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.
