“I don’t think I would have the longevity”: Marvel Star Turned Down James Gunn’s Superman: Legacy Role Despite DCU Boss Fighting for Him With Studio Execs
James Gunn is on a mission to change the future of DCU. The head of the franchise is making many changes and is giving it a fresh start to compete with the MCU. The filmmaker, after auditioning many stars for the role of Superman has finally found one. Gunn announced his new Superman after the exit of Henry Cavill. David Corenswet is the new face of the superhero from planet Krypton in the upcoming movie Superman: Legacy.
Gunn is now searching for other actors for rebooting the franchise and giving it a fresh start. The head of DCU shortlisted Dave Bautista to play the iconic Batman villain Bane. Bautista last starred in Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. The actor stepped out from Marvel after playing Drax the Destroyer for years. As the former professional wrestler exited a franchise, James Gunn approached him to join another. However, Bautista has turned down the offer despite the filmmaker fighting with Disney to get him on board for Guardians of the Galaxy.
Dave Bautista turned down James Gunn’s offer to join DCU
David Bautista‘s charm, physical strength, and unquestionable talent have allowed him to carve out successful careers in both wrestling and acting. The actor entered the MCU as Drax the Destroyer and instantly became a fan favorite. The former professional wrestler turned actor reprised his role for the final time in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
After stepping out of Marvel, Bautista got an offer to enter a new one from DCU’s head James Gunn. Gunn has approached the Marvel star to play Bane, the beefed-up nemesis of Batman. However, the wrestler-turned-actor has shot down the offer by the director. Speaking to Insider, Bautista claimed that while speaking to DC Studios co-head, it seemed clear that he is leaning towards “completely rebooting the whole universe,” which most likely means he won’t be able to play the role.
The former professional wrestler said,
“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.”
The Marvel star, who is going to turn 55 later this year, will not do justice to the role of Bane and claimed that Gunn starting from scratch will need young actors.
He added,
“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. 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.”
It comes as a shock for many fans who wished to see the actor in the DCU after the fight James Gunn put for him to get him in Guardians of the Galaxy.
James Gunn fought for Dave Bautista’s Drax role
Dave Bautista, a former professional wrestler, has established a highly lucrative career in the Hollywood industry. His portrayal of the cynical warrior Drax in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is one of his most well-known performances. However, the actor might not have landed the role if Marvel Studios and Disney had their way. James Gunn had to fight for Bautista to be cast as Drax.
Marvel was looking for a big name to play Drax. For a while, it appeared as though Jason Momoa might play Drax after coming extremely close to landing the character. Despite this, James Gunn defended Bautista’s right to the role and part in his Guardians.
The director confessed, “I had to fight for him – and it was the most worthy fight I’ve ever fought.”
Naturally, the casting decision proved to be a brilliant one. The former wrestler’s imposing physique lent itself perfectly to the action sequences, and his inherent gift for deadpan humor set him apart from the diverse cast of characters.
Source: Insider
