“I’d do it for free”: It’s Been Exactly 1 Year since Dave Bautista Claimed He’s Game to Join DCU, Only 1 Green Lantern Character Comes the Closest to Drax

When MCU launched the Guardians of the Galaxy in 2014, James Gunn gave the world a taste of what a good script, inspiring character arc, and compelling storytelling could do. Together, Chris Pratt, Dave Bautista, Zoe Saldaña, Karen Gillan, Bradley Cooper, and Vin Diesel proved how found families can be more important than one’s flesh and blood.

Now, actors like Dave Bautista and John Cena who were seen, understood, and granted a platform to prove themselves want to stick by the one person who trusted them and allowed them to shine – James Gunn. His ability to carve out such impeccable stories has led him to helm the DC Cinematic Universe. And Bautista and Cena want nothing more than to be a part of it.

Dave Bautista wants to be in James Gunn’s DCU

For an actor who was previously overlooked or undermined, Dave Bautista has proven himself to be a well of talent. From being the big, burly, and comically idiotic Drax the Destroyer in the MCU to the terrifying, brutish, and villainous Glossu Rabban in Dune – there is range in Bautista’s performance.

Often taking industry professionals by surprise, Dave Bautista has proven to be one of the greatest wrestlers-turned-actors in Hollywood with his dramatic roles. Directors like Rian Johnson and Denis Villeneuve have spoken highly of Bautista, with the former claiming that he has the “physical trappings of someone who would play it big, but he actually brings sensitivity to the role.” (via The Atlantic)

For an actor of that caliber to be left on the sidelines would be one of the greatest flubs of all time on a director’s part. As for Bautista himself, the actor wants nothing more than to be a part of the future within James Gunn‘s DCU. In an interview with Comicbook.com, the actor claimed:

Despite not having any conversations with the director about a possible role in DCU, there seems to be a perfect part for Bautista based on his previous experience as Drax the Destroyer in the MCU. As the enforcer Kilowog, the Guardians actor would get to flex his earlier know-how as the brutish yet fiercely loyal drill sergeant of the Green Lantern Corps.

With his impeccable comedic timing and gruff but endearing personality, Dave Bautista would not only be the perfect cast for the role of Kilowog but do it justice as well. His imposing presence, dramatic chops, deadpan humor, and alliance with James Gunn will make Bautista an incredible addition to the DCU lineup.

Marvel and DC arrive at an industry crossroads

Marvel and DC have arrived at a fork in the road and the next 2 years will determine the future of the comic book industry. With both these studios introducing some of the most essential and fundamental characters in their ongoing story arc, it has become imperative for both the cinematic universes to be on top of their game, now more than ever.

The Hollywood studio system has given complete rein to the two franchises to bring in the big bucks and the fan expectation makes it even more lucrative. However, films with generic storytelling (Ant-Man 3), half-cooked plots that serve no purpose (Captain America 4), and disastrous execution (The Flash) have flooded the market and lowered the hype and fanfare around MCU and DC.

James Gunn’s innovative creativity and ability to bring out the best in the most unexpected and bizarre characters made him a big success at Marvel. Now, the filmmaker needs to apply his good sense to building the DCU and inhabiting the world with the best scripts and progressive character arcs.

Unlike Marvel, DC has found an opportunity to start anew and Gunn has to tread carefully hereon to avoid falling into the traps of Superhero fatigue.

James Gunn’s upcoming film Superman premieres in theaters on July 11, 2025.

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