Jake Gyllenhaal & Conor McGregor Have an Epic Conversation | One on One | GQ Sports

GQ Sports2 minutes read

Jake's experiences in movie sets and bar fights helped create a classic NYC boxing gym where Conor McGregor trained for a World Title fight, with intense preparation and UFC involvement adding authenticity and energy to the film. McGregor's dedication to authenticity in fight scenes, his involvement in stunts, and his interest in future projects, including a potential return to fighting and more movies, made him a valuable asset during the filming of the movie.

Insights

  • Jake, with minimal boxing experience, immersed himself in training to create an authentic New York City boxing gym, where Conor McGregor trained for a significant project, surprising many with his involvement.
  • Conor McGregor's dedication to authenticity in fight scenes, guided by Jake, added a realistic touch to the film, with McGregor's UFC experience shaping detailed and accurate punches and shots, showcasing mutual admiration between the two.

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Recent questions

  • How did Jake prepare for his role in the movie?

    By immersing himself in training at Church Street Boxing Gym.

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Summary

00:00

"Jake's Journey: From Movie Shots to Boxing Gym"

  • Jake has been in 75-76 movie shots and bar fights, blending experiences to create a classic New York City boxing gym.
  • The gym, located around 8 Miles, was where Conor McGregor trained for his double World Title fight against Eddie Alvarez in Madison Square Garden.
  • The gym is underground, with a martial arts spot at the back, where meetings with Antoine Fuqua and 50 Cent took place for the movie "Southpaw."
  • Jake had no boxing experience before the movie, but immersed himself in training at Church Street Boxing Gym.
  • Conor McGregor praised Jake's dedication to his craft and the intense preparation required for fighting.
  • The movie, initially a cameo, grew into a significant project, with Conor McGregor's involvement surprising many.
  • The UFC's involvement was crucial, with the Octagon walk adding authenticity and energy to the film.
  • Filming included real fight scenes at UFC events, with intense preparation and logistical challenges.
  • Conor McGregor's nerves and adrenaline were high during the live fight scenes, with real hits exchanged for authenticity.
  • Working together, Jake and Conor found mutual admiration and support, with Jake guiding Conor through his acting debut.

12:02

"McGregor Elevates Fight Scenes with Realism"

  • The final fight scene was considered great during shooting, with the Force One scene being particularly impressive.
  • Garrett Warren and Steve Brown were the fight coordinators who allowed actors to add their own ideas to fight scenes.
  • Connor McGregor's involvement in fight scenes added authenticity and guidance to make the fights more realistic.
  • McGregor's experience in UFC made him particular about the details of fight scenes, ensuring accuracy in punches and shots.
  • Fight scenes were shot in slow motion with long takes, often involving multiple combinations of moves.
  • McGregor's first time on set involved challenges in performing stunts, with the director emphasizing realism in action sequences.
  • McGregor's experience with a previous leg injury made him cautious during action scenes, especially when a rope was involved in a car door stunt.
  • McGregor expressed excitement for future projects, including a potential return to fighting and interest in working on more movies, possibly a UFC-themed film.
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