Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 3: Bautista Refuses To Appear If Gunn's Script Is Scrapped
"This is bullsh*t!"
Disney have a publicity nightmare on their hands and it's coming at them in the terrifying, large shape of Dave Bautista, who has positioned himself as the most vocal critic of their decision to sack James Gunn.
He's already been part of a letter written by the cast calling for the studio to reinstate Gunn, as well as making his own fiery statements about the sacking and now he's just jettisoned all sense that he cares about potential backlash from his paymasters.
Hot on the tail of Tweeting to a fan saying that he is only doing Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 3 because he is legally obliged to because of his contract, the former WWE star spoke to Short List and made it plain how unhappy he is that he has to make the film. To the extent that he'd leave right now if he could - especially if James Gunn's involvement is completely wiped out:
“Nobody’s defending his tweets, but this was a smear campaign on a good man, I spoke to Chris Pratt the day after it happened and he’s a bit religious so he wanted time to pray and figure it out, but I was more like: f*ck this. This is bullsh*t. James is one of the kindest, most decent people I’ve met. Where I’m at right now is that if [Marvel] don’t use that script, then I’m going to ask them to release me from my contract, cut me out or recast me.”
So there's the explanation for the praying part of the letter sent by the cast to Disney, then. And a wonderfully stark contrast with Bautista as a man of action bred for violence (even choreographed violence).
Bautista says that being on the film without Gunn will be a “disservice” to the former director. Whether Disney would even entertain the idea of him not appearing remains to be seen (it's unlikely to say the least) but it's a nightmare to have someone so obviously unhappy on the castlist.