Dave Bautista has made it clear that he refuses to tolerate negativity from his costars on set, emphasizing his desire to maintain a positive environment during filming. The former WWE star and current Hollywood actor spoke about his preference for working with passionate and optimistic people, revealing that his focus on Dave Bautista positivity on set guides his professional relationships.
Promoting his latest action film Afterburn alongside director J.J. Perry, Bautista, now 56, explained that his outlook on life and work has shifted. He insists that time is too valuable to be spent around those who complain or lack enthusiasm for the craft of filmmaking.
Why Bautista avoids toxic attitudes during filming
Bautista’s commitment to a positive set experience stems from his genuine love for acting and filmmaking. He views any form of negativity as harmful to the overall creative process and as a sign of disrespect for the rare chance to make movies.
He was candid about his firm stance in an interview with Collider, stating,
“I’m just at the age and at the point of my life where life’s just too goddamn short.”
Bautista added,
“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.”
To Bautista, being on set is a privilege rather than a burden. He passionately described his approach, saying,
“I’m happy to be there. It’s a love thing for me, and I’m passionate about it,”
and also noted,
“I want to be there, and I want to make the most of it, so I don’t want to hear people bi***ng, complaining, moaning, and groaning about doing something that we’re all fortunate enough to be doing and making.”
The positive collaboration with director J.J. Perry
During the filming of Afterburn, Bautista found a highly supportive partner in director J.J. Perry, who brought a dynamic and encouraging atmosphere to the production. Perry’s background as a stunt performer contributed to a respectful and energetic set environment that Bautista appreciated deeply.
He praised Perry’s leadership, saying he has
“never seen somebody so supportive of a cast and crew,”
crediting the director with making the filmmaking process enjoyable and uplifting. This positive collaboration highlights Bautista’s dedication to surrounding himself with respectful and motivated colleagues.
Looking ahead: Bautista’s ongoing dedication to positivity
As Afterburn reaches audiences in theaters, Dave Bautista’s reputation as a leading action star continues to grow, fueled by his insistence on maintaining a constructive and respectful work environment. His approach underscores a larger message about valuing time, professionalism, and the joy of filmmaking, which he believes should not be overshadowed by negativity.
This mindset signifies Bautista’s determination to only collaborate with people who share his passion and respect for the craft, setting a tone for his future projects and the atmosphere he cultivates on set.
