Dave Bautista’s pursuit of an ominous villain role sparks rumors of portraying Bane in James Gunn’s DC Universe

Former professional wrestler Dave Bautista is widely recognized for his imposing physique and charismatic presence. He has seamlessly transitioned into the realm of Hollywood, captivating audiences with his portrayal of Drax in the beloved Guardians of the Galaxy franchise.

As his character’s journey within the MCU concludes, Bautista has expressed a keen interest in tackling a different kind of antagonist role, one that is more menacing and foreboding than Drax.

Dave Bautista as Drax in a still from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Amidst his expressed desire for a new challenge, rumors have swirled within entertainment circles suggesting that Bautista might be tapped to embody the iconic DC Comics villain, Bane. Fans have eagerly speculated about Bautista’s potential casting as Bane, citing his physical prowess and acting abilities that align perfectly with the formidable nature of the character.

Dave Bautista’s Departure from Drax Paved the Way for New Horizons

Dave Bautista as Glossu Rabban of House Harkonnen

After an impressive nine-year stint portraying the character Drax the Destroyer across six movies, Dave Bautista bid farewell to the role following the conclusion of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 in 2023. As this installment marked the conclusion of James Gunn’s celebrated trilogy, Bautista expressed a profound desire to explore roles that delve into deeper layers of complexity and intrigue.

Throughout his tenure as Drax, Bautista showcased his dedication and talent, captivating audiences with his memorable performance. However, The wrestler-turned-actor has been steadfast in his declaration that his time portraying Drax has come to an end.

The actor has articulated his yearning for roles that challenge him artistically, pushing him to delve into uncharted territories and stretch his acting prowess beyond the confines of what Drax offered.

Dave Bautista told io9,

“No, no. When I said that I was done, I was really just done with my journey as Drax. I still have a relationship with Marvel. I love the universe—the superhero universe, I love it. I’m a fan. So Marvel or DC, if they call, I would answer the phone. And if the role makes sense, I’d be all over it. I just would like the opportunity to do a bigger role, a different role. Maybe a deeper role. I’d love to have the opportunity to play, like an ominous villain in the superhero universe. Yeah. But never. I’m not done with it. But my journey with Drax is over.”

Bautista’s ambitions have naturally sparked speculation and anticipation among fans regarding his potential involvement in future superhero projects within the MCU or the DC. However, as of yet, neither Marvel nor DCU has made any official announcements regarding Bautista’s future within their respective cinematic universes.

Dave Bautista’s Potential Transformation as Bane in James Gunn’s DC Universe

Dave Bautista in the Final score

Amidst his expressed desire to sink into a more ominous villainous role, rumors persistently swirl around Dave Bautista’s potential portrayal of Bane in James Gunn‘s DCU. Fans claimed that his expansive emotional range, adept comedic timing, and imposing physique make him an ideal candidate for the formidable DC character, Bane.

Furthermore, Bautista has hinted at his desire to infuse Bane’s portrayal with not only a physical menace but also a frighteningly intelligent demeanor. Dave Bautista told Collider,

“Any big muscular guy can play the guy who is screaming, and growling, and yelling. But if you play a guy who is not only physically menacing but also soft-spoken, and even more terrifying when he’s speaking to you softly with a smile on his face, then that is a villain.”

In a bold move in April 2021, Bautista publicly declared his aspirations to embody Bane by marching into DC’s offices. This declaration adds fuel to the already blazing speculation surrounding his potential casting.

Although Bane has not graced the silver screen since Tom Hardy’s iconic portrayal in The Dark Knight Rises. Bautista stated,

“No discredit to Tom Hardy’s version of Bane, I love that performance, I loved that film. I’d just love a crack at it. I think I could bring an interesting twist to it and I think I could do the character justice.”

Bautista’s fervent interest in the role hints at exciting possibilities for the character’s reinvention. Notably, amidst the myriad rumors circulating about the future of the DCU, the prospect of Bautista taking on the mantle of Bane emerges as one of the most plausible and intriguing scenarios.