Dave Bautista criticizes actors for complaining about making movies

Dave Bautista says he avoids working with negative co-stars, calling acting a privilege, not a burden.

Former WWE star turned Hollywood actor Dave Bautista has spoken out against actors who complain about working in films.

In a recent interview with Collider alongside his Afterburn director J.J. Perry, Bautista said he is frustrated by co-stars who are constantly “b*tching, complaining, moaning, and groaning” on set.

Bautista explained that he views filmmaking as a privilege and prefers not to work with people who bring negativity to projects. “I’m just at the age and point of my life where life’s too short,” he said. “I love filmmaking, and if people don’t want to be there, I don’t want to be there with them. I’m happy to be there and I want to make the most of it.”

Since transitioning from wrestling to acting, Bautista has built a career across blockbuster franchises and independent films, working with directors such as Denis Villeneuve and co-stars including Daniel Craig, Timothée Chalamet, and Josh Brolin. His most recent role was in Afterburn, where he praised Perry’s leadership for creating a positive and supportive set environment. Bautista admitted he initially did not want to take on another action role but signed on due to his respect for Perry.

Looking ahead, Bautista has a packed schedule. His next release, Trap House, arrives in theaters on November 14, facing competition from major titles like Predator: Badlands and Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein. He is also set to star in Grendel as Beowulf alongside Jeff Bridges, in addition to projects such as Alpha Gang, The Wrecking Crew, and an FBI wedding sting comedy with Anne Hathaway. With more than a dozen upcoming titles listed on IMDb, Bautista shows no signs of slowing down.