The UFC fighter is set to break up bar fights in the 80’s reboot.
[dropcap size=small]R[/dropcap]onda Rousey has been a busy, busy woman. Not only is she continuing to successfully uphold her title for the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championships, but she’s also been breaking into the cinematic world – with recent appearances in Furious 7, Expendables 3, and a cameo role in Entourage.
And she certainly show’s no signs of slowing down anytime soon, as news recently emerged that the UFC fighter will be taking on Patrick Swayze’s bouncer role in a remake of the 1989 cult classic, Road House.
Aside from Swayze’s iconic mullet hairdo, the film is known for its ruckus bar fights at the gritty nightclub known as the Double Deuce. Swayze’s character Dalton takes charge of keeping the peace among patrons, and attempts to clean up the violence within the establishment. He also has to contend with seedy business investors, and corrupt employees. Definitely no small feat, right?
Swayze received training from kick-boxing champion Benny “The Jet” Urquidez, and used a mixture of martial arts and boxing skills in fight scenes. Given Rousey’s impressive feats with her mixed martial art skills, she’s sure to nail the role with ease.
Having a female lead in a strong, physical part, is a very refreshing direction for the remake to go in, and it’s brilliant to see more strong female roles making their way to the big screen. The reboot was apparently set in motion with Rousey in mind, and she is, after all, a total badass – not unlike Swayze’s portrayal of Dalton – so it’s the perfect fit for her. It’ll be interesting to see how Rousey re-invents Swayze’s character.
Rob Cohen is set to direct, with a screenplay from Michael Stokes. Cohen is known for The Fast and the Furious and xXx, and Stokes is the writer behind titles such as The Marsh and Exit Speed. No other cast members have been announced as of yet.
Production for the remake is said to begin in 2016.