Dave Bautista may be done playing Drax the Destroyer, but he’s not done with superhero movies. The actor best known for the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise has declared his desire to take on a meaty role in a comic book franchise. Will that be a hero? A villain? Would it be for Marvel or DC? It all depends on the role.
The wrestler-turned-actor recently spoke with Gizmodo ahead of the release of Dune: Part Two. During the conversation, he addressed his willingness to have a meaningful role in a superhero project moving forward. He may not be eager to return as Drax, but that doesn’t mean he’s done with comic book movies. Here’s what he had to say about it:
“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’ve seen [Marvel Studios head] 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 played Drax for a decade in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Aside from the Guardians trilogy, he starred in the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, as well as Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. He also appeared in 2022’s Thor: Love and Thunder alongside Star-Lord and the gang.
For what it’s worth, actors in the MCU have played multiple roles. Gemma Chan was in Captain Marvel before taking on the role of Sersi in Eternals. So it’s not impossible that Bautista could play someone else in the MCU down the line. But James Gunn, who directed the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, is now the co-head of DC Studios. So, does DC make more sense? We’ll see. Speaking further, Bautista elaborated, expressing a desire to possibly play a villain rather than another hero.
“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. … I’m not done with it. But my journey with Drax is over.”
There were rumors at one point that Bautista was up to play Bane in a DC project. Gunn eventually had to debunk rumors of Bane’s appearance in Peacemaker. It’s easy to see Bautista as Bane, but would that qualify as an ominous villain? That depends. Regardless, he is a big star and it’s easy to see him getting another bite at the apple in the future.
Dune: Part Two hits theaters on March 1.
What do you think? Would you like to see Bautista join the DC Universe? Would you like to see him play a villain? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!
