While the entire Guardians of the Galaxy cast has spoken out in support of James Gunn, no one has been more vocal than Dave Bautista. Now, the wrestler turned actor has taken part in his first interview since Disney decided to fire the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 director and he's made it clear that if Marvel Studios finds a new writer, he most definitely won't be starring in the Marvel threequel.
"Nobody’s defending his tweets, but this was a smear campaign on a good man," he said, explaining that Gunn was targeted by right-wing activists due to his political beliefs. "I spoke to Chris Pratt the day after it happened and he’s a bit religious so he wanted time to pray and figure it out, but I was more like: f*ck this. This is bullshit. James is one of the kindest, most decent people I’ve met."
"Where I’m at right now is that if [Marvel] don’t use that script," he continued, "then I’m going to ask them to release me from my contract, cut me out or recast me." That's a pretty extreme response but it's hard to imagine Marvel still plastering Gunn's name all over Vol. 3 after firing him and finishing his trilogy without him. Bautista's response to that? "I’d be doing James a disservice if I didn’t."
As for that open letter, the actor went on to say that he doesn't envision Gunn ultimately directing the movie despite the cast's protests. "I don’t think [it] will get him re-hired. But I hope it opens people’s eyes to James’ character." What do you guys think about Bautista's response? Do you think Avengers 4 will be the last time we see him as Drax? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.
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