Dave Bautista: MCU Exit Is a ‘Relief,’ Drax Is a ‘Silly’ Performance

“It wasn’t all pleasant,” Bautista said of his tenure in the MCU. “I just don’t know if I want Drax to be my legacy.”

It’s no mystery why Dave Bautista is ready to leave the MCU.

The “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” actor made his final appearance as Drax the Destroyer in the Marvel franchise after nearly a decade in the role.

“I’m very grateful for Drax. I love it,” Bautista said on a GQ cover story. “But there’s a relief [that it’s over]. It wasn’t all pleasant. It was difficult to play that role. The makeup process was getting to me. And I just don’t know if I want Drax to be my legacy – it’s a silly performance and I want to do more dramatic things.”

“Guardians of the Galaxy” marked Bautista’s first major role since leaving WWE in 2010.

“I had to pull over because I was crying so hard,” Bautista recalled when she learned he dropped the piece on his way to the gym. “I came straight back and went into my house shaking to tell my wife I’d got the part and we were both just standing there freaking out.”

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Bautista revealed that he didn’t feel like he was “getting an equal opportunity” with fellow wrestler John Cena, who had already appeared in WWE-produced films and commercials.

“Before I left WWE, Stone Cold Steve Austin pulled me aside and said, ‘You’re going to get offers for terrible scripts. Money will be tempting. Don’t fall into that trap,’ said the “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” star. “I never wanted to be the next Rock. I just want to be a good actor. A respected actor.”

Bautista continued, “Honestly, I might as well [about being a movie star]. I don’t live a big glamorous life. I live here in Tampa. I don’t care about the limelight, I don’t care about fame. I just want to be a better actor. I want respect from my peers. I don’t need accolades – I really don’t, man. It’s about the experience, knowing that I’ve achieved something.”

The “Dune: Part Two” and “A Knock at the Cabin” actor previously took to Instagram in May 2022 after “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” wrapped production, calling it a “journey that changed my life “.

Bautista also said on “Ellen” that the movies “have come full circle” and he’s ready to “walk away” from Marvel. “James Gunn has already announced that it’s his last film and when James is done, I’m done,” Bautista confirmed. It’s worth noting that Gunn works with fellow WWE alum Cena on the “Peacemaker” DC series.

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