Dave Bautista is open to playing Lex Luthor in the future
While Dave Bautista might be saying goodbye to the Marvel Cinematic Universe soon, we could soon see him pop up in the DC Extended Universe.
The wrestler-turned-actor is sussing out his options after deciding Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 would be his last run as Drax.
While he's appeared in Netflix's smash Knives Out sequel Glass Onion and Knock at the Cabin, he could be stepping back into the superhero world later down the line.
When he was asked whether he would be keen on playing Lex Luthor, Superman's ultimate rival, he didn't rule it out.
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He reacted to a social media post that showed him side-by-side with an animated version of Luthor and he said: "I never though [sic] about that! And now I’m not going be able to stop thinking about it."
After having a bit of time to mull it over, he told ComicBook.com that it certainly would be a cool role to play.
"I just never thought about playing that character," he said.
"As soon as I saw that picture of myself next to Lex Luthor I was like, 'Man, that's really interesting'.
"It's interesting to me. I'd be totally up for that, James Gunn."
James Gunn has revealed the DCEU is looking to do a Superman film, however it will probably be about a younger version of the superhero.
Superman: Legacy is set for release in 2025, so there's plenty of time for Bautista to get ready for the role.
The movie will 'focus on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing'.
While he has previously said he'd be keen on portraying the Batman villain Bane on the big screen, he's admitted that he might be past his prime.
When he sat down with Insider, Bautista says he wants to go for characters that fit him in the here and now.
"I have had conversations with James [Gunn] about that but I think the direction he's leaning in, completely rebooting that whole universe, he's starting from scratch and starting younger and fresher and I think you need to do that.
"I think for the DC Universe to be revived, you need to start from scratch, and I think you need to start with younger actors."
"You need to start to plan for the next 15 years, and I just don't think you can do that with me.
"And I understand that. And, also, I have to say that I appreciate that because I don't want to play a character that I can't bring justice to it.
"I don't think at this point in my career that I can bring justice to Bane anymore.
"I just don't know if I could handle the physical part, and I don't think I would have the longevity to plan ahead for films. So, I just don't know if I'd be that guy."
Topics: Dave Bautista, DC Comics
Stewart Perrie