If you’ve recently seen Dave Bautista and done a double take, you’re not alone. The former WWE champion and beloved “Guardians of the Galaxy” star has fans buzzing with his recent transformation, looking almost unrecognizable from the Drax the Destroyer character we all know and love.
After officially stepping away from his role in the MCU, Bautista has undergone a physical transformation that has left fans both concerned and curious. So, what exactly happened to Dave Bautista after he bid farewell to the Marvel universe?
Bautista’s Striking New Look: What Fans Are Saying
This year, Dave Bautista made waves at the Toronto International Film Festival, where he appeared in a sharp black suit, sunglasses in tow. However, it wasn’t his stylish attire that set social media on fire—it was his noticeably slimmer frame. Once tipping the scales at a muscular 370 pounds, Bautista is now down to around 240 pounds, sparking debates and speculation among his fans.
The internet, as always, had a lot to say:
“What happens when a 55-year-old who has been on steroids for decades suddenly stops using…”
“He’s obviously had a health scare and come off the steroids…”
While some fans voiced concern over his health, others pointed out that his gradual weight loss could simply be a natural part of aging. At 55 years old, it’s not uncommon for someone to lose muscle mass, especially after years of intense physical training.
In an interview, Bautista acknowledged the changes in his body, explaining how difficult it was to maintain his previous weight. He shared:
“The heaviest I’ve ever been is 370 pounds. When I started Deacon, I was about 325 pounds. Throughout most of my wrestling career, I was about 290 pounds. Now, I’m about 240 pounds.”
A New Chapter in Bautista’s Career
While fans continue to discuss his appearance, Bautista’s career remains in high gear. This year, he starred in the much-anticipated Dune: Part Two and is gearing up for the release of two major films: The Killer’s Game and The Last Showgirl, which also features icons like Pamela Anderson and Jamie Lee Curtis. But it was the premiere of The Last Showgirl at TIFF that really got fans talking.
Bautista’s slimmer frame has led some to question if his Hollywood commitments have played a role in his transformation. With an upcoming action-packed thriller like The Killer’s Game, it wouldn’t be surprising if his changing physique was part of the preparation for more physically demanding roles.
Saying Goodbye to Drax: Bautista Reflects on His MCU Journey
It’s been a year since Bautista stepped away from his iconic role as Drax the Destroyer in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, but it’s clear that the character and the franchise still hold a special place in his heart.
In a candid interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Bautista opened up about the emotional toll of leaving the MCU, revealing mixed feelings about moving on from the character that helped catapult him into Hollywood superstardom.
“I wouldn’t say I miss [Drax]. What I do miss is the family environment. It’s hard knowing that we will never be on set together again. Me, Chris [Pratt], Zoe [Saldana], Pom [Klementieff], Karen [Gillan], Sean [Gunn], James [Gunn]—it’s never going to happen again.”
The bond between the Guardians cast was evident both on-screen and off, and Bautista admits that walking away wasn’t easy. Despite the film providing a fitting end for his character, he confessed that he felt a lack of closure.
“So there’s just a huge part of me that feels like there was no closure. I never really got to say goodbye to that character and that cast, and there’s always going to be some sadness involved when I start thinking about that.”
Will We See Drax Again?
While Bautista has made it clear that he’s closed the Drax chapter, the lack of closure he feels has led some fans to wonder if he could ever be lured back into the MCU. After all, Hollywood loves a good comeback story, and with the tight-knit bond Bautista shared with his Guardians family, a future reunion isn’t entirely out of the question.
For now, Bautista’s fans will have to settle for catching him in his upcoming films, while hoping that perhaps, just perhaps, Drax might make a surprise appearance in the MCU down the line.
Dave Bautista’s Post-MCU Transformation: What It Means for His Future
As Bautista continues to navigate life post-MCU, it’s clear that his journey is far from over. Whether he’s losing weight for health reasons or gearing up for a new role, his transformation is a testament to his adaptability and commitment to his craft.
Hollywood has no shortage of roles for versatile actors, and Bautista is proving he’s more than capable of shifting gears—both physically and professionally. His upcoming roles in The Killer’s Game and The Last Showgirl could be the start of a new era in his career, one that sees him taking on more diverse characters, far removed from the muscle-bound persona of Drax.
Whether or not we’ll ever see him don the green makeup again, one thing’s for sure—Dave Bautista is an actor who’s always evolving, and his fans will be there every step of the way.
Catch Bautista’s Latest Films in 2024
If you’ve been missing seeing Bautista on screen, 2024 is going to be a treat. Keep an eye out for Dune: Part Two, The Killer’s Game, and The Last Showgirl to witness his remarkable performances and to see how his physical transformation plays into his new roles.
In the meantime, for all the nostalgia, you can still catch Bautista in all his Drax glory by streaming Guardians of the Galaxy on Disney+.
By combining his iconic presence with new roles that push him beyond the confines of the MCU, Bautista is ensuring that his legacy in Hollywood will be one that endures long after Drax’s last appearance on the big screen.