Marvel Didn’t Want Pro Wrestlers To Audition For Drax The Destroyer Role

Dave Bautista almost wasn’t even considered for the role of Drax the Destroyer in Guardians of the Galaxy. According to a recent book on the Marvel Cinematic Universe by Tara Bennett and Paul Terry, the creators of the film specifically told Bautista that wrestlers weren’t being considered for the role.

The former WWE champion said that they initially didn’t want to audition him. He thought that some wires were crossed. Somebody must’ve made some sort of mistake. CBR.com recalled the story told Bautista told in “The Story of Marvel Studios: The Making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.”

“At first I thought, ‘Maybe there’s a misunderstanding.’ But no, I was told this, [that pro wrestlers are not being considered].”

After finally getting the role, Bautista struggled with the character. He says a lot of research went into getting his portrayal of the hulking behemoth just right. His acting coach had to explain the character’s essence.

“I just couldn’t make heads or tails out of them. I didn’t understand Drax at all,” he said. “I called my acting coach, who is the biggest comic book geek ever, and he flipped out.”

Fortunately, Bautista got the character down and fans were thrilled with his performance. 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy and its sequel became two of the more popular MCU films. Bautista is expected to reprise the role of Drax one last time in the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

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