Following the success of Superman, DC fans are excited to see what the future holds for James Gunn and Peter Safran’s rebooted DC Universe. But, one person who isn’t so happy is Gunn’s former MCU collaborator, and long-time colleague, Dave Bautista. The pair first worked together on Guardians of the Galaxy, which Gunn directed and Bautista starred in as Drax the Destroyer. The duo returned to complete the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, with Bautista being one of Gunn’s strongest supporters during his brief cancellation. It’s safe to say their bond is pretty tight. But, it’s because of that bond that Dave Bautista is seemingly upset at James Gunn for his future DCU plans, which don’t include the former WWE star turned actor.
Speaking to Screen Rant to promote his new film, Afterburn, Dave Bautista addressed his potential casting in the DCU, or lack thereof. “You know, I check back with them all the time to see, because I want to be in that world,” Bautista said of Gunn’s move to the DC Universe following Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Dave Bautista has repeatedly expressed a desire to join Gunn over at DC. But, at the time of writing, nothing has come to fruition. He explained:
“And I don’t want to say I’m disappointed, but I was really just, you know, I was hoping a year or so ago that I would’ve gotten the call from James saying, ‘Hey man, we got something for you.'”
However, it’s not all bad news. Dave Bautista might not have been officially cast in any upcoming DC projects. But he has been listening closely to the ever-spinning rumor mill. “But I just keep hearing kind of through the pipeline that they’re thinking about me for something, but I don’t know what it is,” he continued. “And I haven’t heard directly from either James or Peter. But I really want to be in that room, you know, I was hoping to go over there and do something with them, but I haven’t heard anything. And I’m not getting younger.”
Who Could Dave Bautista Play in the DC Universe?
Fans have been wanting Dave Bautista to join the DC Universe from the moment James Gunn took over at DC Studios, and a few have even wanted it before then. Given his physicality and build, there are a few roles that immediately stand out to fans. Some think that Bautista would be the perfect Bane in the DCU. Although, that would move the character away from his Caribbean origins, yet again.
Some of DC’s more underrated characters, like Solomon Grundy, would also be really interesting for Bautista to play. WIth James Mangold currently working on a Swamp Thing film for DC, Bautista could also be an interesting choice to play the Guardian of the Green. However, once again, nothing has been confirmed. For all we know, James Gunn could want Bautista to play Mister Mxyzptlk.
