Former WWE Superstar Dave Bautista has made a name for himself in Hollywood, thanks to his role as Drax The Destroyer in the Marvel Universe. After playing Drax in various Marvel movies since debuting in 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy, Bautista has announced that the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will be his last outing as the character.
Desire for Dramatic Roles and Discomfort with Makeup Process
Bautista has expressed his desire to pursue more dramatic roles, moving away from the type of character he played as Drax. He also didn’t enjoy the extensive makeup process and the requirement to be shirtless while playing the character. At 54 years old by the time Guardians 3 comes out, Bautista admits that the shirtless aspect is becoming more challenging for him.
Connection to Director James Gunn
Another factor in Bautista’s decision to end his tenure as Drax is the departure of Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn, who has announced that Vol. 3 will be his final film in the franchise. Bautista acknowledged that with Gunn’s exit, he feels it’s time for him to step aside and wrap up his journey as Drax.
Drax’s Impact on Bautista’s Life and Career
The role of Drax not only catapulted Bautista’s career but also changed his life’s trajectory. Before landing the role, Bautista struggled financially, even borrowing money to provide for his children. The success of Drax led him to other film opportunities, such as Dune, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, and My Spy. Bautista’s final WWE match occurred at WrestleMania 35, where he lost to Triple H in a No Holds Barred Match.
