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Doug Liman’s Road House: Director Claims No Pay Despite 50M Streams
Doug Liman’s reboot of the 1980s cult classic, Road House, has made waves in the streaming world, amassing over 50 million viewers on Prime Video within its first two weekends. This impressive figure has set a record for Amazon, surpassing the viewership of any original movie they have produced for the platform. The film, which premiered on March 21, 2024, was shot using IMAX cameras and has been described as an action-packed ride featuring a star-studded cast led by Jake Gyllenhaal.
| Title | Director | Release Date | Viewership | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Road House | Doug Liman | March 21, 2024 | 50M+ | Amazon Prime Video |
Record-Breaking Viewership
Amazon MGM Studios has reported that Road House achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the most significant global movie launch in the company’s history. The film’s viewership numbers have been a topic of discussion, particularly regarding how Amazon calculated these figures. Despite the lack of transparency, the film’s performance has been undeniable, with 1.7 billion watch minutes recorded between March 22 and March 28, making it the most-watched streaming original of that week. This translates to an estimated 13.9 million views in the United States alone during that period.
Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon MGM Studios, expressed her pride in the film’s success, highlighting the hard work and dedication of the entire filmmaking team and cast. The film’s ability to attract both fans of the original and new audiences has contributed to its buzz and popularity.
Director’s Frustration Over Theatrical Release
Despite the film’s success on streaming, Doug Liman has publicly expressed his frustration regarding the decision not to release Road House theatrically. Initially, Liman was reluctant to attend the film’s premiere at the 2024 SXSW Film Festival, feeling that a theatrical release would have been more appropriate for the film’s potential. However, he eventually decided to support his project at the festival in Austin, Texas.
Liman’s concerns reflect a broader debate within the film industry about the viability of streaming releases versus traditional theatrical releases. Many filmmakers believe that certain films deserve the big-screen experience, while others argue that streaming platforms provide a more accessible avenue for audiences to enjoy new content.
Cast and Performances
Road House features a diverse cast, including Jake Gyllenhaal, Conor McGregor, Daniela Melchior, Darren Barnet, and Billy Magnussen. Gyllenhaal’s performance has been praised, while McGregor’s role has sparked mixed reactions from audiences and critics alike. Some viewers have found McGregor’s portrayal to be entertaining, while others have criticized it as lacking depth.
The film’s blend of action and humor has resonated with many viewers, leading to discussions about potential sequels and the future of the franchise. The dynamic between the cast members, particularly Gyllenhaal and McGregor, has been a focal point of audience engagement, with fans expressing interest in seeing more of their characters in future installments.
Industry Impact and Future Prospects
The success of Road House on Prime Video raises questions about the future of film distribution. As streaming platforms continue to gain traction, filmmakers and studios must navigate the evolving landscape of audience preferences and viewing habits. The film’s record-breaking viewership may encourage other studios to consider similar release strategies for their projects.
Moreover, the debate surrounding theatrical versus streaming releases is likely to persist, with filmmakers advocating for their creative visions to be experienced on the big screen. As the industry adapts to changing consumer behaviors, the success of films like Road House may influence how future projects are marketed and distributed.
FAQs
1. What is the release date of the new Road House?
The new Road House was released on March 21, 2024.
2. Who directed the new Road House?
The film was directed by Doug Liman.
3. How many viewers did Road House attract on Prime Video?
The film attracted over 50 million viewers within its first two weekends on Prime Video.
4. Why did Doug Liman express frustration about the film’s release?
Liman was frustrated that Road House did not receive a theatrical release, believing it would have been better suited for the big screen.
5. Who are some of the main cast members of Road House?
The main cast includes Jake Gyllenhaal, Conor McGregor, Daniela Melchior, Darren Barnet, and Billy Magnussen.
6. What was the film’s performance in terms of watch minutes?
Between March 22 and March 28, Road House accumulated 1.7 billion watch minutes, making it the most-watched streaming original of that week.
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