Sophia Michaels
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At the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, “Guardians of the Galaxy” actor Dave Bautista appeared noticeably thinner than during his role as Drax. This drastic change sparked concerns among fans, with some hoping it was for an upcoming role rather than a health issue. One fan shared their worry in a tweet about Bautista’s wellbeing. Others highlighted the dangers of discussing celebrities’ body images by recalling how “Black Panther” star Chadwick Boseman faced criticism during a time when he was privately battling cancer.
With reports of other celebrities using the weight loss drug Ozempic, some speculated Bautista might be using it too. However, during an appearance on the “Insight with Chris Van Vliet” podcast, Bautista clarified that he is healthy and not using any such drugs. He emphasized, “At 6’4″, 240 pounds, I look like a gorilla,” explaining that he has simply changed his diet and increased physical activity, including jiu-jitsu, to transform his body.
Dave Bautista’s Journey into Fitness
During an interview on “Live with Kelly and Mark,” Bautista shared that he found his passion for wrestling in high school, competing in the 185-pound category. He explained how the gym offered an escape from his challenging childhood, where he struggled to find his place: “I really love training,” he said. Bautista noted that the gym helped him build not only strength but also confidence, transforming from a shy, unhealthy teen into a bodybuilder.
His newfound muscle led him to explore professional bodybuilding, leading to jobs as a bouncer. Bautista recounted working in a gym that he considered a second home and occasionally providing security for celebrities such as Jamie Foxx and Mark Wahlberg.
From Weighing 325 Pounds to Career Aspirations
As Bautista considered his future beyond bouncing, he turned to wrestling for its potential to utilize his larger-than-life physique. Although hopeful, his audition for WCW in Minneapolis did not go as planned. At that time, Bautista weighed 325 pounds, which he believed worked against him during the audition.
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Dave Bautista’s Journey: From Wrestling to Hollywood Stardom
Overcoming Doubts in Wrestling
Initially, Dave Bautista faced skepticism about his wrestling aspirations. Despite being told he’d never make it, he persevered and learned the basics at the Wild Samoan Training Center. At 33, he debuted as Deacon Batista in WWE, weighing around 325 pounds during his start and averaging 290 pounds throughout his wrestling career. The transformation from Deacon to “The Animal” occurred as he established a signature move known as the Batista Bomb, leading to his first World Heavyweight Championship in 2005.
Adapting to MMA
In 2010, Bautista tried his hand at acting, but his early experiences were modest, beginning with the film “The Scorpion King 3: Battle for Redemption.” That same year, he fought in his first MMA match, prompting him to train under MMA coach Cesar Gracie. He focused on disciplines like muay Thai and jiu-jitsu, abandoning traditional weightlifting for a more intense training protocol, which he found to be even tougher than his wrestling routines. This shift included a gluten-free diet and removing red meat, contributing to weight loss and improved overall well-being.
For his MMA debut against Vince Lucero, Bautista weighed in at 265.5 pounds, winning the fight by technical knockout.
Shifting Workout Regimens for Acting
In 2013, Bautista transitioned into Hollywood with a role in “Guardians of the Galaxy,” leading to further opportunities in films like “Spectre” and “Blade Runner 2049.” Recognizing the need for a new fitness approach, he adopted a cardio-oriented workout routine in lieu of his wrestling training. For his role as Drax in the MCU, he engaged a personal trainer to achieve a sculpted physique, modifying his diet to include more protein-centric foods.
The Challenge of Gaining Weight for a Role
Bautista faced the arduous task of bulking up for the 2023 thriller “Knock at the Cabin,” reaching a weight of 315 pounds by consuming high-calorie foods like French fries and pancakes. This weight gain was not enjoyable for him, and losing this weight later proved equally challenging. However, he found that as he slimmed down, he felt healthier and more confident on camera.
With a fresh appearance, Bautista looks forward to new roles, including his first in a romantic comedy, “The Killer’s Game,” and has set his sights on directing, offering him creative freedom without the pressure of drastic weight changes.
