Dave Bautista is throwing some verbal punches at Donald Trump as the stakes rise for the upcoming 2024 presidential election. The 55-year-old retired professional wrestler and actor recently made headlines with his sharp criticisms of the former president during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, aired on October 16, 2024. This moment also ties closely to Bautista's growing prominence as not just a movie star but also as someone willing to speak out on political issues.
On the show, Kimmel set the stage by addressing Trump's appeal among male voters, which led to Bautista's segment, where he did not hold back. "Fellas, we gotta talk. A lot of men seem to think Donald Trump is some kind of tough guy. He’s not," Bautista stated, challenging the macho persona Trump has cultivated. He backed up his claims with humor but grounded truths, arguing, "I mean, look at him, he wears more makeup than Dolly Parton. He whines like a baby. The guy is afraid of birds." Bautista's critiques didn't stop there—he continued by mocking Trump's military draft dodging, saying, "Donald Trump had his daddy pay a doctor to say his little feet hurt so he could dodge the draft," declaring, "Look at his gut. It’s like a garbage bag full of buttermilk."
Bautista's onslaught was timely as the election day approaches—November 5, 2024—where Trump will face off against Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. He concluded his fiery commentary by asserting, "This November, let’s stop kidding ourselves. Donald Trump is afraid...he's terrified..." This statement resonates with his firm support for Harris, which he expressed previously.
Beyond politics, Bautista’s recent film endeavors also deserve attention. His action movie The Killer's Game, which premiered theatrically, didn’t make much of a splash at the box office, grossing merely $5.4 million since its release. Critics were mixed, giving it only 47% on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite its commercial failure, the film has surprisingly gained traction on Prime Video, marking it as the most-watched movie on the platform last week, though it remains unavailable to U.S. subscribers.
Bautista stars as Joe Flood, a hitman who, faced with what he believes is terminal illness, attempts to authorize a hit on himself. After discovering he was misdiagnosed, he finds himself fighting off various assassins. The film's concept explores reckless decisions leading to unforeseen consequences, and Bautista's performance has helped keep audiences engaged on streaming platforms.
While his recent roles pose challenges, Bautista has been shedding weight for his performances. He mentioned, "I didn't just cut the weight for roles, but simply because I 'just got fat' and 'uncomfortably big.'" Now at 6'4 and 240lbs, Bautista reflects on his transformation, showing concern for how his body image leads to misconceptions about his health. "I even saw online some people are worried about my health... But to me, because people have seen me so much bigger... they think I'm like anorexic," he explained.
Comments on his physical transformation also align with his disciplined lifestyle. He revealed theatrical contracts usually contain clauses concerning diet, stating, "It’s actually in my contract...that I have to eat no less than every four hours." This commitment to health and fitness undoubtedly translates to his roles, exemplifying the discipline he maintains behind the scenes.
Bautista's next projects include starring alongside Samuel L. Jackson in Afterburn, which takes place ten years post-solar flare technology collapse. He is also set to play the antagonist in the animated movie Avatar: The Last Airbender, though details remain scarce. His adaptability as he shifts between these roles continues to reflect his improved standing as a versatile actor. Fans eagerly anticipate these upcoming features, adding to the idea of Bautista as both action star and outspoken political figure.
The intersection of Bautista's film career and political commentary shines brightly as the world prepares for one of the most pivotal electoral battles. Whether he is tearing down political figures or tackling complex characters on screen, Bautista is undeniably making his mark, and audiences are watching eagerly both for his next role and his unfiltered opinions.
Dave Bautista's evolution as both activist and actor signifies how influential public figures can shift dialogue, particularly as societal norms continue to generate complex landscapes for discussion. It's undoubtedly impressive to see Bautista use his platform for meaningful conversation amid the tumult of the electoral season. His future roles and public statements will be ones to watch as we approach the election and beyond.