Dave Bautista Will Never Play Bane In The DC Universe

Dave Bautista says that he won’t be playing Bane in the new DC Universe under James Gunn’s DC Studios. This was revealed in Insider, while Bautista was promoting his new film Knock at the Cabin.

For some time now, the former WWE star has been focused on a lot of acting. He’s been included in a number of films since 2006, like in Riddick, Blade Runner 2042, and Glass Onion. Currently, many fans know him as Drax the Destroyer from Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy and the MCU.

It’s no secret that he wanted to play Bane in the DC Universe. He’s even talked with James Gunn about it for the past years. Not only that but he’s had meetings with Warner Bros for that role.

The character itself is iconic. He is the first known character to have crippled Batman. The role was played previously by Tom Hardy in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises. Michael Reid MacKay also portrayed Bane in Joel Schumacher’s Batman and Robin.

Dave Bautista Won’t Be Bane In The New DC Universe

READ MORE: Dave Bautista Wants To Join James Gunn’s DC Universe

Now that Gunn is at the helm of DC Studios, of course, the chances of that happening could have been much bigger. But unfortunately, the changes in the new DC Universe might not have favoured Bautista’s intention to play Bane. Bautista has said on Insider:

I have had conversations with James about that but I think the direction he’s leaning in, completely rebooting that whole universe, he’s starting from scratch and starting younger and fresher and I think you need to do that.

This is quite disappointing, especially for fans of Bautista. He has been showing a lot of talent in acting based on what I’ve seen him do for the past few years. I do consider him one of the better ones out there who transitioned from WWE to Hollywood. Bautista continued:

I think for the DC Universe to be revived, you need to start from scratch, and I think you need to start with younger actors. You need to start to plan for the next 15 years, and I just don’t think you can do that with me. And I understand that. And, also, I have to say that I appreciate that because I don’t want to play a character that I can’t bring justice to it.

The actor demonstrates a multidimensional understanding of characters and how they play in the overall narrative. His appreciation for the story and the character goes beyond what he thinks will be good for him.

As a professional in the industry, he knows about the bigger picture in every project. Also, he is realistic in his views and physical limitations at this point. He elaborates:

I don’t think at this point in my career that I can bring justice to Bane anymore. I just don’t know if I could handle the physical part, and I don’t think I would have the longevity to plan ahead for films. So, I just don’t know if I’d be that guy.

Dave Bautista Won’t Play His Dream Role As Bane In James Gunn’s DC Universe

Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

READ MORE: James Gunn Could Bring Guardians Of The Galaxy Actors To DC

The DC Universe is going through a lot of changes, everyone sees that. No one really knows what the future of DC will be, but I suppose we will understand more once the DC slate has been revealed. That should be just a few hours from now.

But DC Studios heads James Gunn and Peter Safran have a large task ahead of them. They have a 10-year plan for the new DC Universe. Of course, the 10-year plan is not everything. It’s just the start, and it needs to keep going, just like Marvel.

The MCU has been going on for 14 years now. And Marvel had been working on it for years before they even revealed Iron Man in 2008.

While it is true that Dave Bautista would be perfect at his age now to take the role of the iconic Bane. The new DC Universe would require a long-term commitment. The actor is already 54, and it might be too much for him to keep up with the new universe.

Then again, DC has another universe. Would Matt Reeves consider Dave Bautista as Bane for one film, at least in his Batverse? Or why not in Todd Phillips’ Jokerverse? It’s just an idea.

What do you think of Dave Bautista not being able to play Bane in James Gunn’s DC Universe? Would you think he would be a great actor to take the role if ever? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

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