10 Wrestlers Who Starred In Sci-Fi Movies

From Hulkster to Hulkstar.

Triple H Blade Trinity
WWE.com

The science fiction genre is the closest thing to a rollercoaster the film industry has. With movies ranging from the spectacular to the ridiculous, the vast array of settings, stories and weird and wacky characters has made the genre a mainstay on the screens of film fanatics since the cult classics of the 20th century.

Whether in the mood for a remarkable watch like Avatar, or a concept so bizarre and random like Sharknado that it's almost enjoyable in spite of the over-exaggerated acting, the sci-fi genre really does cater for all tastes. Given some of the crazy storylines the world of wrestling has given us over the years, it seems only logical some of the industry's biggest names would grab the lead in numerous sci-fi releases.

If there's one thing professional wrestling is known for, it's consistently great acting right? Of course not! Which is why the success of sci-fi films with sports entertainment superstars at the helm is mixed. We've seen some classics courtesy of an 'Animal', a 'Rowdy' one and someone we're often told we can't see, alongside some shockers from an 'Immortal' one a 'Big Sexy' fella.

Hopefully, this article will help you add a few to your watchlist and most likely a couple on to your 'never touching, get away from my screen' list...

10. Batista

Triple H Blade Trinity
Marvel Studios

Perhaps one of the best examples of a super-successful transition from the ring into the film industry has been the journey of this man. From WWE's longest-reigning World Heavyweight Champion to Drax the Destroyer in two of the most successful movie franchises in recent memory, Dave Bautista has become an established Hollywood name, not least in the world of sci-fi releases.

Along with strong performances in the latest James Bond release and in the comedy Stuber, the 51-year-old's most famed role saw him enter the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the intergalactic criminal, Drax. Lining up alongside the likes of Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana and a raccoon version of Bradley Cooper, a prominent role in Guardians of the Galaxy saw Bautista's acting credentials shoot about as high as fans used to see him lift Rey Mysterio before delivering his famed Batista Bombs...

Continuing on from the critical and commercial success of Guardians of the Galaxy was a second release from the series and two Avengers titles featuring Bautista's portrayal of Drax. With some hilarious one-liners and a fist-fight with Thanos, the former wrestler's role in Avengers: Infinity War and the highest-grossing film in history Avengers: Endgame, saw him reach an acting height most former WWE stars fail to climb to.

With the role of Diaz in Riddick and Sapper Morton in Blade Runner 2049, the two-time Royal Rumble winner has become a regular in some of the most popular sci-fi movies of the decade, a trend which looks set to continue with some confirmed involvements in upcoming releases out of the genre. In the first of a planned two-part adaptation of the 1965 novel Dune, Bautista joins Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgard and Jason Momoa in the far future of humanity, as the search for "the spice", a drug which extends human life, takes the cast to the dangerous desert planet Arrakis. I don't know about you but I'm intrigued...

Contributor
Contributor

Harvey Leonard hasn't written a bio just yet, but if they had... it would appear here.