Jake Gyllenhaal recently revealed a harrowing experience he faced while shooting his latest movie, Road House. During a fight scene in the film, Gyllenhaal sustained a severe cut on his hand that led to a staph infection. The actor described the intense stunts involved in the movie, including fighting on the floor, around tables, and glass.
Recalling the moment of the injury, Gyllenhaal explained that he accidentally placed his hand on a piece of straight glass during a bar scene, causing the glass to penetrate his hand. Despite the rigorous fight scenes and stunts in the film, such incidents were not uncommon among the cast, leading to staph infections due to bacteria entering open wounds.
Staph infections can result in skin rashes, swelling, and potentially life-threatening complications if left untreated, as per the Mayo Clinic. Gyllenhaal, although unsure which specific injury caused the infection, emphasized the importance of taking care of his body during filming to prevent major injuries.
In Road House, Gyllenhaal portrays a former UFC fighter turned bar bouncer in the Florida Keys, alongside co-stars Conor McGregor, Jessica Williams, Post Malone, and Daniela Melchior. The actor has been transparent about the physical demands of preparing for an action-packed role like Elwood Dalton in the movie.
During a discussion at South by Southwest (SXSW), Gyllenhaal highlighted the collaborative effort required to achieve the physical transformation needed for the role. He acknowledged the support of his trainer, chef, and nutritionist in helping him maintain his physique and stay injury-free throughout the filming process.
Gyllenhaal's dedication to his role in Road House and the teamwork involved in his preparation underscore the commitment required for actors in action films to deliver authentic performances while prioritizing their health and safety.