Ronda Rousey bags leading role in ‘Road House’ remake

MGM has reportedly roped in UFC fighter Ronda Rousey to star in the long-rumoured reboot of “Road House.”

Rousey has been cast to play the main character. She is set to reprise Patrick Swayze’s role in the original film, which released in 1989. “Road House” centered on a philosophical bouncer John Dalton, played by Swayze, who gets hired to take on troublemakers in Missouri. Directed by Rowdy Herrington, it grossed more than $30 million at the U.S. box office.

Rob Cohen, “The Fast and The Furious” director, has been tapped to direct the new film from the script by Michael Stokes, The Wrap reported.

Rousey shared the news about her casting via Twitter on Wednesday. “It is a great honor to play a part in celebrating the life of a man that inspired so many. I couldn’t be more grateful to have this opportunity to pay respect to the beloved Patrick Swayze… I promise to work incessantly to make sure this project is a tribute his family and fans can be proud of,” she tweeted.

The production on the film is set to start in February 2016, following Rousey’s UFC fight on Nov. 14. “Road House” reboot is Rousey’s first major acting project. The 28-year-old made her acting debut in the 2014 film “The Expendables 3,” and since then, she has appeared in hit movies such as “Furious 7” and “Entourage.”

The other acting projects that Rousey has bagged are “My Fight/Your Fight,” “The Athena Project” and “Mile 22.”

Rousey is the first and current UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion, and the last Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Champion. She is also a World/Olympic medalist in judo.

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