Dave Bautista is Drax the Destroyer in 'Guardians of the Galaxy'

Four-time World Heavyweight Champion, two-time WWE Champion, and longest-reigning World Heavyweight Champion in WWE history, Batista the Animal crosses over to the film industry and has made himself a champion there too. He may have begun his acting career as a rookie, but there's nothing about his performance that suggests it. While he plays the lead role of Drax the Destroyer in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, Bautista admits it's the result of hard work and dedication.

At first glance, I saw a tall and physically intimidating guy, but immediately after our first interaction, there's so much more to Dave than just "Batista the Animal".

Jessica G. Ferrer for Entertainment Affair: You play Drax the Destroyer, what was that like?
Dave Bautista: Awesome!

EA: It’s been a transition for you.
DB: The transition physically and performance-wise was easy because I was just portraying who I am. But, as far as getting people to break that perception of me from the guy they see on TV beating people with chairs, has not been easy... But as far as the performance and the emotional stuff, that’s the kind of stuff I was looking forward to. That’s why it’s such a dream come true for me. I’m hoping this will open doors for [me] and some people can see me in a different light.

EA: Drax is one of the guardians, what were the emotions like when you got the part?
DB: I broke down, literally I broke down, and really because it was just, for one, it was a dream role and there were just a whole lot of factors of why I broke down. Like it was a lengthy process for one; I walked away from wrestling with no offers. I really just walked away because I wanted to pursue this because I loved it enough to pursue it. It was hard leaving behind a multi-million dollar career.

EA: Pursuing both careers was not an option or something you wanted?
DB: The WWE was making films at the time, but they just didn’t include me. Then I decided it was unfair ‘cause they make and create their own stars... None of those plans included me... I asked for permission to go outside the company and do other stuff and they wouldn’t let me.  I said, ‘Well it’s not fair that this person is getting this opportunity and I want to pursue this too.’ How come I can’t, you know? If you guys don’t want to do something with me let me go do it somewhere else, you know? I’m not gonna leave wrestling. I’ll still [wrestle], but they said no, and I said "Well, okay I’m leaving."

EA: So no more wrestling?
DB: If I can, I will go back and wrestle here and there because I still love it. You know, I really love performing.

EA: You left WWE without offers or anything on the table, that’s a bold move!
DB: Yeah, it is. It was pretty scary.

EA: And with your character, Drax I didn’t know what to expect, and I loved it.
DB: Yeah, I think a lot of people are gonna think that I’m just the guy that cuts people’s heads off.

EA: What was your experience like working with Zoe Saldaña and Chris Pratt?
DB: Some of my most memorable, favorite moments on set was listening to Chris and Zoe interact. You know, they're so energetic.

EA: Did you learn anything from them?
DB: A lot! Because it was so much improv. James is really big on that. Especially because I think he had a lot of fun writing for Drax. He likes the Drax character. But a lot of that, especially with Chris and Zoe I mean, they're very improvisational and always very witty... It was easy bouncing off of them.

Bautista brings a new side to his audience, one that is exciting for him and hopefully for the fans he's gathered along the way. Undoubtedly, there is a new fanbase awaiting for the wrestler and actor. Drax the Destroyer will debut in Guardians of the Galaxy on August 1st.

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by Jessica G Ferrer
for Entertainment Affair & Iconic Chica magazine