Many would believe the wrestling world now looks like a training ground for future actors, as evident in the likes of Dwayne Johnson, Roman Reigns, and John Cena. These actors have found their own niche in Hollywood, be it action films, comedies, or even dramas.
Johnson aka The Rock is widely recognized for his family-friendly movies such as Jumanji and Moana, while Roman Reigns became popular because of his appearance in Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw. Of course, fans know John Cena from The Suicide Squad and Bumblebee. Still, filmmaker Rian Johnson thinks another legend deserves the title of the best wrestler-turned-actor award.
Rian Johnson Calls Dave Bautista The Greatest Wrestler-Turned-Actor
While speaking with The Atlantic, Knives Out director Rian Johnson discussed his process in writing Dave Bautista’s character in the sequel Glass Onion. The actor made his biggest movie debut in 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy film, followed by other high-budget projects such as Dune: Part One and Blade Runner 2049. In the Netflix’s sequel, Johnson claimed Bautista proved his versatility:
“When I was writing [his character], 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.”
The famed helmer of Star Wars: The Last Jedi said Bautista is the “greatest wrestler-turned-actor” among the bunch of WWE legends who made their way into the acting profession, such as Dwayne Johnson, Roman Reigns, and John Cena. The filmmaker claimed:
“I absolutely 100 percent agree (that he’s the greatest wrestler-turned-actor), and I think somebody like [Paul Thomas Anderson] is going to give him a real part and is gonna look like a genius.”
He also praised the actor’s down-to-earth personality as well as his sincerity when it comes to delivering his performances. Johnson further added:
“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.”
Dave Bautista’s other film credits include Spectre (2015), Army of the Dead (2021), and Knock at the Cabin (2023).
Dave Bautista Hates Being Compared To Dwayne Johnson And John Cena
In another interview with Tampa Bay, Dave Bautista clarified he does not like being compared to other famous wrestlers-turned-actors. He firmly stated:
“Do not compare me to The Rock or John Cena. Everyone does it. Those guys are wrestlers who became movie stars. I’m something else. I was a wrestler. Now, I’m an actor.”
While both actors earn huge paychecks off their blockbuster films, Bautista does not consider Dwayne Johnson’s acting very good. He remarked:
“Rock was, in a way, a movie star before he was even a movie star. There is something about him that’s really special. I’d never take that away from him. Would I consider him a great actor? F—k no.”
It seems that Bautista and Rian Johnson agree on the same thing. The actor revealed he does not want stardom that comes with huge franchises. Instead, he aspires to collaborate with award-winning directors and actors, and he wants “respect and credibility and education.”
