Conor McGregor tipped to be 'next big action star' after role in classic 80s remake

Conor McGregor is set to grace the silver screen, but this time he'll be showing off his acting skills rather than his usual bouts around the octagon.

The UFC star will be starring alongside Hollywood A lister Jake Gyllenhall in a remake of the 80s classic action movie Road House, which is expected to be released by the end of the year.

McGregor has also been tipped to become part of a "new generation of ass-kicking movie stars", according to The Hollywood reporter, adding that they "consulted action aficionados, directors, producers and writers to draw up a list of names."
 
Speaking of the Irishman, who rose to fame in 2008 after his fighting debut, they said,

"The former UFC champion, 35, will make his film debut alongside Jake Gyllenhall in Doug Limon's "reimagining" of 80s action classic Road House.

"While the film could help kick-start a whole new post-ring career for the Irishman, just like fellow ex-MMA stars Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Randy Couture, the interest in whether McGregor can act or not may well be overshadowed by those wanting to see just how ripped Gyllenhall has gotten for the role."

Official images from Roadhouse starring Conor McGregor and Jake Gyllenhaal

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McGregor previously spoke about his experience filming the upcoming classic, telling American blog site Barstool:

"I did enjoy the process. It was very tough. I'll tell you what I enjoyed the most...the fact the now everything else seems easy...because 15-hour days on set, memorizing lines. You're memorizing the lines and practicing before you even go on set, so it's a lot of hard work.

"And I was doing my own stunts...but leaving it, doing this show, going to training camp, preparing for fights, shooting content for all these companies, everything seems so much easier."

McGregor won't be on hanging up his UFC hat anytime soon though, as he's expected to return next year, nearly three years on from his last fight against Dustin Poirier, when he suffered a broken leg.