‘Road House’ Director Doug Liman Says ’50 Million People’ Streamed the Film, but ‘I Didn’t Get a Cent. Jake Gyllenhaal Didn’t Get a Cent … That’s Wrong.’

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the frustration of "Road House" director Doug Liman over the streaming release of his Jake Gyllenhaal-led action movie, as he claims he and the lead actor did not receive any compensation despite the film's massive viewership on Amazon Prime Video.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Director's Frustration over Streaming Release

1. What is Doug Liman's main issue with the streaming release of "Road House"?

• Liman is frustrated that he, Jake Gyllenhaal, and producer Joel Silver did not receive any compensation despite the film's massive viewership of 50 million viewers on Amazon Prime Video.
• Liman states that "50 million people saw 'Road House' — I didn't get a cent, Jake Gyllenhaal didn't get a cent, [producer] Joel Silver didn't get a cent. That's wrong."

2. How did the streaming release come about, and what were the options presented to the filmmakers?

• "Road House" was initially conceived as a theatrical release for MGM, but plans changed when MGM was purchased by Amazon.
• Sources said Liman, Gyllenhaal, and producer Joel Silver were given a choice: make the film for $60 million and get a theatrical release, or take $85 million and go streaming only. They opted for the latter.

3. How does Liman's experience with Apple for "The Instigators" differ from the "Road House" streaming release?

• For "The Instigators" made for Apple, Liman says "right from the beginning, we said we're making this for streaming, our contracts compensated streaming, we're all compensated for it being on streaming — there's something called a streaming buyout — so Apple has been above-board from the beginning."

[02] Sequel Development and Liman's Involvement

1. What is the status of a "Road House" sequel?

• Amazon announced in May that a sequel to "Road House" is officially in development, with Jake Gyllenhaal set to reprise his lead role.

2. Is Doug Liman's involvement in the sequel known?

• The article states that Liman's involvement in the "Road House" sequel is not known at this time.