Get ready for round two! Ilya Naishuller's Road House 2, courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios, is bulking up its already impressive roster with some serious muscle. This sequel is shaping up to be a must-see for action fans, and the latest additions to the cast are only fueling the excitement.
According to reports, the production is bringing in six new professional fighters to amp up the intensity. Joining the fray will be:
- Rico Verhoeven: The reigning 13-time Glory heavyweight world champion, also known as “The King of Kickboxing.” He's no stranger to the screen, with roles in films like Den of Thieves: Pantera and Kickboxer: Retaliation.
- Michael Chandler: An MMA fighter with numerous Fight of the Night and Fight of the Year awards, a three-time Bellator world champion, and a UFC title contender.
- Michael “Venom” Page: A British mixed martial artist and former kickboxing champion who made a name for himself in Bellator MMA before moving to the UFC.
- Dustin Poirier: A former UFC lightweight fighter and former Interim UFC Lightweight Champion.
- Stephen Thompson: An American mixed martial artist and former kickboxing world champion, currently competing in the UFC's welterweight division.
- Tyron Woodley: A five-time UFC Welterweight Champion, Woodley has also made waves in boxing and built a second career in production, film, television, and music.
Adding to the mix is Jay Hieron, a former world champion mixed martial artist turned actor, who will be reprising his role as UFC fighter Jax “Jetway” Harris.
But here's where it gets controversial... While the original Road House is a beloved classic, sequels often face an uphill battle. Can this new cast, combined with the return of Jake Gyllenhaal as Elwood Dalton, deliver the same gritty, action-packed experience?
Plot details are still under wraps, but we know filming will take place in locations like the U.K., Malta, and Savannah, Georgia. Ilya Naishuller, known for his work in music videos and the action film Hardcore Henry, will be directing. This will be his fourth feature film.
The extended cast also includes Leila George, Aldis Hodge, and Dave Bautista. Charles Roven and Alex Gartner of Atlas Entertainment are producing alongside Jake Gyllenhaal and Josh McLaughlin of Nine Stories Productions, who have a three-year first-look film deal with Amazon MGM.
And this is the part most people miss... The success of Road House 2 could hinge on how well the new cast integrates with the returning characters and the overall narrative.
What do you think? Are you excited about this lineup of fighters joining the Road House universe? Do you think the sequel can live up to the original? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
