Actor Dave Bautista shared his thoughts on the challenges of working with difficult co-stars during a recent interview about his latest film, Afterburn, directed by J.J. Perry. The Guardians of the Galaxy star addressed what it feels like to spend long hours on set with someone who makes the working environment unpleasant.
When asked about the experience of dealing with a problematic castmate, Bautista did not hold back his feelings, describing it as “absolutely awful.” He emphasized his desire to collaborate only with people he respects and enjoys being around, reflecting his deep passion for filmmaking.
“I’m just at the age and at the point of my life where life’s just too goddamn short. I want to work with people I just love and respect, because I love this business. I love filmmaking, and if people don’t want to be there, I don’t want to be there with them,”
Dave Bautista, Actor
His commitment to a positive work environment extends to discouraging negativity on set. Bautista expressed his unwillingness to tolerate complaints or negativity during production, as he considers himself fortunate to be part of the filmmaking process.
“I’m happy to be there. It’s a love thing for me, and I’m passionate about it. I want to be there, and I want to make the most of it, so I don’t want to hear people bitching, complaining, moaning, and groaning about doing something that we’re all fortunate enough to be doing and making.”
Dave Bautista, Actor
Memories of the Most Challenging Shoot in His Career
The actor also reflected on what he regards as the toughest shoot he has experienced so far. Laughing while recalling the memory, Bautista referred to an intense action scene from the original Guardians of the Galaxy film, directed by James Gunn.
This particular sequence was a complex, large-scale fight scene involving approximately 50 people and was shot in one continuous take, known as a “oner.” Bautista described the physical and mental demand of performing multiple takes under these conditions.
“I know which one mine was, but I have a feeling I’m gonna have a new answer for you after I finish this Highlander film. Mine was in the original Guardians [of the Galaxy]. We shot this oner…it was just a huge fight scene, and James [Gunn] wanted to do it in a oner, and it was involving probably, like, 50 people,”
Dave Bautista, Actor
He detailed the difficulty of coordinating such a large action sequence, which required exceptional precision and stamina. The crew attempted 23 takes, each physically demanding, particularly for the stunt performers involved.
“It was a big action sequence. I think we did 23 takes, and it was just very big and complicated with the camera, and everybody had to be right on. I think we shot 23 takes. People were dying, and I was dying. I was killing the stunt guy. I was just kicking the s–t out of him. After the tenth take, he got up slower and slower, and I just felt awful. But I think we shot it in, like, 23 takes, and they never ended up using it,”
Dave Bautista, Actor
Looking Ahead to New Projects and Collaborations
As Bautista prepares to complete filming on the Highlander remake, he hinted that the demanding nature of filmmaking continues. His candid reflections on working with difficult individuals and his experience on grueling shoots provide insight into the realities behind major productions.
Fans can anticipate more updates from Bautista about his upcoming roles, especially as he tackles challenging new projects alongside notable collaborators like director J.J. Perry and previous partner James Gunn.
