Dave Bautista explains why he won't play Bane in DC universe

"I just don't know if I could handle the physical part."

By Dan Seddon

4 Feb 2023

Karwai TangGetty Images

Knock at the Cabin star Dave Bautista has moved on from wanting to play DC supervillain Bane.

Word of his interest in the role first broke out in 2019, when the ex-wrestler responded encouragingly to a social media fan; he later went one further by arranging a meeting at Warner Bros HQ to make them aware of his intention to follow in Tom Hardy's footsteps.

So, with regular collaborator James Gunn (director of Guardians of the Galaxy) now at the top of DC Studios, you'd imagine Bautista will be rubbing his hands together.

Apparently not, though, as he told Insider: "I have had conversations with James [in the last 10 years] 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," the actor reiterated.

Warner Bros.

"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."

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 1 and Vol 2 and the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special are streaming on Disney+. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 arrives in cinemas on May 5.