Dave Bautista very nearly joined the small club of actors who played significant roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the DC Extended Universe. Director James Gunn, who has experience with both sides, wanted Bautista to follow him in the upcoming The Suicide Squad, where Bautista was offered the role of Peacemaker (via EW). Ultimately, the former WWE performer opted to turn down the offer as he landed the leading role in Netflix’s Army of the Dead. That’s when Gunn called John Cena, who has the same background in pro-wrestling as Bautista.
“I didn’t look at myself as a second choice; I just looked at it as a chance to do the best I could,” said Cena while talking with EW. And it appears that his sports-entertainment background served him well on the set, especially in a scene involving Idris Elba. “There is a particular scene where my character and Peacemaker really battle it out,” said Elba in the same interview. “It becomes the biggest cinematic d—swinging competition you’ve ever seen.”
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In the past, Bautista has opened up a few times about an unspecified missed DC opportunity, and it seems this was it. Both Bautista and Gunn worked on Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy and became friends. Bautista was also one of the most vocal voices in asking Gunn to be rehired for the upcoming third installment of Guardians of the Galaxy. And it seems that the set of GOTG 3 is where they will meet again.
The Suicide Squad hits theaters and HBO Max on August 6.
Would you have liked to see Bautista as Peacemaker? Let us know your take in the comments below.
Recommended Reading: Suicide Squad Vol. 1: Trial by Fire
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