High praise for Dave Bautista (Batista).
Many wrestlers have tried their hand at acting to varying degrees of success with guys like Roddy Piper, Hulk Hogan, The Rock, John Cena, Kevin Nash, and plenty more being in featured films.
Batista might not have the box office success of The Rock or John Cena, but he has often spoke about wanting to carve a different path for himself and take various roles to show his range.
Speaking to The Atlantic, filmmaker Rian Johnson spoke about Bautista's acting chop after working with him on "Glass Onion."
"Dave Bautista," he said when asked who surprised him most. "When I was writing [his character, a men’s-rights streamer named Duke Cody], I was picturing a scrawny dude who’s trying to overcompensate. When Bautista was brought up, I was instantly so smitten by the idea. I’ve been a very big fan of his dramatic chops as an actor."
When it was noted that Batista is "Low-key the greatest wrestler-to-actor ever," Johnson replied, "I absolutely 100 percent agree. And I think somebody like [Paul Thomas Anderson] is going to give him a real part and is gonna look like a genius. As a person, Bautista is genuinely, immediately vulnerable when you meet him, and that’s what I was excited about. This is someone who has the physical trappings of someone who would play it big, but he actually brings sensitivity to the role."
After filming wrapped, Batista gifted Johnson with a WWE Championship.
Thank you to the cast, crew and to everyone that watches #GlassOnion @KnivesOut @Netflix …never forget how it started @WWE #Batista #TheAnimal #ProudRoots #WWE pic.twitter.com/2QS4L2zAFW
— Dave Bautista (@DaveBautista) December 23, 2022
"Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery" is currently streaming on Netflix.
Batista last wrestled at WrestleMania 35, losing to Triple H. He announced his retirement after the bout.
