Dave Bautista has been confirmed to play Kratos in Prime Video’s upcoming God of War fantasy drama. But how much do you know about Dave Bautista?
Dave Bautista has been confirmed as the new man to play Kratos in Prime Video’s much anticipated God of War fantasy drama series.
When Ryan Hurst, the original man cast as Kratos, tore a bicep muscle during a stunt in June, it left producers with a dilemma. As they were four months into the shoot, did they wait or recast. They went for the latter option and reached out to Dave, and they have now concluded a deal for him to take on the role.
This also means that production will recommence in October, but starting from scratch as none of the previously made footage will be used.
It has also led to speculation online as to whether there will be a different approach taken to the character of Kratos.
God of War follows the story of father and son gods Kratos and Atreus, who go on a journey to spread the ashes of their wife and mother, Faye. In their adventures, Kratos tries to teach Atreus to be a better god, while Atreus tries to teach his father to be a better human.
But how much do you know about Dave Bautista? Here are some facts you might not know about him.
Dave had several jobs before finding fame
Fame came late to Dave – he was in his 30s by the time he made it as a wrestler. Before then, he had a variety of jobs to pay the bills. Jobs included being a nightclub bouncer and a lifeguard. However, it was when he decided to become a professional bodybuilder that his life changed him and put him on the path to becoming a wrestler.
He was once told he’d never make it as a wrestler
Yes, Dave, who has been heavyweight world champion on several occasions, was once told he’d never make it as a wrestler.
He initially tried out at World Championship Wrestling’s Power Plant. There, trainer DeWayne Bruce said he would never make it in the business.
Fortunately, Dave didn’t give up on his dream and then when to the then World Wrestling Federation, who said he should train at the Wild Samoan Training Center. Dave did, and earned a spot in the World Xtreme Wrestling, debuting in October 1999.
One of his earliest roles was in a soap opera
Like many wrestlers, Dave has made the transition into an acting career. One of Dave’s earliest roles came in June 2009 as himself in the legendary Australian soap opera Neighbours.
Other cameo appearances – as himself and characters – followed before landing the role of Drax the Destroyer in the 2014 movie Guardians of the Galaxy.
He collects steel lunchboxes
Dave has an extensive collection of vintage steel lunchboxes, and some of them are rare and hugely valuable.
The hobby started in 2003 when Dave was injured and out of WWE competition. He was bored and scrolling through ebay and found them on there. The first lunchbox he purchased was from the show Fat Albert and is now worth more than $500.
The most valuable lunchbox in his collection is a ‘Toppie’ box, said to be worth $15,000. It came out in 1957 and could only be bought at the time with stamps, which made it difficult to purchase, and explains why they are even rarer today, especially ones in good condition.
There are an insane amount of action figures of Dave
Dave was one of the biggest names in wrestling in the first couple of decades of this century and Wrestling Figure Checklist reported that 171 action figures of him were released in the 2000s and 2010s.
Indeed, Dave tried to collect all his action figures at the time but gave up as there were too many.
Given his role as Drax in the MCU there are probably now many more action figures of Dave in circulation.
