For the combat scenes in” Road House” Jake Gyllenhaal was honored to enter the “sacred space” of the UFC octagon. What scenes did he film in the Octagon? Why was filming the scenes in the octagon so special for him? Continue reading to find out!
Gyllenhaal made an unexpected cameo during the weigh-ins and on fight night at UFC 285 in March 2023, filming sequences for the movie in front of a live audience with UFC veteran Jay Hieron.
The cult classic’s upcoming remake includes those scenes and will be available on Amazon Prime starting on March 21. He stated he took the job of portraying a UFC fighter very seriously and with a great deal of respect.
Gyllenhaal expressed that throughout the shooting, he found himself adopting the mentality of a UFC fighter and physically feeling that way due to his daily training and preparation. He mentioned the necessity for actors to convince themselves of certain mindsets during performances. He reflected on the significance of the energy from the crowd during filming, emphasizing the sacred nature of the octagon and the privilege of being able to step into it, reserved typically for actual fighters. Gyllenhaal acknowledged the honor he felt in being able to participate in such an environment, emphasizing his serious approach to the experience. Despite noting similarities to performing live on stage, he acknowledged the uniqueness of the octagon setting.
In the scenes, Gyllenhaal flaunted his amazing body and revealed that he had watched hours of UFC footage to assist him have a solid understanding of the fighters’ styles and motions. He learned that a major component of what makes UFC fighters distinctive is their personality, and he tried to capture that in a way that was consistent with Elwood Dalton, his character.
Gyllenhaal stated that he simply focused on the task at hand. He mentioned that before any live event, there’s a need for focus. He attempted to replicate what he had observed and studied from other fighters’ walkouts, noting their diversity. He came to understand that it’s about the individual and that each person doesn’t necessarily have to appear tough. They can come out however they choose, and they’ll still exhibit fierceness in their way.
Ultimately, he expressed that it was a tremendous honor for him. He remarked that it was one of those incredible experiences that he couldn’t believe he had the opportunity to do.
What do you think about the movie scene being shot in the octagon? Do you think it should have happened? Do let us know about your thoughts in the comment section!
