Dave Bautista Discusses the Depth and Heartbreak Behind Drax in GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2

Before the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie came out, there were some people who were worried about casting a pro wrestler like Dave Bautista, and his ability to take on the role of Drax. Sure he's violent and strong, but aren't Marvel characters more than that? But Drax has been both a hilarious and wonderful addition to the MCU, and in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, a lot of his heartbreak is revealed through the new character Mantis, who is able to read emotions.

I think this is brilliant for multiple reasons. I love Dave Bautista as Drax, but I don't think he is one who is going to be winning an Oscar for his portrayal of sadness anytime soon. He has his strengths and showing emotional pain doesn't seem like it's one of them. But Drax really has some baggage that needs to be shown. With Mantis, who is the ultimate empath, she is able to connect with Drax and show the emotions that he can't. In a recent interview with CB, Bautista had this to say:

"It's such an ingenious way to tell a story because Drax is so heartbroken over the loss of his family, which we touched upon in the first one, but it's so amazing that they can tell this story without Drax having to break down but through Mantis' character because her character is so beautiful and so emotional. So, I think it was such an ingenious way to tell the story but not only to tell that story of Drax's heartbreak but also to build that connection between Drax and Mantis. I mean it's a really brilliant way to tell the story."

Bautista also has plenty of compliments to give to everyone he's worked with in the film, including Pom Klementieff who plays the part of Mantis saying:

"I have to give credit to that scene to Pom who is just an amazing actress. Her range of emotions is absolutely amazing. She has a strength and that's delivering a funny line in a deadpan manner but she really has that strength, as well. Across the board, she's just really talented."

He goes on to share an experience while working with James Gunn, saying:

"Drax, I have to give credit to James Gunn for. He's so brilliant. It was a scene we were doing in the first film where I was laughing during the scene and he wanted me to laugh harder! The louder I got, the harder he laughed. I think just to amuse himself, he wanted me to laugh bigger and louder and the bigger I did I could just hear him laughing hysterically! I have a big voice. I'm an introverted person so I just don't really speak loudly. I do have a big voice, I'm capable, so when I decide I need to bring the sound, I just can!"

I'm excited about this movie and to see all the characters more fleshed out in unique and different ways. I'm still so amazed how well the characters were established in the first film without necessarily having to create separate films for each of them. (cough cough avengers cough cough). James Gunn certainly knows what he's doing, and more than anything, he's just telling a story that he thinks is cool and interesting. I couldn't be happier with what I've seen of the sequel so far.