Conor McGregor, known as the biggest star in the history of mixed martial arts, has also made a splash in the film industry. McGregor played the villain Knox in the remake of the classic action film “Road House” on Amazon Prime, which drew over 50 million viewers during its first two weekends, making it the platform’s most-viewed film debut. In the movie, Jake Gyllenhaal took on the leading role of Dalton, originally portrayed by the late Patrick Swayze. Despite the concept being released 35 years ago, the remake has gained massive popularity.
The success of the film can be attributed in part to McGregor’s significant presence on social media. According to a report by social media listening firm ListenFirst, the Road House remake earned over 11 million engagements across various social media platforms. Prime Video’s posts accounted for 17.4% of engagements, while the talent, including McGregor, generated nearly half of the engagements during the period. McGregor’s posts, in particular, garnered the highest volume of engagements at 39.4%, showcasing his influence on driving engagement and awareness for the film.
McGregor’s impact extends beyond the film industry, as he has headlined some of the UFC’s biggest events with high PPV buy rates and live gates. While the success of the Road House remake may lead to more film opportunities for McGregor, he has expressed hesitation about taking on another film role. Instead, he is focusing on a return to the Octagon in 2024, following a serious ankle injury during his 2021 bout with Dustin Poirier. Despite earning over $530 million in his career, McGregor remains focused on his fighting career and has been tested multiple times for performance-enhancing drugs in 2024.
Overall, McGregor’s presence in the film industry has proven to be a driving force behind the success of the Road House remake. With his strong social media engagement and established star power in both MMA and entertainment, McGregor has solidified himself as a versatile and influential figure across multiple platforms. As he continues to navigate his career in both fighting and film, McGregor’s audience and impact are only expected to grow, further solidifying his status as a top athlete and entertainer in the world.
