Dave Bautista Faces Razzie Nod After MCU Exit
After leaving his mark as Drax in the MCU, Dave Bautista now finds himself up for Worst Actor at the Razzies for his lead in In the Lost Lands. What led to this unexpected turn?
Dave Bautista, once a household name in wrestling and later a familiar face in blockbuster films, has found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. The former WWE star has been nominated for Worst Actor at the 46th Golden Raspberry Awards, thanks to his performance in In the Lost Lands. It’s a far cry from his days as Drax, a character beloved by fans across the globe.
His time in the Marvel universe brought him plenty of recognition, but with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Bautista decided to call it a day on that chapter. The question on everyone’s lips: why step away from such a successful run, and does he really deserve the stick he’s copping for his latest role?
Looking Beyond Drax: Bautista’s Next Steps
Bautista has always been upfront about his mixed feelings towards playing Drax. In a chat with GQ, he shared that while he’s grateful for the opportunity, he’s not fussed about fame or the glitz that comes with being a film star. The long hours in the makeup chair didn’t help either.
Honestly, I could give a f***k [about being a movie star]. I don’t live a great big glamorous life. I live here in Tampa. I don’t care about the spotlight, I don’t care about fame. I just want to be a better actor. I want respect from my peers…It’s about the experience, about knowing that I accomplished something.
He’s made it clear he doesn’t want Drax to define his career. Instead, he’s been chasing roles that let him show a different side of his acting chops, even saying he’d work with Denis Villeneuve for nothing just to push his limits.
Is the Razzie Nomination Justified?
Whether Bautista truly deserves a Razzie nod is up for debate. In the Lost Lands didn’t exactly set the world on fire, but many reckon the film’s issues weren’t down to his acting. The criticism seems more like fallout from a project that didn’t quite land, rather than a reflection of his talent.
When you stack up his work, it’s clear he’s got range. Knock at the Cabin is often pointed to as his standout performance, and among the crop of wrestlers-turned-actors, he’s held in pretty high regard. The Razzies themselves are known for taking the mickey out of even the best in the business, so it’s hardly the end of the world.
What’s Next for Bautista?
For those keen to revisit his earlier work, all the Marvel films are streaming on Disney+ in the States, while In the Lost Lands can be found on Hulu. Whether this Razzie nomination will stick in people’s minds or just be a blip on his resume remains to be seen.