Dave Bautista Reveals Why He Was Forced To Turn Down PEACEMAKER

When Peacemaker stormed onto the scene in The Suicide Squad before spinning off into its own hit HBO series, fans embraced John Cena in the role. But it was recently revealed that writer-director James Gunn originally created the part with someone else in mind. That someone was Dave Bautista, and the actor recently explained why he had to pass on the role.

Speaking with ComicBook alongside director J.J. Perry about their upcoming film Afterburn, Bautista admitted he was Gunn’s first choice and wanted to make it work. Unfortunately, the timing just didn’t line up.

“I have to say, that one. I really wanted to do that part. He (Gunn) wrote that part for me, and it was meant for me, and it just became a scheduling thing where I just couldn’t do it, because I was doing Army of the Dead. And so it was a scheduling issue that we just could not figure out.”

While Bautista would have loved to wear Peacemaker’s helmet, he’s now thankful it didn’t happen after seeing what Cena has brought to the character.

“And I think it was great. It was a blessing in disguise that I didn’t do that, because I have to say, I have to be honest, there’s no way that I would have been able to do that role like John.

“He’s just perfect for it, you know, and I wouldn’t have done it justice, and it wouldn’t have been as successful.”

He went on to add:

“So, look, and I am, I’m saying that with a bit of envy, you know, I would love it. I just wouldn’t have been able to do the same thing that John does to bring to that character.

“It wouldn’t have been the same. It wouldn’t have been as good. I can honestly say it wouldn’t have been as good.”

While Bautista didn’t get to play Peacemaker, he’s gotten to take on a bunch of other roles. Cena may be the perfect fit for DC’s wildest antihero, but Bautista continues carving out his own path with roles that push him into new territory.