Dave Bautista’s MCU Exit: He’ll Return as Drax Only if James Gunn Directs

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The fate of the “Guardians of the Galaxy” series within the Marvel Cinematic Universe is currently quite unclear. Actor Dave Bautista, who brought Drax the Destroyer to life in both “Guardians of the Galaxy” and all subsequent MCU appearances, thinks that most of the original team, including Drax, have completed their final on-screen adventure. In an interview with ComicBook.com while promoting his new film “In the Lost Lands,” Bautista stated, “Drax is closed off to me.” However, there’s still a glimmer of hope for Drax to reappear in the MCU, but only if a nearly impossible factor occurs… the return of [someone or something significant]. Bautista elaborated: [Explaining that the return of this person or thing is almost impossible due to certain circumstances or reasons].

I’d only consider reprising my role as Drax if James Gunn personally asked me to do so. However, since that’s unlikely to happen, it’s not really something I’m keen on at the moment. James is doing well and has taken a different path in his work.

James Gunn, who was in charge of all three movies in the trilogy, has moved on to become a co-president at DC Studios, the main competitor of Marvel Studios. At the same time, he’s writing for “Peacemaker” and directing a “Superman” project. The fate of the Guardians of the Galaxy within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is currently uncertain, as Marvel Studios hasn’t confirmed their future plans. This has left fans speculating if the original cast, consisting of Chris Pratt, Dave Bautista, Zoe Saldaña, Bradley Cooper, and Vin Diesel, will return. Another question on everyone’s mind is whether a new team line-up featuring Will Poulter’s Adam Warlock will get their own movie, or if Marvel Studios has finished with the Guardians altogether.

Dave Bautista Wants to Star In Another Superhero Movie

Among the main characters of the Guardians of the Galaxy team were Drax the Destroyer, Chris Pratt as Star Lord, Zoe Saldana as Gamora, Bradley Cooper voicing Rocket Racoon, and Vin Diesel providing the voice for Groot. The finale of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” in 2023 left several characters with potential returns to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including Star Lord, who goes back to Earth to reconnect with his uncle. In Drax’s situation, he ends up adopting the Star Children, those young experimental subjects of the High Evolutionary.

Although Dave Bautista may have completed his tenure with the Guardians of the Galaxy, he yearns for a future role in the superhero genre. In his own words, “I’d love to be part of that world, I’m a fan of that world, I’m a fan of comics and that entire universe.” At present, Bautista has not been confirmed for James Gunn’s DC Universe, but he has expressed his interest in collaborating with the director within the DC sandbox. Bautista himself made this desire known to the director.

I’ve expressed my desire to join the Marvel or DC universe to James and the Russo brothers. In fact, I’ve spoken with them all, expressing that I don’t want to be overlooked. If a role suitable for me arises and they feel I’d be a good fit, I’d be more than willing to consider it. However, I believe the Drax character has reached its conclusion.

Fans have enthusiastically envisioned Dave Bautista joining the DC Universe ever since James Gunn was revealed as a co-head at DC Studios (alongside Peter Safran). The top fan-suggested role for Bautista is to embody the venom-infused villain, Bane, a character previously played by Tom Hardy. However, other popular fan suggestions picture Bautista as Dr. Hugo Strange, Killer Croc, or even a Green Lantern Corps member.

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2025-02-13 19:06