Dave Bautista has expressed ongoing enthusiasm for joining the DC Universe (DCU), despite not having received an official offer to date. The former professional wrestler and actor, known for his role as Drax in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, has openly shared his hope to collaborate with James Gunn again in the DC cinematic world.
Bautista has shown interest in significant roles like Bane and Lex Luthor, indicating his strong desire to make an impact within the DCU. His eagerness remains unchanged, although communications from key figures involved in the project have yet to materialize.
Bautista’s Comments on His DCU Prospects
In a recent interview with Screen Rant, Bautista revealed that he has been actively checking in about potential roles, conveying his wish to be part of the expanding DC Universe landscape. He stated,
“I haven’t [heard from him]. You know, I check back with them all the time to see, because I want to be in that world,”
Bautista explained his anticipation but tempered it with patience, adding,
“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.’
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. And I haven’t heard directly from either James or Peter,”
Bautista continued to express his uncertainty,
“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.”
Current State of James Gunn’s DCU Projects
James Gunn, responsible for steering several DCU projects, has been heavily involved with titles such as the latest Superman adaptation and the Peacemaker series. His demanding schedule may explain the absence of concrete news regarding Bautista’s involvement so far, though many roles in the DCU remain uncast, leaving room for future collaboration.
Details from Other Recent Film and TV Projects
Beyond Bautista’s ambitions, recent updates have emerged on several related entertainment developments. “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is set for a Digital release on September 23, followed by physical releases including 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on October 14. New behind-the-scenes content and deleted scenes have been shared, revealing that baby Franklin Richards was portrayed by an actual infant rather than CGI. The deleted scenes include titles such as “Thanksgiving Soup Kitchen,” “Fantastic Four Day,” and “Taking Turns,” the last showing Reed Richards and Sue Storm-Richards caring for Franklin ahead of Galactus’ attack.
Additionally, photos from the production of the upcoming film “Clayface” have surfaced, featuring Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen and Naomi Ackie as a mysterious scientist. The storyline promises a transformation arc where Hagen’s character faces facial disfigurement caused by a gangster and seeks help from Ackie’s fringe scientist. This scientist’s role appears crucial in Hagans’s fate, hinting at experimental treatments with possibly temporary results.
“See the first photos of Naomi Ackie filming scenes for #Clayface with Tom Rhys Harries!
— JustJared.com
Marvel Zombies Animation Event Approaches
In parallel entertainment news, Marvel Studios has announced the release of a four-part Marvel Animation event titled “Marvel Zombies,” set for streaming on Disney+ starting September 24. This series will feature the Queen of the Dead unleashing her undead horde, setting the stage for a battle that promises to attract fans of the darker Marvel animated content.
Let the battle begin. Stream #MarvelZombies, a Marvel Animation four-part event coming September 24, only on @DisneyPlus.
— Marvel Studios
The Queen of the Dead unleashes her horde September 24 in #MarvelZombies, a Marvel Animation four-part event, only on @DisneyPlus.
— Marvel Studios
Significance of Bautista’s DCU Ambitions
Dave Bautista’s continued interest in the DCU highlights a larger dynamic in the superhero genre’s casting and collaboration environment. His close working relationship with James Gunn on Marvel projects and eagerness to explore roles such as Bane or Lex Luthor reflect the fluid movement of talent between comic-book franchises. Although no official offers have been extended, the evolving state of the DCU and Gunn’s busy slate provide hope that Bautista’s participation might still be realized in the near future. As the DCU expands, fans and industry watchers alike will be closely monitoring new casting announcements, especially for roles involving major characters like those Bautista has targeted.
See the first photos of Naomi Ackie filming scenes for #Clayface with Tom Rhys Harries!
Click ⬇️https://t.co/skgSfo6n7d
— JustJared.com (@JustJared) September 17, 2025
Let the battle begin.
Stream #MarvelZombies, a Marvel Animation four-part event coming September 24, only on @DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/YjDH2DxoAw
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) September 17, 2025
The Queen of the Dead unleashes her horde September 24 in #MarvelZombies, a Marvel Animation four-part event, only on @DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/05Vy3ka8fv
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) September 17, 2025
