After three successful Guardians of the Galaxy films for Marvel Studios, it's no secret that James Gunn and Dave Bautista are good friends. After all, it's Bautista's turn as Drax that put the wrestler-turned-actor on the map.
Earlier today, Bautista posted a pic to his Instagram story that showed he was on the Warner Bros. lot, sitting in James Gunn's reserved parking spot. Gunn also responded to the pic almost immediately after Bautista posted it, leading many DC fans to believe that the two were having a meeting.
Previously, Bautista stated that he felt his time as Drax was over in the MCU as he felt he was getting too old and that he was looking forward to new challenges.
While appearing on The Tonight Show, he shared, "We all had those perfect character arcs and such a storybook ending. I constantly relate it to the way I ended my wrestling career. I ended it on a storybook note. And I would never go back and tarnish that. And it’s the same with this...With Drax, I just got to end the perfect way. And I would never sign up for another job as Drax just to get a paycheck. I would tarnish that [perfect ending], and I won’t do it."
Following his appearance on The Tonight Show, Bautista declared his desire to play Bane in the DCU. However, after meeting with Gunn back in January, he learned that whatever the Slither director is cooking up for the new cinematic universe, he's likely too old to play Bane now, as well.
"I have had conversations with James 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."
So, where does that leave Bautista as he's clearly teasing something here...Plus, given Gunn's recent comments, it's possible that Bautista could turn up in Superman: Legacy as the director stated that he won't cast any actors for roles until the scripts are complete, and at the moment, that only leaves Superman: Legacy (unless there's something finished that Gunn's keeping under wraps).
If Bane is out, who do you think Bautista could portray in the DCU? Let us know in the comment section below.