Amazon MGM Studios is now on the hunt for a new director for the highly anticipated Road House 2, following the unexpected withdrawal of Guy Ritchie from the project. While the reasons for his departure remain undisclosed, the studio is determined to commence production this fall, prompting an urgent search for a replacement director. This decision marks a significant turning point for the film, which aims to build on the success of its predecessor and deliver an engaging cinematic experience.
After it became evident that Doug Liman would not return to helm the sequel, Amazon MGM Studios initiated discussions with Ritchie approximately three months ago. His involvement was seen as a promising opportunity to revitalize the franchise and address some of the criticisms that fans had regarding the previous installment. Unfortunately, the collaboration has not materialized as expected, leaving the studio with the pressing task of finding a suitable replacement who can bring fresh vision and creativity to the project.
The Road House remake made a remarkable impact on Prime Video, drawing in over 50 million viewers worldwide within just the first two weeks of its release. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, the franchise’s popularity and the demand for a sequel were undeniable. Doug Liman, who previously directed the film, expressed his frustrations regarding Amazon’s decision not to release the movie in theaters, which he believed could have significantly increased its box office earnings and audience reach.
“My issue on Road House is that we made the movie for MGM to be in theaters, everyone was paid as if it was going to be in theaters, and then Amazon switched it on us and nobody got compensated,” Liman stated. “Forget about the effect on the industry — 50 million people saw Road House — I didn’t get a cent, Jake Gyllenhaal didn’t get a cent, [producer] Joel Silver didn’t get a cent. That’s wrong.“
Jake Gyllenhaal is set to reprise his role as ex-UFC fighter Elwood Dalton, a character that has resonated with fans. Recently, there have been discussions about the potential addition of Dave Bautista to the cast, although formal negotiations had not yet taken place at that time. The screenplay for the sequel has been crafted by Will Beall, known for his work on Bad Boys: Ride or Die, which adds a layer of anticipation for the storyline and character development.
Guy Ritchie’s latest project, Fountain of Youth, features John Krasinski and Natalie Portman in a gripping tale of two estranged siblings who embark on a thrilling global heist to uncover the mythological Fountain of Youth. Their journey requires them to utilize their historical knowledge as they navigate clues that lead to an epic adventure, potentially altering their lives and possibly granting them immortality.
Who do you think would be an ideal replacement for Guy Ritchie as the director of Road House 2?
