There’s a new heavy-hitter heading to the Florida Keys — and he’s bringing some serious muscle. Dave Bautista, best known as Drax the Destroyer in Guardians of the Galaxy, is circling a role in Road House 2, the upcoming sequel to last year’s hit Prime Video reboot. Variety is reporting, via multiple sources, that the 56-year-old action star has been offered a role in the Guy Ritchie-directed follow-up.
While neither Bautista’s reps nor Amazon MGM Studios have commented, the casting buzz suggests the Dune and Knock at the Cabin star could be stepping into yet another bruiser role — but with Ritchie behind the camera, expect some style, swagger, and maybe even a surprising amount of dialogue.
Jake Gyllenhaal is headed back to the beach bars and backrooms too, returning as Rick Dalton. Amazon MGM Studios has officially greenlit Road House 2, with Gyllenhaal reprising his role as Dalton, the ex-UFC fighter turned bouncer who punches first and asks questions never. Ritchie, stepping in for original director Doug Liman (who exited after criticizing the film’s lack of theatrical release), marks his third collaboration with Gyllenhaal following The Covenant and their upcoming thriller In the Grey.
Script duties are being handled by Will Beall, who’s coming off Bad Boys: Ride or Die and Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. The sequel is being produced by Charles Roven and Alex Gartner (Atlas Entertainment), Gyllenhaal and Josh McLaughlin (Nine Stories), and executive produced by Ivan Atkinson.
Who Is Dave Bautista Playing in ‘Road House 2’?
While Bautista’s role is still under wraps, it’s easy to speculate given his résumé. Whether as a calculating villain or a brutal enforcer with a heart, Bautista has shown he can bring depth to characters who could easily just be muscle. Could he be a rival bouncer? A cartel fixer? A guy who has a score to settle with Dalton? With Ritchie directing, expect a colorful backstory — and at least one monologue before the brawl breaks out. And if you’re hoping for a full Guy Ritchie Cinematic Universe, never say never. After all, Road House 2 could very well feature feuding gang families in London or Jason Statham kicking in a door — we’re just saying.
The first Road House reboot, released in March 2024, became an overnight streaming phenomenon. According to then-studio chief Jennifer Salke, it racked up nearly 80 million global views in just eight weeks, becoming Amazon MGM’s most-watched original film debut to date. That success made the decision to greenlight a sequel a no-brainer — Amazon made the announcement official during its Upfronts presentation last summer.
Road House is streaming now on Prime Video. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates as the sequel comes together.
Source: Variety