Dave Bautista on James Gunn Rebooting the DCU, Why He Won’t Play Bane

With the DC Universe currently going through a change, many fans are hoping to see actor Dave Bautista step out of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and into a new one, specifically as the iconic Batman villain Bane. However, the actor has shot down any hope of that happening.

Speaking to Insider, Bautista said that he had spoken to DC Studios co-head and director James Gunn recently about playing Bane, and revealed that it seems clear Gunn is leaning towards “completely rebooting the whole universe,” and that likely means he simply won’t be able to play the character.

“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,” Bautista said.

The actor, who is set to turn 55 later this year, also went on to say that he simply thinks he can no longer bring justice to performing Bane at this point in his career and that he isn’t sure he’d have the “longevity” required to plan ahead for multiple films.

“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,” said Bautista. “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. And, also, I have to say that I appreciate that because I don’t want to play a character that I can’t bring justice to it. I don’t think at this point in my career that I can bring justice to Bane anymore. I just don’t know if I could handle the physical part, and I don’t think I would have the longevity to plan ahead for films. So, I just don’t know if I’d be that guy.”

While it may be disappointing for some fans who wanted to see the actor appear as Bane, Bautista’s comments do echo similar sentiments he had on playing Drax. Last year, Bautista essentially cited his age as a reason for why he would be leaving the character behind.