Dave Bautista Shares Bane Update After Meeting James Gunn
Dave Bautista is flexing his muscles once again in the ever-expanding world of comic book movies, but while he was once known for playing Drax the Destroyer in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he's ready for a new challenge.
While we know James Gunn's much-delayed Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is on the way in 2023, Bautista has also confirmed (via GQ) it'll be his last as the comedic Kylosian. Although that doesn't necessarily mean Drax will kick the bucket, he's hanging up the body paint.
Gunn is also stepping away from the intergalactic team of rag-tag rogues but has found himself a new gig over at Warner Bros. Studios. The former Disney beau is heading up a revamped DC Extended Universe and already has plans to bring some stars along with him.
Will Dave Bautista Play Bane In The DCU?
Click to enlargeGunn has already rebranded the DCEU, Worlds of DC, or whatever you called it, as a more simplified DCU. With his imminent slate announcement, fans are dying to see what's on the way.
The director has promised some of his Guardians alumni will be signing up, while Bautista has previously thrown his weight behind the idea of playing infamous Batman enemy, Bane.
Sadly, the 54-year-old has told Insider how his campaign to play the Man Who Broke the Bat has ground to a halt. Simply, Bautista thinks he's too old to play Bane.
"I have had conversations with James about that but I think the direction he's leaning in, completely rebooting that whole universe," said Bautista. "He's starting from scratch and starting younger and fresher and I think you need to do that."
He added, "I think for the DC Universe to be revived, you need to start from scratch, and I think you need to start with younger actors. You need to start to plan for the next 15 years, and I just don't think you can do that with me."
The star admits he also wouldn't want to do a character he can't bring justice to: "I don't think at this point in my career that I can bring justice to Bane anymore. I just don't know if I could handle the physical part, and I don't think I would have the longevity to plan ahead for films."
An update from Bautista's publicist has since clarified that these talks took place in the past 10 years, but non since Gunn took the reins of the DCU. Still, it sounds like a pretty definitive end to our fan castings of Bautsita as Bane.
What's Going On With DC?
Bautista's words align with what we already know about Gunn's mysterious slate. Henry Cavill is officially out as Superman, with the DCU going for a younger take on the character.
Robert Pattinson's Batman and Joaquin Phoenix's Joker seem safe for now in their own little bubbles, but things are less clear for Jason Momoa's Aquaman, Zachary Levi's Shazam, and Ezra Miller's Flash - all with movies coming out this year.
Gal Gadot is also likely out as Wonder Woman, as Warner Bros. pulled the rug from underneath Patty Jenkins' Wonder Woman 3. There have been rumblings about Momoa's potential return, but instead of playing Aquaman, he'll take on a new role as Lobo.
The other shock decision was that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's plans for Black Adam have been scuppered. With Gunn keeping house and burning things to the ground, it makes sense we'll start afresh.
Then again, there are a few outliers making the jump. John Cena and Viola Davis seem safe as Peacemaker and Amanda Waller, with both of them being part of Gunn's The Suicide Squad movie.
We hope Bautsita can find a place in this new era of the DCU, and while he might be too old for Bane, we're all here for him playing Doctor Hugo Strange.