Dave Bautista, like many before him, comes from the wrestlers turned actors fraternity. Yet for many of his fans, it is hard to him in that box. True that he used to be a wrestler but when it comes to his current profession, it is hard to believe he made such a huge drastic change seeing how natural and prolific of a performer he truly is.
Even though it was his role of Dax the Destroyer that put him in the spotlight and made him one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood, it was purely his talent that has made him come so far. While haters and critics sometimes state his success is because of his Manager, the recent praise from Hollywood legend, Denis Villeneuve proves Bautista truly is an incredible actor.
Haters Will Shut Up After Hearing Denis Villeneuve’s Praise For Dave Bautista
Dave Bautista might have been a professional wrestler before but he sure is a terrific actor today. In the long list of Hollywood’s wrestler-turned-actors, Bautista has been considered by many as the best actor of them all. And it is a fact that even his Glass Onion direction, Rian Johnson agrees with (see The Atlantic).
Despite it all, there have been times when haters have been brutal to him, calling him out for being a terrible actor (see Reddit and Sherdog Forum). However, while talking to Gizmodo recently, the actor himself revealed the praise he received from his Dune director, Denis Villeneuve and it is bound to shut all of his haters down.
“I’ve never had a director until Denis, since Denis, say to me that you’re a very strong actor. And he said this to me on the first film. I was holding back because I was self-conscious [and] I was. I was very unsure of myself. And he came to me. He said, ‘I feel like you’re holding back. You’re a very strong actor, my friend. Just follow your instincts’… that was an experience I’ve never had before or since, with a director of that caliber. So it means everything. It’s validation.”
Listening to the high praise and Bautista’s heartwarming reaction to it, fans of his were certainly elated and many of them stated that the validation and praise were long due.
Fans React To Denis Villeneuve’s High Praise For Dave Bautista
Once a totally broke guy, Dave Bautista has made it so far only because of his talent and pure hard work. Not wanting to be the next Rock or even a superstar, Bautista has been constantly putting in a lot of effort and work into becoming a better actor, which to him is bigger than any accolade (via GQ).
And to have such an extraordinary director and filmmaker praise him when Bautista was doubting himself the most elated the fans and many of them had some gratifying and touching reactions to it.
Dave is like the best wrestler turned actor. Always a pleasure, always willing to use his hugeness and voice for comedy or anything. We need more of him.
— ✨💎✨ (@barklikea) February 27, 2024
Dave IS the best actor to transition from his former profession to now. This isn't even debatable. He clears the Rock and Cena. I dare say even Piper.
— Jason Carmona/ The Cultured Gamer (@MOSESivviOC) February 27, 2024
I mean aside from GOTG and Dune, his credits include Blade Runner 2049, Spectre, Knock at the Cabin, Glass Onion, and more. I’d say he’s earned his credibility as an actor at this point,
— Prodi Lemaj (@ProdiLemaj) February 27, 2024
This will be the third time in like three years I'll be dropping a comment here on twitter on how Dave Bautista should believe in himself more. He's super talented but it has always been so obvious that he thinks people do not take him seriously.
— Okiki Adeduyite (@TheOkikiJesu) February 27, 2024
He is a very good actor. He should certainly see this as validating and I hope it spurs him on to go for roles he may have not realised he was capable of getting.
— All About Movies (@JeremyChopra) February 27, 2024
Bautista really is a great actor. Not just pure charisma like Dwayne Johnson but an actual talented actor!
— ΔŇΔβ€ŁŁ€ ŞҜ¥ŴΔŁҜ€Ř (@anabelle_dawn) February 27, 2024
While there still might be people who would think that the Guardians of the Galaxy star is not a good actor, Villeneuve’s words alone are strong enough to shut them off. And the encouraging praise from many of the former wrestler’s fans further proves Bautista deserves to be where he is now and even more.
Bautista will be next seen in Dune: Part Two, releasing on March 1, 2024.
