Dave Bautista pᴀssed on the opportunity to join the Fast & Furious franchise, but had he accepted, we would have gotten a crossover that had been years in the making. Fast & Furious‘ lively and chaotic universe looked like a great fit for the actor, as Dave Bautista’s best action movies suggest he could fit in effortlessly, but he ultimately rejected the chance to join the iconic saga. Having been part of popular franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Dune, Bautista is no stranger to huge blockbuster action, but he is just as enthusiastic about working with lesser-known IPs.

His performances in The Killer’s Game and Knock at the Cabin were both incredibly memorable despite being potential risks. In addition, his work in Glᴀss Onion and Blade Runner 2049 highlighted his versatility, showcasing why he’s so in demand. Unfortunately, Fast & Furious was less appealing to him, as according to Collider, Bautista had a meeting with Universal but was mainly interested in chatting about a Gears of War adaptation. With Fast & Furious 11 set to be the last mainline movie, it doesn’t seem like he will change his mind, denying one exciting on-screen dynamic in the process.

Bautista Joining Fast & Furious Would Have Been The First Time He Appeared Alongside John Cena & The Rock

The Trio Have Never Shared The Screen For A Feature Length Movie Since Leaving The WWE

Dave Bautista, John Cena, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson all successfully transitioned from the world of professional wrestling to acting, and had Bautista accepted his proposed Fast & Furious role, it would have been the first time all three shared the spotlight on the big screen. Since leaving the WWE behind, the trio have all become established stars, and while they were very familiar with one another in the wrestling industry, their paths haven’t crossed much in Hollywood.

Cena and Johnson both appeared in the DCEU, but despite the pair leading their own projects, their characters never overlapped. However, having worked with James Gunn in the past, Bautista’s dream DC role of Bane looks more plausible than ever; but The Rock is no longer ᴀssociated with the superhero franchise, meaning a collaboration between the three remains unlikely. Fast & Furious presented the perfect opportunity for a team-up, as Cena and Johnson featured in 2023’s Fast X; therefore, had Bautista joined the franchise a few years ago, all three actors would have been part of the project.

Sadly, the former wrestlers uniting in a cinematic setting isn’t meant to be, as even if Bautista did change his mind on Fast & Furious, Cena’s Jakob Toretto appeared to be killed off in the previous outing, and he’s unlikely to return. While it’s understandable that Bautista didn’t want to dedicate his time to a movie series he wasn’t particularly enthusiastic about, missing out on the chance to see all three together still hurts, and hopefully the trio can still work together in the future.

Dave Bautista, The Rock & John Cena Are Three Of The Biggest Wrestlers Turned Actors

All Three Have Forged Highly Successful Acting Careers

Fans often debate who the best wrestler turned actor is, but Bautista, Cena, and Johnson usually sit towards the top of the list. While The Rock certainly has his critics, there is no denying he’s a box office draw, and he’s just as recognizable for his time in the acting industry as he is for his wrestling career – if not more so. He’s been part of some mᴀssive movies and the likes of Moana and The Rundown are a reminder of how good Johnson can be, proving he’s transitioned successfully.

Whereas The Rock always felt suited to Hollywood, Cena’s transformation from wrestler to actor has been a big surprise. He was known for being a company man and always playing the good guy, yet his most iconic role in the acting industry is Peacemaker, a ruthless killer who believes he’s a hero. Cena has excelled in the role, and while he’s unsurprisingly taken to the action genre incredibly well, he’s also had some hilarious performances that confirm he’s more than cut out for some comedy flicks.

Bautista is arguably the greatest wrestler turned actor of all time, as his versatility has allowed him to shine in all kinds of projects. Guardians of the Galaxy felt like his big breakthrough, where he played the humorous brute, Drax the Destroyer. However, Bautista quickly avoided being typecast, as he has led action films, horrors, and thrillers while still doing plenty of comedy along the way. All three men have emerged as major Hollywood stars, and given they are all part of a similar era, it would be a travesty if they never collaborated given their shared history.

Why Dave Bautista Would Have Been Perfect For The Fast & Furious Universe

Bautista Has Proven His Ability To Combine Comedy & Action Throughout His Career

Even if the ship has sailed, there’s no doubt Dave Bautista would have been an excellent addition to the Fast & Furious universe. His hilarious quips throughout his career would be perfectly suited to Fast & Furious‘ style of humor, while he’s already worked with the likes of Vin Diesel and is set to star alongside Jason Momoa in The Wrecking Crew, proving there is familiarity and chemistry within the franchise. His wrestling history and numerous action films make him a natural for the crazy stunts and energetic fight sequences, but he also has great range as an actor.

Although the series is more fun and silly than it is serious, Bautista would be more than capable of pulling off an emotional scene that looks convincing in the F&F world. His charisma and presence mean he could slide into Dom’s crew seamlessly and likely match their chaotic nature. Additionally, he’s played villains in the past and whether he was a high-ranking henchman or a lead antagonist, Bautista would nail the role. Bautista in the Fast & Furious franchise will sadly remain a what-if scenario, but his track record makes it clear he would have thrived in the blockbuster franchise.

Source: Collider