Dave Bautista on Shedding Weight, Wearing Pearls, People Trying to Fight Him & Having Long Hair

Summary

In this engaging interview, former wrestler and actor Dave Bautista talks about his weight loss journey, fashion choices, and acting career, highlighting roles in films like 'Guardians of the Galaxy,' 'Dune,' and 'Glass Onion.' He shares fun anecdotes about his days as a bouncer, his experience screening 'Glass Onion' for the 'Dune' cast, and a humorous incident involving a confrontation at a restaurant. Bautista also discusses his latest role as a hitman in 'The Killer's Game,' blending action with romance. The conversation is filled with laughter and personal insights from Bautista's fascinating life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dave Batista, a former wrestler, has starred in major films like Guardians of the Galaxy, Dune, and Blade Runner.
• 🏋️ Batista once weighed 315 pounds for a film role, but has since lost weight and now weighs 240 pounds.
• 💎 Batista wore expensive pearls at the Toronto Film Festival, embracing the trend of men wearing pearls.
• 🎬 He has worked with prestigious film casts, including Dune and Glass Onion, and screened Glass Onion for his Dune castmates.
• 😅 Batista felt nervous screening Glass Onion for his peers, but was validated by Javier Bardem's positive reaction.
• 🔒 Before his wrestling and acting careers, Batista worked as a bouncer and security guard for celebrities like Jamie Foxx and Marky Mark.
• 🤝 Batista had a surreal moment reconnecting with Jamie Foxx, who didn't remember him but appreciated his success.
• 💇 Batista shaved his head during his wrestling career and hasn’t had a full head of hair for over 15 years.
• ⚔️ His wrestling and martial arts experience make him comfortable with action scenes, though he doesn't consider himself better than others.
• 🥗 Batista once got into a bizarre fight at a Fuddruckers, where a man attacked him with a wet floor sign, leading to police involvement.

Q & A

Who is the guest in this interview?

The guest is Dave Batista, a former wrestler and actor known for his roles in 'Guardians of the Galaxy,' 'Dune,' and 'Blade Runner.'

How much weight did Dave Batista lose from his peak weight?

Dave Batista lost about 75 pounds, going from 315 pounds during the filming of 'Knock at the Cabin' to 240 pounds.

What is the latest movie Dave Batista is promoting in the interview?

Dave Batista is promoting 'The Killer's Game,' where he plays a hitman. The movie opens in theaters on Friday.

What did Dave Batista say about wearing pearls?

Dave Batista said he wore pearls at the Toronto Film Festival, something he had always wanted to do. He thought they were cool and edgy and bought them himself.

How did Dave Batista feel about being part of large movie ensembles?

Dave Batista finds it surreal and still crazy when he sees it written out that he is part of these amazing casts, especially after coming from a wrestling background.

What was Dave Batista’s fondest memory during the screening of 'Glass Onion' for the cast of 'Dune'?

Dave Batista's fondest memory was Javier Bardem’s reaction to 'Glass Onion.' Javier was laughing, dancing, and excited, which made Batista feel validated.

What jobs did Dave Batista have before becoming a wrestler and actor?

Before becoming a wrestler and actor, Dave Batista worked as a bouncer in Washington, D.C., for 13 years and occasionally took security jobs for celebrities like Billy Idol, Marky Mark, and Jamie Foxx.

What was Batista’s interaction with Jamie Foxx after his time as security for him?

Years later, Dave Batista met Jamie Foxx at the NAACP Awards and reminded him of the time he worked security for him. Jamie didn’t remember Batista personally but remembered the event.

Why did Dave Batista shave his head, and how long has it been since he had long hair?

Dave Batista shaved his head when he was wrestling because his hair was too thick and hot. It’s been around 15 years since he last had long hair.

Has Dave Batista ever been involved in real-life altercations due to his size?

Yes, even when he was massive, people tried to pick fights with him. He shared a story about a man attacking him with a wet floor sign at a Fuddruckers, which led to a scuffle.