Get ready for more bare-knuckle brawls! The sequel to Amazon's record-breaking hit Road House is bringing in a fresh lineup of combat sports legends and Hollywood stars, all set against an even bigger, global backdrop.
TL;DR: The Quick Hits You Need to Know
- Jake Gyllenhaal returns as Dalton for Road House 2, with Ilya Naishuller (Nobody) directing.
- A massive cast including UFC stars like Dustin Poirier, Michael Chandler, Stephen Thompson, Tyron Woodley, Michael Page, Rico Verhoeven, Iko Uwais, Peter Sarsgaard, Rob Delaney, Hidetoshi Nishijima, Andrew "King Bach" Bachelor, and Dave Bautista joins the fray.
- The sequel boasts a significantly "greater scope, scale, and ambition," with filming locations spanning the U.K., Malta, and Savannah, Georgia.
Remember that electrifying feeling when the first Road House remake dropped last year? It grabbed over 80 million viewers worldwide in its first eight weeks on Prime Video, making it Amazon MGM's most-watched produced film debut ever. Now, imagine that energy, but amplified across the globe with even more bone-crunching action and a lineup of fighters that reads like an MMA Hall of Fame roster. That’s precisely what Amazon MGM Studios is cooking up for Road House 2.
Jake Gyllenhaal is back as Elwood Dalton, the ex-UFC fighter turned bouncer who just can't seem to stay out of trouble. And to take the reins this time, the studio has tapped Ilya Naishuller, known for his kinetic, action-packed style in films like Nobody. This change at the top, with Naishuller stepping in, signals a fresh vision for a sequel promising to be even more explosive than its predecessor.
A Star-Studded Roster Ready to Bring the Pain to the Big Screen
If you thought the first film had some serious muscle, just wait. Road House 2 is stacking its cast with an impressive array of talent, mixing seasoned Hollywood actors with legitimate combat sports icons. It's a formula designed to deliver on the "all-out brawl" promise.
The latest additions to the ensemble are truly something to behold:
- Peter Sarsgaard: An Emmy nominee recently seen in September 5 and Apple's Presumed Innocent.
- Rob Delaney: Best known for co-creating Catastrophe and an Emmy nominee for Dying for Sex.
- Iko Uwais: The undisputed martial arts sensation from The Raid and The Raid 2, promising some truly exceptional fight choreography.
- Andrew "King Bach" Bachelor: Known for his comedic timing and action roles in films like Violent Night 2.
- Hidetoshi Nishijima: The acclaimed star of Drive My Car.
- Dave Bautista: The WWE veteran and Hollywood tough guy, famous for roles in Dune and Guardians of the Galaxy. Unconfirmed reports suggest he might be stepping into the main villain role, bringing a formidable presence.
But the real kicker for fight fans is the influx of actual professional fighters who are ready to trade blows on screen. The lineup includes:
- Rico Verhoeven: The 13-time, reigning Glory heavyweight world champion, "The King of Kickboxing."
- Michael Chandler: A three-time Bellator world champion and UFC title contender with multiple "Fight of the Night" honors.
- Dustin Poirier: A former UFC lightweight fighter and Interim UFC Lightweight Champion.
- Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson: An American mixed martial artist and former kickboxing world champion.
- Tyron Woodley: A five-time UFC Welterweight Champion who has also ventured into boxing and acting.
- Michael "Venom" Page: A British mixed martial artist and former kickboxing champion who rose to fame in Bellator MMA.
- Jay Hieron: Reprising his role as UFC fighter Jax "Jetway" Harris from the first film, having competed in UFC, Bellator, and Strikeforce.
This extensive cast of real-life combat athletes ensures that the sequel will maintain its commitment to authentic, high-octane fight sequences.
From Florida Keys to Global Thrills: The Sequel's Ambitious Reach
While specific plot details for Road House 2 are still under wraps, Amazon MGM Studios has made it clear they're aiming for something much grander. The production is reportedly targeting "greater scope, scale, and ambition," moving beyond the Florida Keys setting of the first film.
Filming is set to take place across a diverse range of international locations, including the U.K., Malta, and Savannah, Georgia. This geographical expansion hints at a storyline that could send Dalton on a globe-trotting mission, bringing his unique brand of brawling to new territories and, presumably, bigger threats.
"The groundbreaking, successful debut of Road House is a testament to the hard work and commitment from the entire Road House filmmaking team and the film’s cast led by the phenomenal Jake Gyllenhaal... This incredible film is really giving everyone something to talk about, and we couldn’t be more proud."
— Jennifer Salke, Head of Amazon MGM StudiosThe McGregor Question and Other Considerations
One notable absence from the sequel's cast list is Conor McGregor, who played the villain Knox in the first film. While his performance garnered attention, he's not expected to return for Road House 2. His future plans remain unsettled, especially with his long-promised UFC comeback still on the horizon. This opens the door for other formidable characters, like Dave Bautista's anticipated role, to step into the spotlight as a primary antagonist.
Bringing in so many active fighters, however, isn't without its challenges. Michael Chandler, Stephen Thompson, and Michael Page are all still actively competing in the UFC. This raises a natural question: will filming for Road House 2 potentially sideline any of these athletes from their competitive careers? While many have past acting experience, balancing Hollywood with the octagon is a delicate act.
Example: A Fan's Anticipation
Imagine Sarah, a lifelong martial arts fan, scrolling through her feed. When she sees the announcement for Road House 2's cast, her jaw drops. "Dustin Poirier AND Iko Uwais in the same movie?!" she exclaims to her roommate. "This isn't just a movie anymore; it's practically a fantasy fight card! I hope they actually get to show off their skills." Her excitement highlights how the inclusion of real fighters taps directly into the passion of combat sports enthusiasts, creating an authentic buzz that traditional casting might miss.
What to Expect from Dalton's Next Chapter
With an expanded budget, a new director, and a roster packed with genuine talent from the combat sports world and Hollywood, Road House 2 is clearly aiming to outdo its predecessor. The original's blend of stylized fight scenes and a glossy setting resonated with audiences, and the sequel appears determined to double down on those elements while pushing the boundaries of its narrative scope.
Fans can anticipate an action-packed spectacle that leverages the unique skills of its diverse cast, promising brutal fights, big energy, and the kind of chaos that makes action films so satisfying. Whether Dalton is taking on a new criminal enterprise or navigating a global conspiracy, one thing is certain: he's going to have his hands full.
Practical Takeaways for Action Fans:
- Prepare for Elite Action: With Ilya Naishuller directing and Iko Uwais joining, expect top-tier, intense fight choreography.
- Spot Your Favorite Fighters: Keep an eye out for how UFC and kickboxing stars integrate their authentic combat skills into the film's brawls.
- Anticipate a Grand Scale: The global filming locations mean a bigger story and more diverse settings than the first movie offered.
- Dave Bautista's Role: Watch for the former WWE star, who is likely to bring a significant physical presence, possibly as the main antagonist.
- Stay Tuned for Plot Details: While the cast is known, the "why" and "where" of Dalton's next adventure are still under wraps, building anticipation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Road House 2
Who is directing Road House 2?
Ilya Naishuller, known for his work on the action-thriller Nobody, is directing Road House 2 from a script by Will Beall.
Where will Road House 2 be filmed?
Production for the sequel is slated to take place across multiple international and domestic locations, including the U.K., Malta, and Savannah, Georgia.
Will Conor McGregor be in Road House 2?
No, Conor McGregor, who played the antagonist Knox in the first film, is not expected to return for the sequel. His future plans are currently unsettled.
What made the first Road House remake so successful?
The 2024 Road House remake garnered significant viewership on Prime Video, attracting 80 million viewers worldwide in its first eight weeks. Its success was attributed to Jake Gyllenhaal's raw performance, Conor McGregor's wild cameo, and its entertaining, action-packed nature, appealing to both fans of the original and new audiences.
Sources:
- Deadline, "Peter Sarsgaard and Rob Delaney Latest To Join Mark Wahlberg In Apple Dramedy From Stephen Chbosky", November 6, 2025.
- Deadline, "Amazon MGM's 'Road House 2' Adds Andrew Bachelor, Iko Uwais & Hidetoshi Nishijima To Cast", November 6, 2025.
- MMA Fighting, "Michael Chandler, Dustin Poirier join ‘Road House 2’ after Conor McGregor starred in original remake", November 4, 2025.
- MovieWeb, "'Road House 2' Is Aiming for "Greater Scope, Scale, and Ambition"", November 7, 2025.
- ACTION-FLIX.COM, "Iko Uwais Signs on for Amazon MGM’s ROAD HOUSE 2 with Gyllenhaal & Bautista!", November 5, 2025.
- WrestlingNewsSource.com, "Dave Batista Officially Joins Road House 2 Cast", November 7, 2025.
- Indulge Express, "Conor McGregor’s future in Road House 2 uncertain as multiple UFC names join cast", November 7, 2025.
- Yardbarker (BoxingNews.com), "Dustin Poirier And Michael Chandler To Star In ‘Road House 2’", November 5, 2025.
- JoBlo.com, "Ilya Naishuler’s Road House 2 adds Rico Verhoeven, Michael Chandler, & more to the Amazon MGM Studios sequel", November 5, 2025.
- ComingSoon.net, "Road House 2 Cast Adds Conor McGregor’s Rival, Rob Delaney, & More", November 6, 2025.