Army of the Dead is fast approaching, and there's a lot of excitement to see what Zack Snyder brings to the table when he returns to the world of zombies (the filmmaker's big screen debut was the Dawn of the Dead way back in 2004).
Dave Bautista has a lead role in the movie, and it's no secret that he passed on The Suicide Squad for a chance to battle the undead. The actor worked with James Gunn on the Guardians of the Galaxy movies, so the fact that he turned his friend down came as a genuine surprise. Now, he's finally set the record straight.
While he doesn't reveal the DC Comics character he was offered, the actor started by telling Digital Spy, "I was all up for it, and then I got Army of the Dead, which was not only a lead role for me, but also I really wanted to work with Zack Snyder. I've been wanting to work with him for years."
"I had The Suicide Squad where I got to work with my boy again, even though it's a smaller role, and then I had Army of the Dead on which I get to work with Zack, I get to build a relationship with Netflix, I get a lead role in a great film...and I get paid a lot more money," he continued.
"I had to call James, and I told him, 'It breaks my heart, because as a friend, I want to be there with you, but professionally, this is the smart decision for me.' He said, 'I completely get it. I'm proud of you that you're even in this position. I'm proud that I had something to do with you being in this position where you have to make these hard decisions.'"
Looking at the cast of The Suicide Squad, it's hard to say who Gunn might have wanted Bautista to play (King Shark, perhaps?), but the actor has made it known that he's keen on starring as Bane or Lobo. A smaller role in Task Force X's return to the big screen may have put the brakes on that, and ultimately...money talks!
Who would you like to see the Drax actor suit up as in the DC Extended Universe?