Jake Gyllenhaal Recounts Being “Punched in the Face” by Conor McGregor During Movie Rehearsal
Jake Gyllenhaal, renowned for his versatility in portraying diverse roles, recently shared an anecdote about a memorable encounter with UFC champion Conor McGregor during the rehearsal for their movie ‘Road House’.
In Doug Liman’s upcoming film remake, Gyllenhaal, 43, portrays Elwood Dalton, a former MMA fighter-turned-bouncer, while McGregor takes on the role of antagonist Knox. Speaking on SiriusXM’s ‘The Howard Stern Show’, Gyllenhaal praised McGregor’s charisma but revealed an unexpected incident during their rehearsal for a fight scene.
Recalling the encounter, Gyllenhaal expressed his admiration for McGregor’s presence and noted feeling nervous before their first fight scene. He recounted the rehearsal incident, stating that McGregor inadvertently punched him in the face while they were practising the choreography.
Despite the mishap, Gyllenhaal commended McGregor’s commitment to the role and jokingly lamented the absence of the incident on film.
Reflecting on his approach to physical preparation for roles, Gyllenhaal shared insights gained from his past experiences, particularly while training for his role in the boxing film ‘Southpaw’. He emphasized the importance of balancing physical training with maintaining his creativity as an actor, a lesson imparted by his acting coach, Penny Allen.
Acknowledging the value of learning and finding joy in the process, Gyllenhaal highlighted the essence of acting as a form of play and expressed his commitment to enjoying the craft while delivering performances that resonate with audiences.
