Jake Gyllenhaal has UFC weigh-in and Face Off… and slaps opponent!
Actor Jake Gyllenhaal made a surprise appearance at UFC 285’s weigh-in on Friday in Las Vegas to promote his and Conor McGregor’s upcoming remake of Roadhouse.
After a tense match in the weigh-in between Ciryl Gane and Jon Jones, McGregor appeared to introduce his co-star in Roadhouse. Once a 1989 classic production featuring Patrick Swayze, the movie will show the story of an ex-UFC fighter working in the titular roadhouse, facing challenges along the way.
The UFC 285 weigh-in transformed into a filming session for Gyllenhaal. The Oscar-winning actor shot a scene set in the film’s UFC event, starring UFC welterweight veteran Jay Hieron.
While McGregor’s scenes weren’t filmed during the weigh-in, Roadhouse’s 2023 remake will be his first foray into the film industry.
McGregor and Gyllenhaal’s appearance wasn’t the only surprise in Friday’s weigh-in. Gyllenhaal shocked the crowds after ripping off his shirt, revealing his impressive physique in preparation for the movie.
The 42-year-old actor’s toned muscles and chiseled abs have led fans to believe he may be taking performance-enhancing drugs like steroids. However, sports journalist Chamatkar Sandhu noted that this was far from the first time Gyllenhaal had built up bulk for a combat sports role.
Chamatkar Sandhu
2023-03-05 10:46
Jake Gyllenhaal doesn’t mess around when it comes to combat sports movies 💪 https://t.co/vewpyzPZql
5288 43
Sandhu compared Gyllenhaal’s recent appearance and his form in Southpaw, where the actor took on the role of a boxer.
“Jake Gyllenhaal doesn’t mess around when it comes to combat sports movies,” Sandhu said.
Meanwhile, McGregor remains a crowd-pleaser in UFC circles, drawing raucous cheers with his initial appearance. The UFC star has posted regular updates on the film set in the last few months, sharing production stories on various social media accounts.
McGregor’s current role in the movie is unknown, though some have speculated that he is likely an original character from the 1989 movie.
From UFC to film star
As the first UFC champion to hold titles in two different weight classes, McGregor has a high reputation in UFC circles. However, after the Irish fighter fractured his leg in UFC 264 two years ago, he has left the fighting ring to focus on rehabilitation and wellness.
In his time outside the UFC, McGregor has been busy with various endeavors, including his role in Roadhouse. He also served as a coach in UFCw’s “The Ultimate Fighter” with rival coach Michael Chandler, whom he will face in the octagon this year.
Amy Kaplan
2023-03-05 10:46
Photos of Conor McGregor and Jake Gyllenhaal from the “Road House” movie set 📸 https://t.co/nCrYMXWehL
156 22
While Gyllenhaal is confirmed to play the lead role of Roadhouse, McGregor is rumored to play one of the original movie’s minor villains. Fans and analysts compared the similarities between McGregor’s recent film photos and Jimmy Reno, the right-hand man of the movie’s main antagonist.
McGregor will also play alongside Billy Magnussen, Lukas Gage, Arturo Castro, Dominique Columbus and other cast members. The Roadhouse remake will be released sometime in 2023, directed by Doug Liman and written by Charles Mondry and Anthony Bagarozzi.
Live combat filming
The Roadhouse cast appearance brought in electric energy amongst the crowd, with McGregor inviting cheers and Gyllenhaal showcasing his muscles as he walked toward the scales.
“We got the biggest fight in Road House history,” McGregor said after entering the scene.
Audience members were told about the filming process, and the cast went through several retakes before the end of the session. On stage, Gyllenhaal and Hieron’s characters appear to be shouting about who will obtain the coveted title championship.
Fans even witnessed Gyllenhaal slap Hieron in the planned scene, with UFC president Dana White stepping in to separate the two characters. Audiences cheered for the actor and the welterweight fighter, excited for the scene unfolding.
