Road House Remake’s Hidden Nod To Patrick Swayze’s Original Character Couldn’t Have Been More Perfect

The 2024 Road House remake gives a subtle nod to actor Patrick Swayze, who originally played Jake Gyllenhaal’s character Dalton, and it couldn’t be more perfect. Directed by Doug Liman, 2024’s Road House is a modern-day “re-imagining” of the 1989 action movie of the same name. The original Road House starred Patrick Swayze as the protagonist, James Dalton, a bouncer at a roadhouse bar whose job is to break up bar fights. The 2024 Road House remake cast Jake Gyllenhaal in the role originated by Swayze, giving him some pretty big shoes to fill.

Although it’s since become a cult classic with audiences, the original Road House received disappointing reviews from critics upon its release. Despite this, it was still a huge deal to follow in the footsteps of such a legendary and well-respected actor like Swayze, especially since his tragic death back in 2009 at just 57 years old. Swayze’s passing made it even more important for Gyllenhaal to honor not only his work as the original Dalton in 1989’s Road House but his memory and legacy as well, which he managed to do in one subtle but brilliant way.

Jake Gyllenhaal’s Road House Character Has Tattoos That Honor Original Dalton Actor Patrick Swayze

Some Of Gyllenhaal’s Onscreen Ink Is An Ode To The Late Actor

In the 2024 Road House remake, Dalton has several tattoos on his forearms, chest, and the side of his neck. Dalton’s ink is a new addition in the Road House remake, as Swayze’s Dalton didn’t have any tattoos in the original movie. They’re a smart character detail that further establish Dalton’s tough demeanor, but according to Gyllenhaal, some of his tattoos in the Road House remake actually have a deeper meaning beyond their aesthetic purpose. “I have a couple of different tattoos [in Road House] in honor of Patrick [Swayze],” Gyllenhaal revealed.

Although none of Gyllenhaal’s tattoos in the Road House remake are real, the ritual of having them applied on set every day was a continuous reminder of where this character and story came from. “When I[‘d] put [the tattoos] on in the morning,” he shared. “I’d be reminded of the history of this piece and the origins of it, which was good to remember every day.” These tattoos also allowed Gyllenhaal to “bring [Swayze]” with him onto the set of the Road House remake while he played the character Swayze originated.

Gyllenhaal didn’t explain which tattoos were “a little ode to [Swayze],” though, let alone how exactly they honor his memory. Instead, he encouraged viewers to “press pause and look” for these “Easter eggs” themselves while watching the Road House remake. “You’ll find them,” he said.

Gyllenhaal’s Fake Patrick Swayze Tattoos Are The Perfect Subtle Way To Reference The Original Movie

This Minor Detail Is Able To Carry Deeper Meaning Without Distracting From The Remake

Because 2024’s Road House is a remake as opposed to a sequel or even a reboot, it’s not supposed to co-exist with its source material. Making too many overt references to or even indirectly acknowledging the existence of the original work would risk breaking the necessary illusion that this story has never occurred before. However, since the significance behind Dalton’s tattoos is only an “if-you-know-you-know” detail, they don’t dilute or interfere with the nature of 2024’s Road House as a remake.

Incorporating explicit references would also make the remake seem like it was relying too much on its connection to the original movie’s cult classic status and nostalgia for appeal or significance. Honoring Swayze through a new addition made to their shared character in the Road House remake is a great way for Gyllenhaal to pay tribute to the late actor while also making the role of Dalton his own.

Dalton’s ink is a minor detail that already fits the character, and knowing that the tattoos are meant to be an ode to Swayze doesn’t distract from the remake or complicate its canon. Gyllenhaal’s tattoos allow Swayze’s presence to be felt and keep his memory and legacy alive while simultaneously preserving the integrity of the Road House remake.

Jake Gyllenhaal Honoring Patrick Swayze In Road House’s Remake Has Another Layer Of Meaning After Donnie Darko

Gyllenhaal & Swayze Starred In Donnie Darko Together In 2001

Gyllenhaal’s touching tribute to Swayze in the Road House remake is even more meaningful since they previously shared the screen in Donnie Darko. In the 2001 psychological thriller, Gyllenhaal played the titular troubled teen while Swayze played motivational speaker Jim Cunningham. In one scene, while Jim is speaking to Donnie and his classmates at a school assembly, Donnie calls him out on his hack guidance and tells him he thinks Jim is “the Antichrist.” Donnie later sets his house on fire, which leads to Jim getting arrested for disturbing sex crimes.

While their characters may have butted heads onscreen, Gyllenhaal has nothing but fond memories of working with Swayze on the set of Donnie Darko as a 19-year-old. “He was always so kind to me,” Gyllenhaal shared. He also spoke highly of Swayze and their time working together in an Instagram post from March 13, 2024. “I’ve never stopped being a fan,” he wrote in the caption.

“He was such a talent and I continue to have so much respect and admiration for what he put out and into the world,” Gyllenhaal continued. “I’ll never forget his kindness to me when I was starting out—he didn’t have to take the time, but he always did.” Although he goes on to say that they’ve “made a different [Road House] this time around,” Gyllenhaal’s history with Swayze made it even more important for him to properly pay tribute to the late actor in the Road House remake.