10 Potential Villain Roles for Dave Bautista Post Guardians Of The Galaxy 3

Dave Bautista, known for his role as Drax in Guardians of the Galaxy, has expressed interest in playing a villain in future Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films. While Drax's storyline concluded satisfyingly in the third installment of the Guardians of the Galaxy series, Bautista is open to exploring a new, darker character within the MCU.

In a recent interview with Gizmodo, Dave Bautista revealed that he has officially retired from playing Drax in the MCU. However, he remains in contact with key figures at Marvel Studios, including Kevin Feige and Lou D’Esposito. Bautista has shared his desire to tackle a more menacing role, possibly as an ominous villain. As he looks towards the future, here are 10 potential villainous characters that Bautista could embody in the MCU following his departure as Drax the Destroyer.

Apocalypse

One Of The First Mutants

Apocalypse standing among a field of reeds on the cropped cover of House of X #5 - One Of The First Mutants

With the X-Men joining the MCU soon, there's a chance for Dave Bautista to take on the role of Apocalypse. The character was last seen in X-Men: Apocalypse, portrayed by Oscar Isaac. Bautista could bring a new perspective to En Sabah Nur, showcasing his true intentions of protecting mutantkind at all costs. This could be an exciting opportunity for Bautista after his role as Drax.

Galactus

The World Devourer

Fantastic Four Rise of the Silver Surfer concept art for Galactus - The World Devourer

Galactus, also known as the World Devourer, is a huge cosmic villain who feeds on entire planets to stay alive. He is often seen as an enemy of the Fantastic Four and there are talks of him appearing in the new MCU movie with Javier Bardem possibly playing the role. However, Dave Bautista could also be a great choice for the role. If he does take on the character, it would involve a lot of voicework and motion capture, which might be more appealing to Bautista compared to the extensive makeup process he had to go through to play Drax.

Terrax

A Cosmic Herald

- A Cosmic Herald - Terrax

Galactus, a powerful character in Marvel, has heralds who he grants cosmic power to in order to search for new worlds to consume. The most well-known herald is the Silver Surfer, who eventually rebels against Galactus. However, he is not the only herald. Terrax, armed with his Cosmic Battle Axe, is another one of Galactus's heralds who often faces off against the Fantastic Four. Playing the role of Terrax could be an exciting opportunity for Bautista, especially if his character works alongside Bardem's Galactus as a formidable duo.

Knull

The King in Black

KING IN BLACK KNULL IN THE MCU - The King in Black - Knull

Imagine a future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe where Marvel Studios has control over Spider-Man or expands their partnership with Sony. Picture Dave Bautista portraying Knull, the Symbiote God. This would be incredibly thrilling! In the King in Black comic events, the world is engulfed by symbiotes controlled by Knull. Even beloved heroes like the Avengers and X-Men fall under his influence, with only a select few, like Eddie Brock's Venom, left to save the day.

There's already been some potential set-up in the MCU for a future Knull appearance.

Crimson Dynamo

Russia's Iron Man

Black Widow Iron Man Comics Crimson Dynamo - Russia's Iron Man

Juggernaut

A character with immense strength and durability in Marvel Comics, the Juggernaut could be an interesting role for Bautista too. Known for his unstoppable momentum once he starts moving, the Juggernaut has clashed with various superheroes, including the X-Men. In the comics, the Juggernaut is portrayed as an unstoppable force thanks to the mystical gem known as the Crimson Gem of Cyttorak.

Xavier's Step-Brother

The Juggernaut with Wolverine and Deadpool. - Xavier's Step-Brother

Nimrod

At first glance, some may underestimate X-Men's Juggernaut as a one-dimensional villain lacking the depth desired by Bautista. Despite this, the comic books have shown that Cain Marko, also known as Juggernaut, has layers that have yet to be explored in his live-action portrayals. While his appearances in X-Men: The Last Stand and Deadpool 2 may not have delved into his complexities, his potential as a character is vast. As the stepbrother of Charles Xavier, there are intricate dynamics that could be explored in the future of the MCU's mutant universe. Additionally, Juggernaut's more recent storylines involving redemption and his role as an ally to the X-Men offer a fresh perspective on this formidable character.

Sentinel From The Future

Nimrod Powers of X - Sentinel From The Future

Sebastian Shaw

Sebastian Shaw could be a fascinating addition to the MCU as a mutant villain. With the ability to absorb and redirect energy, Shaw is a formidable foe who has a long history of conflict with the X-Men. His manipulative and power-hungry nature could make him a compelling antagonist for the heroes to face off against.

Leading The Hellfire Club

Sebastian Shaw - Leading The Hellfire Club

Sebastian Shaw: A Potential MCU Role for Dave Bautista

While Kevin Bacon played Sebastian Shaw in X-Men: First Class, there is a possibility for a new version of the character in the MCU with Dave Bautista in the role. As the leader of the Hellfire Club in New York, Shaw is perceived as a successful human businessman by the public. However, he is actually a mutant with the ability to absorb power and convert it into raw strength. Shaw leads other mutants in their secret mission to control the world from the shadows. With his combination of physical strength and strategic intelligence, Sebastian Shaw could be an ideal fit for Dave Bautista based on the qualities of a compelling villain.

A Dark Xavier/Magneto Combo

Onslaught in the comics wearing a bulkier version of Magneto's armored suit. - A Dark Xavier/Magneto Combo

Morlun

When it comes to formidable foes, Morlun could be a potential adversary for Dave Bautista in the future of the MCU. This villain is known for his relentless pursuit of consuming the life force of those with spider-powers, making him a dangerous threat. With a history of being defeated and resurrected numerous times in the Marvel Comics, Morlun proves to be a persistent and menacing presence aiming to eradicate those with special abilities.

(Or Another Inheritor)

Morlun greeting Peter Parker in Marvel Comics - (Or Another Inheritor)

Morlun, a member of the Inheritors, a family of energy vampires who travel through different universes, is a well-known enemy of Spider-Man. Morlun's goal is to feed on the energy of various animal and deity totems, especially spiders. This includes hunting down different versions of Spider-Man from across the multiverse, which was a major storyline in the Spider-Verse events. It would be exciting to see someone like Bautista take on the role of Morlun in the MCU or portray other powerful Inheritors from Marvel Comics.

Editor's P/S:

This article presents a compelling case for Dave Bautista's potential as a formidable villain in future Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films. The analysis of various villainous characters, such as Apocalypse, Galactus, and Terrax, highlights Bautista's suitability for roles that demand physical strength, menacing presence, and a depth of character.

The discussion of Juggernaut, Sebastian Shaw, and Morlun further reinforces the actor's versatility and ability to portray complex and layered antagonists. Bautista's previous portrayal of Drax demonstrated his adeptness at balancing humor and intensity, a skillset that would translate well into the portrayal of these villainous characters. Overall, this article provides a convincing argument for Bautista's potential to elevate the MCU's roster of villains with his unique charisma and acting prowess.