Mixed Martial Arts
May 29, 2025

Nate Diaz shares shocking reason for rejecting McGregor's Road House role

Nate Diaz claims he was approached for a role in the Road House remake before Conor McGregor, but turned it down, citing he wouldn't lose to Gyllenhaal's character. The film became Amazon's most-watched original.
Close-up of MMA fighter Nate Diaz in a confrontational pose, shirtless with intense expression and a rugged beard.
Close-up of MMA fighter Nate Diaz in a confrontational pose, shirtless with intense expression and a rugged beard.

Who was originally approached for the Road House movie role before Conor McGregor?
Nate Diaz claims he was approached first to star alongside Jake Gyllenhaal in the Road House movie before the role went to Conor McGregor.

Why did Nate Diaz decline the Road House role?
Diaz declined the role because he did not want to lose in a fight against Jake Gyllenhaal, whom he referred to as "Brokeback Mountain," indicating he wouldn't lose in a movie fight.

What is the plot of the new Road House movie?
The new Road House film follows Elwood Dalton, a former UFC fighter-turned-bouncer, as he tries to rid his Florida town of a notorious crime boss.

How successful was the Road House movie upon release?
The movie attracted over 50 million viewers worldwide in its first two weekends, becoming Amazon MGM Studios' most-watched original film ever.

Where can viewers watch the new Road House movie?
The new Road House movie is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Nate Diaz recently revealed an intriguing detail about his career that fans might find surprising. He announced that he was the first choice for a role in the 2024 reimagining of the cult classic film, Road House, before the filmmakers eventually went with Conor McGregor. This revelation came during a podcast appearance where Diaz discussed the casting process for the film, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics of casting decisions in Hollywood.

Conor McGregor, widely recognized for his charisma and larger-than-life persona, starred as Knox in this reboot of Road House. Many fans believe his character mirrors his real-life attitude and behavior, making his performance notable for a first-time movie role. McGregor’s success in the film has been significant, with audiences praising his portrayal and the character’s alignment with McGregor's fighting spirit.

However, before McGregor took on this role alongside Jake Gyllenhaal, it appears that Diaz was approached with the opportunity. Diaz claimed that he was initially considered to play the main antagonist in Road House, an opportunity that was certainly enticing from a financial perspective. Despite this potential for success, Nate Diaz chose to decline the role for a reason that many consider unusual.

During the podcast, Diaz stated, “I was supposed to do Conor McGregor's part in Road House. Yeah, that was my part.” He elaborated, saying, “But, like, I'm not fighting. So, I'm the main bad guy, I'm supposed to fight. Okay, who's Patrick Swayze then?” This comment underscores his competitive nature, pointing to Diaz's reluctance to lose in a fight, even in a scripted scenario.

Diaz continued with a humorous yet serious tone: “They said it was Jake Gyllenhaal, and I'm like, ‘I ain't going in no movie and losing to no Brokeback Mountain.’ I said, ‘I can't see it, I can't do it. I ain't losing to nobody in no fight.’” His response reflects the mindset of a fighter who views every confrontation as a matter of pride, whether in the ring or on-screen.

Meanwhile, Road House has proven to be a significant success, drawing over 50 million viewers globally in its first two weekends. This makes it Amazon MGM Studios' most-watched original film to date, showcasing the film's broad appeal and the excitement surrounding its release.

The new version of Road House deviates from the 1989 original, telling the story of Elwood Dalton, a former UFC fighter who becomes a bouncer tasked with cleaning up his town in Florida, confronting a notorious crime boss. The film has garnered mixed reviews from audiences, with some appreciating the fresh take on a classic while others expressed disappointment in the departure from the original's style.

For those eager to see how the updated Road House shapes up compared to the original, it is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Nate Diaz’s comments add a unique layer to the conversation about the film, highlighting the competitive spirit that defines not only his career in MMA but also how it can carry over into other ventures such as acting.

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