Why Batista turned down a role in The Suicide Squad?

Why Batista turned down a role in The Suicide Squad?

Batista in Army of the Dead

WWE Superstar Batista is now completely focused on his Hollywood career. He is adamant that he won’t be returning to the ring. But his fans now see him regularly in Hollywood blockbusters. Dave Bautista currently is a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where he plays the role of Drax.

Dave Bautista recently turned down an opportunity to reunite with his Guardians of the Galaxy director, James Gunn, on his upcoming movie The Suicide Squad. Batista had to pass the movie to star in Netflix’s Army of the Dead.

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The Animal revealed that James Gunn had written a role for him in The Suicide Squad, which Batista was really excited about. But he had to turn it down because he was getting a lead role in the Netflix movie and wanted to work with Zack Snyder.

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“I was all up for it[The Suicide Squad], and then I got Army of the Dead, which was not only a lead role for me, but also I really wanted to work with Zack Snyder. I’ve been wanting to work with him for years.”

Batista wanted to build a relationship with Netflix

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Batista as Drax

One of the main reasons to sign for Army of the Dead, for Batista, was that it gave him a chance to build a relationship with streaming giant Netflix. He wanted them to know that he was worth their time.

“I had The Suicide Squad where I got to work with my boy again, even though it’s a smaller role, and then I had Army of the Dead on which I get to work with Zack, I get to build a relationship with Netflix, I get a lead role in a great film – and I get paid a lot more money,” revealed Batista.  

“I had to call James, and I told him, ‘It breaks my heart, because as a friend, I want to be there with you, but professionally, this is the smart decision for me.’ He said, ‘I completely get it. I’m proud of you that you’re even in this position. I’m proud that I had something to do with you being in this position where you have to make these hard decisions’,” added Batista.

Batista starrer Army of the Dead will be out in select theaters on May 14th and releases on Netflix on 21st May.

Also Read: Kurt Angle discusses real fight between Batista and Booker T