Known for his electrifying performances in WWE, Batista has seamlessly transitioned into one of Hollywood’s biggest stars in recent years.
His roles, including the iconic Drax the Destroyer in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and his compelling portrayal in M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘The Knock at the Cabin,’ have cemented his status as a powerhouse in the entertainment industry.
His upcoming project, “The Killer’s Game,” adapted from Jay Bonansinga’s novel of the same name, has been in development for an impressive 30 years.
Throughout its evolution, numerous Hollywood heavyweights were considered for the lead role before the WWE Superstar landed the part. In an interview, Jay Bonansinga disclosed the journey of the film’s development and the notable names attached to it over the years:
“This film has been in development for almost three decades. And all these huge Hollywood actors have been attached to it. And then something has fallen through. They pulled away on other projects. Michael Douglas, Bruce Willis, Jason Statham. At one point, it was going to be directed by John Woo. Again, I’m probably speaking… I’m giving you exclusives. I’m probably not even supposed to mention all this stuff.”
Bonansinga also expressed his admiration for Dave Bautista, acknowledging him as the perfect fit for the lead role, a hitman with a heart of gold.
However, as a novelist, he clarified that he wasn’t involved in the casting process, emphasizing that his role was primarily providing the source material through his novel.
“Finally, the guy that agreed to play the hero… this hitman with a heart of gold… that’s the way I describe him, was Dave Bautista. I had nothing to do with casting him because I’m a novelist. At the time, I was basically just providing the source material: my novel.”
In addition to Batista, WWE Superstar Drew McIntyre is also set to appear in the film, adding further excitement to the project.
Stay tuned for more updates on “The Killer’s Game” as we continue to share details leading up to its eventual release.
Bonansinga’s recent interaction with another WWE Superstar hints at potential future additions to the film’s cast, further fueling anticipation for this highly anticipated project.
