Dave Bautista Is Happy ‘Guardians 3’ Is His Marvel Swansong: “I Just Don’t Know If I Want Drax To Be My Legacy”

After breaking out in a big way thanks to his role as Drax the Destroyer in “Guardians of the Galaxy,” Dave Bautista has been in demand in Hollywood. He’s earned quite a few roles in huge productions, most recently starring in “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Story.” And though he clearly owes it all to the Marvel Studios films, Bautista is ready to move on and see what else is out there. 

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Speaking to GQ, Dave Bautista talked briefly about the upcoming “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” and how it marks the end for his character, Drax. And though he respects the franchise that really put him on the map in Hollywood, the actor feels a sense of “relief” that it’s all over.

“I’m so grateful for Drax. I love him,” Bautista said. “But there’s a relief [that it’s over]. It wasn’t all pleasant. It was hard playing that role. The makeup process was beating me down. And I just don’t know if I want Drax to be my legacy—it’s a silly performance, and I want to do more dramatic stuff.” 

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While it might seem scary for some actors to leave the comfort of a fan-favorite Marvel Studios gig, Bautista is excited by the future. In addition to ‘Guardians 3,’ the actor just released the aforementioned “Glass Onion,” and he’s soon to be seen in “Knock at the Cabin” and “Dune: Part Two.” And as for the future, Bautista is hoping his roles in ‘Dune’ and “Blade Runner 2049” will open him up to land a leading role in a film by director Denis Villeneuve. 

“If I could be a number one [on the callsheet] with Denis, I would do it for fucking free,” he said. “I think that’s how I could find out how good I could be. He brings out the best in me. He sees me in a different light, sees the performer that I want to be. That might be how I solve the puzzle.” 

For those that don’t know the story of “Dune,” it’s expected that Bautista’s character will have an expanded role in ‘Part Two,’ but he’s still not the star of the film. Perhaps Villeneuve could find a bigger role for him in a future project or another career-making role will show up with someone else. Regardless, it appears his time as Drax in the MCU is coming to an end. 

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” is expected to hit theaters on May 5.