Ever since James Gunn took control of DC Studios, discussions have emerged regarding the possible involvement of the Guardians of the Galaxy cast in the new DCU. Fans have suggested several characters, including for the Drax actor Dave Bautista in the DC Universe. Although nothing is confirmed as of yet, the actor has expressed interest in working with the Guardians of the Galaxy director again in a recent interview.
It has prompted the Suicide Squad director to do something unexpected as he asked fans about what role should Bautista play in the DCU. And fans have multiple suggestions, including one prominent role of Hugo Strange in the revamped DC Universe.
James Gunn Potentially Wants to Cast Dave Bautista in the DCU
Marvel star Dave Bautista recently shared during an interview that he would love to work with James Gunn again as he described him as an “incredible director.” However, he also shared that they have not had any such discussions so far.
It was followed by James Gunn also expressing his desire to have the Guardians of the Galaxy actor join the DC Universe, as he asked fans on Threads, “Who would you like to see Dave play in the DCU?” While fans have suggested various characters for him to portray, most of the fans are hoping to see the actor taking on the role of either the Batman nemesis Bane or Hugo Strange.
I’m down for Hugo Strange. I bet he’d enjoy playing it over a character like Bane, given his time as Drax. (I’d want to change it up, at least)
— Bargain (@BargainBGaming) February 11, 2024
Bane is probably the easiest for Bautista to jump into. But I could see Hugo Strange too. Either way this should happen for sure. Would like to see him in more movies. He does a good job. pic.twitter.com/pJnYf8l2Li
— PromptlyAI (@PromptlyAI_YT) February 11, 2024
He would make a great Hugo Strange pic.twitter.com/g0WcHZADTm
— Julien ♉︎ (@Jv1i3n_) February 11, 2024
One of these will be awesome! pic.twitter.com/ZQjGqVuzmm
— B0IBENNE (@B0IBENNE) February 11, 2024
Hugo Strange for sure
— Richie’s Room (@RichieRoom) February 11, 2024
I would have said bane, but after he said that he prefer roles were he doesnt need to bulk up because hes getting older, hugo strange seems the best option, expecially after the fact that the arkham series became a dcu project
— Cst4 (@Cst419) February 12, 2024
Despite fans’ enthusiasm, Bautista has shared that he might not be the best fit for the role of Bane. While nothing is certain as of yet, the latest updates seemed to suggest the Dune star could soon have a meeting with the DC head potentially for the role of Hugo Grant in the DCU.
Dave Bautista Shared He Could Not Play Bane in James Gunn’s DCU
Dave Bautista has expressed his eagerness to play the Batman villain, Bane. However, he has also opened up about the reason he might not be fit for the role anymore. The 55-year-old actor has shared that he does not see himself playing the DC villain as James Gunn may “need to start from scratch, and I think you need to start with younger actors.”
He also shared the potential long-term plans for the franchise as one of the reasons, saying that he could not commit to the role of Bane for that long. The actor has opened up about the efforts he had to put in to maintain the look of Drax the Destroyer in the MCU, given that the character is mostly shirtless.
And Bautista is not sure if he can handle such a physically demanding role again for an extended period. “I don’t think at this point in my career that I can bring justice to Bane anymore,” he told Insider before adding, “I just don’t know if I could handle the physical part.”
However, his resemblance to DC villain Hugo Strange has now made him a considerable choice for the role of the mad scientist and psychologist. The role would offer Bautista a prominent character to play in the DC Universe and a significant departure from his usual roles. Unlike Bane, Strange’s character relies more on intellect than physicality, which would be a relief for Bautista’s concerns about maintaining a certain physique.
