Dave Bautista passed on the opportunity to join theFast & Furiousfranchise, but had he accepted, we would have gotten a crossover that had been years in the making.Fast & Furious' lively and chaotic universe looked like a great fit for the actor, asDave Bautista’s best action moviessuggest he could fit in effortlessly, but he ultimately rejected the chance to join the iconic saga. Having been part of popular franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe andDune,Bautista is no stranger to huge blockbuster action, but he is just as enthusiastic about working with lesser-known IPs.
His performances inThe Killer’s GameandKnock at the Cabinwere both incredibly memorable despite being potential risks. In addition, his work inGlass OnionandBlade Runner 2049highlighted his versatility, showcasing why he’s so in demand. Unfortunately,Fast & Furiouswas less appealing to him, as according toCollider, Bautista had a meeting with Universal but was mainly interested in chatting about aGears of Waradaptation. WithFast & Furious 11set to be the last mainline movie, it doesn’t seem like he will change his mind, denying one exciting on-screen dynamic in the process.
Bautista Joining Fast & Furious Would Have Been The First Time He Appeared Alongside John Cena & The Rock
The Trio Have Never Shared The Screen For A Feature Length Movie Since Leaving The WWE
Dave Bautista, John Cena, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson all successfully transitioned from the world of professional wrestling to acting, andhad Bautista accepted his proposedFast & Furiousrole, it would have been the first time all three shared the spotlight on the big screen. Since leaving the WWE behind, the trio have all become established stars, and while they were very familiar with one another in the wrestling industry, their paths haven’t crossed much in Hollywood.
Cena and Johnson both appeared in the DCEU, but despite the pair leading their own projects, their characters never overlapped.
Cena and Johnson both appeared in the DCEU, but despite the pair leading their own projects, their characters never overlapped. However, having worked with James Gunn in the past,Bautista’s dream DC role of Banelooks more plausible than ever; but The Rock is no longer associated with the superhero franchise, meaning a collaboration between the three remains unlikely.Fast & Furiouspresented the perfect opportunity for a team-up, as Cena and Johnson featured in 2023’sFast X; therefore, had Bautista joined the franchise a few years ago, all three actors would have been part of the project.
Sadly, the former wrestlers uniting in a cinematic setting isn’t meant to be, as even if Bautista did change his mind onFast & Furious, Cena’s Jakob Toretto appeared to be killed off in the previous outing, and he’s unlikely to return. While it’s understandable that Bautista didn’t want to dedicate his time to a movie series he wasn’t particularly enthusiastic about, missing out on the chance to see all three together still hurts, and hopefully the trio can still work together in the future.
Dave Bautista, The Rock & John Cena Are Three Of The Biggest Wrestlers Turned Actors
All Three Have Forged Highly Successful Acting Careers
Fans often debate who thebest wrestler turned actoris, but Bautista, Cena, and Johnson usually sit towards the top of the list. While The Rock certainly has his critics, there is no denying he’s a box office draw, and he’s just as recognizable for his time in the acting industry as he is for his wrestling career - if not more so. He’s been part of some massive movies and the likes ofMoanaandThe Rundownare a reminder of how good Johnson can be, proving he’s transitioned successfully.
Whereas The Rock always felt suited to Hollywood, Cena’s transformation from wrestler to actor has been a big surprise. He was known for being a company man and always playing the good guy, yet his most iconic role in the acting industry is Peacemaker, a ruthless killer who believes he’s a hero. Cena has excelled in the role, and while he’s unsurprisingly taken to the action genre incredibly well, he’s also had some hilarious performances that confirm he’s more than cut out for some comedy flicks.
9 Roles Dave Bautista Could Play In The DCU (Other Than His Dream DC Villain)
Dave Bautista is a gifted actor who may have aged out of playing Bane, but still has plenty great opportunities awaiting him in the DCU.
Bautista is arguably the greatest wrestler turned actor of all time, as his versatility has allowed him to shine in all kinds of projects.Guardians of the Galaxyfelt like his big breakthrough, where he played the humorous brute, Drax the Destroyer. However, Bautista quickly avoided being typecast, as he has led action films, horrors, and thrillers while still doing plenty of comedy along the way. All three men have emerged as major Hollywood stars, and given they are all part of a similar era, it would be a travesty if they never collaborated given their shared history.
Why Dave Bautista Would Have Been Perfect For The Fast & Furious Universe
Bautista Has Proven His Ability To Combine Comedy & Action Throughout His Career
Even if the ship has sailed, there’s no doubt Dave Bautista would have been an excellent addition to theFast & Furiousuniverse. His hilarious quips throughout his career would be perfectly suited toFast & Furious' style of humor, while he’s already worked with the likes of Vin Diesel and is set to star alongside Jason Momoa inThe Wrecking Crew, proving there is familiarity and chemistry within the franchise. His wrestling history and numerous action films make him a natural for the crazy stunts and energetic fight sequences, but he also has great range as an actor.
$2.7 billion
$2 billion
$879 million
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2(2017)
$869 million
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3(2023)
$845 million
Guardians of the Galaxy(2014)
$770 million
Thor: Love and Thunder(2022)
$760 million
$714 million
$429 million
Blade Runner 2049(2017)
$258 million
Although the series is more fun and silly than it is serious, Bautista would be more than capable of pulling off an emotional scene that looks convincing in theF&Fworld.His charisma and presence mean he could slide into Dom’s crew seamlesslyand likely match their chaotic nature. Additionally, he’s played villains in the past and whether he was a high-ranking henchman or a lead antagonist, Bautista would nail the role. Bautista in theFast & Furiousfranchise will sadly remain a what-if scenario, but his track record makes it clear he would have thrived in the blockbuster franchise.
Source:Collider
Fast & Furious
The Fast & Furious franchise revs through the adrenaline-fueled lives of Dominic Toretto and his crew of street racers turned global heroes. From the neon-lit streets of Los Angeles to the bustling cities and remote outposts worldwide, they take on high-stakes heists, espionage, and the underground world of street racing. Bound by loyalty and driven by the need for speed, they confront mercenaries, corrupt officials, and personal vendettas all in the name of their found family.
