No More Mr. Nice Guy
There’s been a certain chemistry going around Hollywood in recent years. It seems that more and more leading men and women have slipped – intentionally or unintentionally – from one industry to the other. Take Arnold Schwarzenegger for example – Austrian-American professional bodybuilder, and then actor and politician. Or Mark Wahlberg – known before as Marky Mark – with his bustling career as a rapper-then-actor. Or Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson who was known for his knock-outs in the ring as a pro-wrestler and then he turned to (you guessed it) acting.
There’s a certain line that these actors need to tread so they can successfully switch roles both professionally and personally. One of those actors that has successfully transitioned between the bright lights of the WWE to the red carpet of his latest film premiere is Dave Bautista.
Words by Jamie Trower
Photography by John Parra / Getty Images
Born in the Washington DC suburb of Arlington, Virginia, Dave Bautista is a man who has been swapping between industries his whole life to survive from a childhood of living in poverty. At age 17, Bautista was committing petty crimes and was estranged from his family. He later worked as a nightclub bouncer and a lifeguard before finding his survival and solace in bodybuilding and wrestling where he picked up the name ‘Batista’.
As I sat down with Bautista to talk with him on his latest film, My Spy (in cinemas 16 January 2020), my mind was cast back to my own childhood where my brother and I used to pretend to be wrestlers in makeshift rings of duvet covers and pillows. My brother always insisted on being Rey Mysterio and I demanded Batista. Little did I know back then that over a decade later I will be speaking to this childhood hero.
His switch from wrestling to acting didn’t surprise anyone (least of all my childhood-self). Everyone knew he had it in the ring. He has acted and appeared on TV and movies for years too, starring in such shows as Smallville, Phantom Zone, Neighbours and Chuck, amongst many others. His film career has thrived too, making him one of the most talked about actors in Hollywood. He’s played Brass Body in The Man With the Iron Fist, Drax the Destroyer in Guardians of the Galaxy and two Avenger films, Mr. Hinx in Spectre and Sapper Morton in Blade Runner 2049, as well as a further back catalogue.
My Spy is going to be Dave in a completely different element upon its release next year. Directed by Peter Segal, the film tells of JJ, a CIA agent (played by Bautista) who is put undercover to watch over a mother and nine year-old daughter who are in danger. The daughter befriends JJ and teaches him the importance and rockiness of life, love and family.
How would you describe your character in My Spy?
I think JJ’s a bit closed off. He’s a bit jaded, rough around the edges. I think more than anything he’s quite protective of his heart. I think Sophie got his walls to drop and open up a bit. In the movie, she could break down anybody’s walls.
I think more than anything he’s been hurt a few times so he’s just a bit too protective of himself. A good guy, a good soul, very protective and loving.
What do you think was the toughest aspect in playing him?
It was challenging, for a few different reasons. I’ve never been in this family genre of film before. I’d never acted with a child, especially one who was more mature than I am. Playing a love interest too was a whole new thing and putting myself in the place to be vulnerable. The dancing numbers and having to ice skate put me out of my element. It was one of those projects that was just really fun. It was the first time I’d been hands-on from the beginning being a producer. I helped develop the script and was involved in the whole process.There were a lot of opportunities to get my hands dirty.
Are you a pro at ice skating now?
I didn’t know what I was doing. I took a few bad bumps and hurt myself, but not that bad. Unless a film requires me to ice skate, I don’t think I will be on ice skates ever again. I don’t like being cold so I don’t want to be on ice, let alone skates. I’m just as bad as ever. I was just trying to get through the scenes. I had been ice skating maybe twice in my life. I’ve used the same stunt double since the first Guardians of the Galaxy and he grew up in Holland on ice skates, thank God.
Was it fun on set?
It was very lively and lots of fun. Our director, Peter Segal, is one of the funnest directors I’ve ever worked with. He’s just made for comedy He gets it and has a light-hearted sense of humour. He makes it fun.
Chloe [Coleman] was there, and her little sister, for most of the filming, so we constantly had kids around. I had my son, my manager brought their kids too and they were included in scenes. It was a very energetic setting.
With some of the scenes being so humorous, there were a lot of laughs on screen and between takes. It was a good family atmosphere. We had a birthday party for Chloe too and there were those moments that made it special.
At its core, what is the main theme of the film?
There’s a few different messages going on, but I think overall the big message is ‘chosen family’. I like being a part of projects that have that message. Not everyone is blessed to grow up with a mother and a father and a sister and a brother. It’s not having that perfect family that we oftentimes need.
I’ve grown close to people in my life and they’ve become family. My manager has been my best friend since I was a teenager and I can’t even imagine a brother being closer to me. That’s the ‘chosen family’. We just need those people in our lives that we don’t automatically or naturally have who can become those figures. It’s a part of being a happy human being.
It’s growing too, when we can help others at their worst. Just being able to extend and help makes yourself feel good. It comes from people that you choose to be in your life.
Is there one scene that you’re most excited for audiences to see?
I don’t think I can single out one because they’re different scenes for different reasons. There’s good laughs and it’s silly and there are great performances. I think any scene with Chloe in it. She’s such a brilliant little actress. I hope this pushes her to a new level of respect and fame. She deserves it. She’s exceptionally talented and I hope this film will introduce her to the world.
I knew that from the first ‘chemistry tests’ we did together, she’s a special little girl. I can’t pick one scene because I think her performance is just so strong. She’s funny and emotional and can carry a film by herself. Us performing together highlighted me as a performer as well with my range. It’s hard to pick one particular scene. It’s a strong film. Yeah, it’s aimed at a certain audience, but I think anyone can appreciate it.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
That’s a big question. It’s super cliche, but my mum always said, ‘you can never go wrong with honesty.’ I really believe that if you wear your heart on your sleeve and you’re honest with yourself, there’s no way you can lose. Honesty goes a long way. Even if it’s not popular opinion, just being true to yourself, people can respect it. That’s definitely how I try to live my life.
