As filming for the highly anticipated Highlander reboot is set to begin later this month, Dave Bautista reveals that his intense preparation has pushed him to new limits. The actor’s commitment to training, which he describes as vigorous and exhaustive, highlights the physical and mental demands he is facing for this role. Bautista’s efforts around Dave Bautista Highlander Training have become central to his readiness for this transformative project.
Dedicated Training and Preparation for a Demanding Role
Dave Bautista began his training months before officially signing on for the Highlander reboot, starting early in London at the request of director Chad Stahelski. He shared that his preparation involved a rigorous regimen, blending multiple training disciplines to meet the complex physical demands of the film.
“I’ve been training for months now. I think I started training before I even had the role. I had the conversation and I knew that Chad wanted me, and he asked me if I’d go over to [London] and start training. And I did. And then a couple of weeks later, the contracts were signed, and I was on my way to London,”
Bautista said.
Since late August, Bautista has juggled this intense training alongside other commitments, including his part in the upcoming Jake Gyllenhaal-led sequel, Road House 2. His schedule has been punishing, consisting of stunt rehearsals, sword fighting, fight choreography, and strength conditioning to bulk up as requested by Stahelski.
“I’ve been training since then, with a couple weeks in California. So I’ve been training for quite a bit. And it’s a grind. Not only did I have… the physical stuff, the stunt training, the sword fight training, the fight training. But Chad has also asked me to put on a few pounds, so I’ve been on weight training on top of that as well. So it’s been a grind,”
Bautista explained.
The Unique Challenges of Taking on Highlander
Bautista emphasized that this project has tested him in ways that differ from previous roles, including his time as a wrestler in WWE and his many action films. The combination of back-to-back filming schedules and the intricate choreography presents a rare mental and physical balancing act.
“This is the first time ever in my career that I’ve actually had to juggle films where I’m going from one film to the other,”
he noted.
“So mentally it’s a little stressful as well. But I am not complaining. These are like champagne problems. These are dream roles for me.”
Production for Highlander experienced a minor delay due to Henry Cavill’s recent injury, but filming is slated to start November 28, with Bautista continuing his training up to that point. While the fight sequences echo the expertise of Stahelski’s John Wick franchise, Bautista points out that Highlander’s style and tone are distinctly different.
“These films are just so different. Highlander [is] so stylized. Highlander is a game changer. It’s like a real game changer,”
Bautista stated.
Although Bautista’s background in wrestling and martial arts gave him a solid foundation, the specific demands of Highlander’s choreography are a fresh challenge. His passion for the project and trust in Stahelski’s vision remain apparent, despite holding plot details close to the vest.
Upcoming Film: Trap House Premiers Ahead of Highlander
Before Bautista embraces the immortal swordsman in Highlander, audiences will see him in Trap House, a new film releasing November 14. Trap House centers on an undercover DEA agent, portrayed by Bautista, and his partner operating in El Paso, Texas. The plot explores a tense conflict where their teenage children outsmart a dangerous cartel by applying the same tactics and intelligence as their parents in a daring heist.
Directed by Michael Dowse—known for Arnold Schwarzenegger’s FUBAR—Trap House includes a notable cast with Bobby Cannavale, Jack Champion (who earned recognition for his role in Avatar: The Way of Water), Sophia Lillis, Kate del Castillo (Bad Boys For Life), Whitney Peak (Gossip Girl), along with Inde Navarrette, Zaire Adams, and Blu del Barrio from Star Trek: Discovery.
The Highlander reboot, featuring Henry Cavill, Dave Bautista, and Russell Crowe, will begin principal photography on November 28 under Stahelski’s direction. Meanwhile, Trap House will debut in theaters shortly before, offering fans a chance to catch Bautista in a very different but equally intense role.
