Actor and former professional wrestler Dave Bautista has revealed a major physical transformation just two years after shedding 75lbs.
Bautista, 57, earned the nickname “The Animal” during his time as a WWE superstar, and once went by the in-ring name “Leviathan” in Ohio Valley Wrestling, thanks to his huge physical frame.
However, per People, in 2024, following his role in 2023’s apocalyptic horror movie “Knock at the Cabin,” he began doing jiu-jitsu and eating a balanced diet to lose weight, after saying he felt “uncomfortably big” and believing his size was costing him acting roles in Hollywood.
Now, the star of movies like “Spectre,” “Blade Runner 2049,” “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” “The Last Showgirl,” the “Dune” franchise, and Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” trilogy has taken to social media to show he’s beginning to put some of his old muscle back on.
Dave Bautista Is Back Into Weight Training
Dave Bautista shared his latest physical transformation with the 5.6 million followers on his Instagram account.
His post includes a 39-second video in which he is standing in a gym wearing a T-shirt, sweatpants, and a baseball cap. The star removes the cap and shirt to reveal a bigger and more muscular physique than he’s had of late. He then flexes, proudly poses, and ends the video with a peace sign for his viewers.
The caption on Bautista’s post reads, “3rd week in to weight training again. 2 more months to get to where I need to be. Like ridin a bike! LFG!💪🏽”
Omar Cruz’s 2020 hip-hop track “Just When I Thought I Was Out” plays over the top of the post.
Needless to say, Bautista must have been training hard for those three weeks, because he’s seriously bulked up since we last saw him.
The star is set to play the imposing Kratos in the television adaptation of the video game “God of War,” so this transformation is undoubtedly for that. Bautista replaced the show’s original actor Ryan Hurst, who was injured during filming. It’ll be interesting to see just how big he gets for his performance as Kratos.
His fans and followers flocked to the post’s comment section to have their say on his new look.
Bautista’s Followers Believe ‘The Animal’ Is Back
GettyThe comments section of Dave Bautista’s post showing his latest physical transformation is teeming with messages of positivity. His fans, followers, and even some famous faces have had their say on it.
Kickboxer, mixed martial artist, and more recently professional boxer Rico Verhoeven commented, “Lets get it 🔥.”
Bautista’s former WWE in-ring rival MVP proclaimed, “The Animal returns!!!!!”
Fellow MCU star Winston Duke wrote, “Let’s go brother👊🏿👊🏿👊🏿💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿.”
Singer, songwriter, musician, actor, and comic book artist Chris Daughtry similarly said, “LFG🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥.”
One of Bautista’s grateful followers noted, “Man, this is the reminder I needed to get back to the gym, Dave. Thank you for the inspiration.”
Another follower simply stated, “Kratos is here 👀.”
“THATS THE BAUTISTA I KNOW,” wrote one Instagram user.
Last but not least, another individual commented, “The beast has been unleashed! 🔥”
In addition to starring in “God of War,” Bautista has a whole bunch of upcoming movies confirmed. They include the likes of sci-fi comedy movie “Alpha Gang,” animated adventure “Ally,” sci-fi flick “Universe’s Most Wanted,” rom-com “The Romantic,” action sequel “Road House 2,” fantasy action remake “Highlander,” and the action fantasy film “Grendel.”
We can’t wait to watch Bautista in action in all of his upcoming projects. He undoubtedly looks fabulous and it’ll be great to see him kicking butt as Kratos.
Dave Bautista’s filmography info was courtesy of IMDb.
