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Filmmaker Rian Johnson speaks highly of Dave Bautista (Batista).
The former World Heavyweight Champion was one of WWE’s top stars before he left the company in 2010. He has returned to WWE over the years, but he has otherwise focused on building his acting career. “The Animal” landed a breakout role as Drax the Destroyer Guardians of the Galaxy and several subsequent films, and his stock has continued ever since. As a result, Bautista followed in the footsteps of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Hulk Hogan and others as a wrestler who became a successful actor. In recent years, John Cena has also continued this trend. While Johnson and Cena have become huge box office successes, Bautista has previously made it clear that he wants to follow his own path and showcase his skills in different ways.
In an interview with David Sims of The Athletics, Johnson praised the former WWE star after they collaborated on “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.” Johnson cited Bautista as the person who surprised him the most, noting that he was “blown away” by the idea of using him for the role. He also complimented Bautista’s acting chops.
“Dave Bautista,” Johnson said. “When I wrote [his character, a men’s-rights streamer named Duke Cody], I imagined a scrawny dude trying to overcompensate. When Bautista was brought up, I was immediately so struck by the idea. I have been a very big fan of his dramatic chops as an actor.
Johnson then agreed with the claim that Bautista is the greatest actor-turned-wrestler ever. He emphasized the combination of his impressive physical “trappings” and his remarkable sensitivity in his approach to the role.
“I absolutely agree 100 percent. I think someone likes [Paul Thomas Anderson] will give him a real part and will look like a genius,” said Johnson. “As a person, Bautista is really, immediately vulnerable when you meet him, and I was excited about that. This is someone who has the physical attributes of someone who would play it big, but he actually brings sensitivity to the role.
Fans can now watch “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” as it is currently streaming on Netflix.
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The post Rian Johnson praises Dave Bautista’s acting chops, agrees that he is the best wrestler-turned-actor appeared first on Wrestlezone.
