Nick Cassavetes to Write, Direct Ronda Rousey’s ‘Road House’ (EXCLUSIVE)
After nabbing UFC fighter Ronda Rousey to star in a reboot of Patrick Swayze’s “Road House,” MGM has now found its director.
Sources tell Variety that Nick Cassavetes has closed a deal to write and direct the re-envisioning of the ’80s action classic, with Rousey on board to star and produce.
Rousey is currently in training for her championship fight against Holly Holm on Nov. 14 at UFC 193. Insiders say once the fight is over, the plan is to immediately begin prepping for a fast-tracked shoot in the first quarter of 2016.
Released in 1989, the original film starred Swayze as a bouncer hired to clean up one of the rowdiest, loudest bars in Missouri, The Double Deuce. Swayze’s character is put to the test when he needs to protect the town from a corrupt businessman.
This movie became a breakout hit and maintains a cult following. “Road House” follows MGM’s reboot of another classic; the “Rocky” spinoff “Creed” hits theaters in November.
Cassavetes has directed his fair share of male-focused films like “Alpha Dog” and “John Q,” but sources say it was his skill of writing strong roles for women that was a major selling point for execs, showcased in films like “The Notebook” and “The Other Woman.”
The project would mark Rousey’s biggest acting gig to date. This marks the fourth project being specifically developed for Rousey to star in, following her biopic “My Fight/Your Fight” at Paramount, “The Athena Project” at Warner Bros. and the STX action pic “Mile 22,” which has Pete Berg on board to direct.
Cassavetes is repped by WME, LBI Entertainment and Morris Yorn Barnes Levine Krintzman Rubenstein Kohner & Gellman. Rousey is repped by WME and attorney David Feldman.
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