Dave Bautista, the actor and former WWE superstar, is making waves once again, not only with his diverse film projects but also through significant personal changes. Recently, he revealed during an interview with journalist Chris Van Vliet, and detailed his impressive weight loss of 75 pounds. Bautista emphasized this transformation, stating, "I started trimming down for a specific reason: one, I started slimming down because I was uncomfortably big." While preparing for his role in the 2023 film 'Knock at the Cabin', he had deliberately gained weight, which he later regretted. He joked about his past eating habits, share his enthusiasm for french fries and pancakes, which contributed to his weight gain. "Looking back at it, I probably overdid it," he conceded, explaining how he felt much healthier as he shed the excess weight.
His transformation stems from more than just aesthetic desires; Bautista noted, "The more I trimmed down, the more I felt... the more I looked on camera, the more I looked next to other actors." He mentioned his fans' concerns about his weight loss, clarifying, "They think I'm like anorexic, but I'm just a large human being; I look like a gorilla next to smaller actors!" Adopting new workout routines combined with calorie restrictions, Bautista shared he is currently consuming about 2,500 calories daily, which he noted is relatively low for him.
Emphasizing his commitment to health, he mentioned intermittent fasting and restricting his eating window to only five hours of the day. His diet consists primarily of plant-based foods, limiting fish consumption to just a couple of times weekly. Bautista has learned to adapt his diet as he discovered severe allergies to dairy and later eliminated red meats and poultry from his menu. He humorously commented, "I do have fish a couple of times a week and I do eat eggs" which, for him, is seen as dietary progress toward potentially embracing veganism.
Bautista's workout schedules are equally intense; he shared how he incorporates daily workouts, including fight training, boxing, and martial arts, with some days featuring double workout sessions. He carries this dedication over to his roles, showcasing his physical prowess as he prepares for upcoming films. One of his latest projects is 'The Killer's Game', now available for streaming on Prime Video. This action-comedy film, directed by J.J. Perry and released theatrically by Lionsgate on September 13, 2024, follows Bautista as Joe Flood, a hitman who finds himself targeted by his own contract after learning he has terminal illness. The film features prominent co-stars like Sofia Boutella, Terry Crews, and Ben Kingsley, adding star power to this chaotic narrative.
The premise of 'The Killer's Game' exhibits Bautista's range as he brings both action and humor to the lead role. Despite its initial struggles at the box office and mixed reviews, the film has garnered attention on digital platforms, allowing viewers to experience the story from home. 'The Killer's Game' highlights Bautista's continued impact on the film industry, showcasing his shift from wrestling to versatile acting.
Looking forward, Bautista also stars in the upcoming fantasy film 'In the Lost Lands', based on George R.R. Martin's short story. Slated for release on March 5, 2025, this epic adventure pairs him with Milla Jovovich, bringing action and supernatural elements to the screen.
The story follows the fierce sorceress Gray Alys (Jovovich) as she embarks on quest with Boyce (Bautista) to fulfill the wishes of a desperate queen. Bautista's role promises to deliver another adrenaline-fueled performance indicative of his growing stature within the fantasy genre. This partnership between Bautista and Jovovich, along with the creative direction of Paul W.S. Anderson, raises the film's anticipated appeal to fans of both actors and followers of Martin's work.
With both 'The Killer's Game' and 'Lost Lands', Bautista is cementing his place within Hollywood, seeking opportunities to showcase diverse talents and thrilling performances. His commitment to transforming his health mirrors his cinematic evolution as he moves forward from his professional wrestling career to embrace his identity as a film star. Bautista's willingness to embrace new challenges, change his personal life, and appear on screen as versatile character exemplifies the dedication required for success in today’s competitive entertainment industry.