Dave Bautista Isn’t Done with Superhero Movies, but Wants to Play an ‘Ominous Villain’ Next

Christian Zilko
·2 min read
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Dave Bautista’s role in “Dune: Part Two” marks his third collaboration with Denis Villeneuve and his first major role since his exit from the Marvel Cinematic Universe after 2023’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.” But while the former professional wrestler continues to expand his acting resume with more serious roles, he won’t rule out the possibility of joining another comic book franchise.

In a new interview with Gizmodo, Bautista reiterated that he is done with his “Guardians” character Drax the Destroyer, but expressed openness to returning to the superhero genre.

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“When I said that I was done, I was really just done with my journey as Drax,” Bautista said. “I still have a relationship with Marvel. I’ve seen Kevin Feige again, Lou [D’Esposito] as recently as two weeks ago. And they know that I would be up for a role. 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.”

Bautista added that he would be particularly interested in playing a villainous role in a superhero franchise that would allow him to flex his dramatic muscles.

“I just would like the opportunity to do a bigger role, a different role,” he said. “Maybe a deeper role. I’d love to have the opportunity to play, like, an ominous villain in the superhero universe. I’m not done with it. But my journey with Drax is over.”

Bautista’s latest comments echo the sentiments he expressed after the final “Guardians” movie was released last year. He previously explained that he enjoyed the experience of playing Drax, but wants to spend the next chapter of his career focusing on dramatic acting.

“I’m so grateful for Drax. I love him,” Bautista told GQ in a 2023 interview. “But there’s a relief [that it’s over]. It wasn’t all pleasant. It was hard playing that role. The makeup process was beating me down. And I just don’t know if I want Drax to be my legacy — it’s a silly performance, and I want to do more dramatic stuff.”

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