Dave Bautista, known widely for his role as Drax in the MCU, has expressed ongoing interest in being part of the DC Universe (DCU), but so far, his involvement remains uncertain. Though initially considered for a significant role in James Gunn’s DC projects, Bautista has yet to secure a definitive place within the franchise. This leaves his hopes for future DCU plans still unresolved as the studio reshapes its characters and stories.
How Scheduling Conflicts Prevented Bautista from Playing Peacemaker
James Gunn, who frequently casts actors he has collaborated with before, originally envisioned Bautista in the role of Peacemaker for The Suicide Squad. However, Bautista had to decline due to prior commitments, specifically to Zack Snyder’s film Army of the Dead. His involvement in Snyder’s project, which centers on a zombie apocalypse, demanded his complete availability, forcing him to miss out on what was reportedly a part written with him in mind.
I have to say, that one. I really wanted to do that part. He [Gunn] wrote that part for me, and it was meant for me, and it just became a scheduling thing where I just couldn’t do it, because I was doing Army of the Dead,
Bautista shared with ComicBook.com.
And so it was a scheduling issue that we just could not figure out.
Despite the disappointment, Bautista praised John Cena, who took on the Peacemaker role after him, saying his rival was perfect for the character.
And I think it was great. It was a blessing in disguise that I didn’t do that, because I have to say, I have to be honest, there’s no way that I would have been able to do that role like John. He’s just perfect for it, you know, and I wouldn’t have done it justice, and it wouldn’t have been as successful,
Bautista said.
So, look, and I am, I’m saying that with a bit of envy, you know, I would love it,
he added.
I just wouldn’t have been able to do the same thing that John does to bring to that character. It wouldn’t have been the same. It wouldn’t have been as good. I can honestly say it wouldn’t have been as good.
Bautista’s Continuing Efforts to Join James Gunn’s DC Projects
Although Bautista’s chance to play Peacemaker passed, it has not diminished his desire to appear in the DCU. He revealed in a recent Screen Rant interview that he frequently checks in with the creative team about new opportunities, but has not received any concrete offers. Bautista’s enthusiasm for joining the DC world remains strong, even as the waiting continues without clear results.
I haven’t. You know, I check back with them all the time to see, because I want to be in that world. 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,’
he explained.
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. 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,
Bautista continued.
Age and Creative Direction Affect Bautista’s Prospects, Including the Role of Bane
One significant hurdle in Bautista’s DCU ambitions appears to be his age, which has influenced casting decisions, especially regarding potential roles like Bane. Bautista acknowledged discussing the role with James Gunn but understands that the DCU reboot aims to introduce younger characters for long-term storytelling. He accepted that his current physical capacity may not suit the demanding nature of certain parts.
I have had conversations with James about that, but I think the direction he’s leaning in, completely rebooting that whole universe, he’s starting from scratch and starting younger and fresher, and I think you need to do that,
Bautista told Business Insider in 2023.
You need to start to plan for the next 15 years, and I just don’t think you can do that with me. And I understand that. And, also, I have to say that I appreciate that because I don’t want to play a character that I can’t bring justice to it. I don’t think at this point in my career that I can bring justice to Bane anymore,
he added.
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. So, I just don’t know if I’d be that guy,
Bautista concluded.
The Future of Dave Bautista’s Role in the DC Universe
With James Gunn steering the DCU towards a fresh, younger cast and Bautista’s schedule and physical limits shaping his prospects, the wrestler-turned-actor remains hopeful yet realistic about his future in the franchise. His persistence in checking with creative decision-makers demonstrates his strong desire to participate, even as he acknowledges the challenges. Whether he will find a fitting role in upcoming DCU projects remains uncertain, but Bautista continues to keep the possibility alive.
[Artwork] Dave Bautista as Bane Character Concept by me
by inDCcomics
