, showing he’s not just cashing a paycheck but actually interested in the role and its box-office potential.
With Ritchie’s incredibly busy schedule – including multiple films and streaming series in various stages of production – industry sources speculate Road House 2 could target a 2026 release date once his current commitments wrap up.
Most Viewed
-
Image courtesy of Marvel Television
