Dave Bautista Unrecognizable After 17-Stone Weight Loss Transition from WWE to Hollywood
Dave Bautista, the WWE wrestler turned Hollywood action star, has left fans amazed with his dramatic transformation after losing 17 stone. Known for his muscular build and imposing physique, the 55-year-old actor has slimmed down significantly, shedding 240 pounds (17 stone) for his role in the upcoming film The Killer’s Game.
Bautista, who began his career as Deacon Batista in 2002, initially gained fame for his powerful presence in the WWE. Under the ring name Batista, he clinched six world titles and faced off against wrestling legends like John Cena, The Undertaker, Triple H, and Randy Orton. At his peak, he weighed up to 370 pounds (26 stone), with a typical wrestling weight of around 290 pounds (21 stone).
In preparation for his new role as Joe Flood in The Killer’s Game, Bautista undertook an intense year-and-a-half diet regimen. The film, an action-comedy, also stars Sofia Boutella, Terry Crews, and Pom Klementieff, Bautista’s co-star from Guardians of the Galaxy. Reflecting on his weight loss journey, Bautista shared, “I’m getting super trimmed. This is probably the lightest I’ve been since I was 19 years old. The heaviest I’ve ever been was 370 pounds. When I started as Deacon, I was around 325 pounds. Now I’m about 240 pounds, and maintaining that has been a real challenge.”
Bautista’s transformation has not gone unnoticed. Fans have taken to social media to comment on his new look, with one fan praising his dedication: “Dave Bautista shows that it’s never too late to make a significant life change through hard work.” Another fan highlighted the contrast between his wrestling days and his current appearance, noting, “Dave Bautista as a Wrestler vs. Actor. Two different stages of his life and career.”
Production of The Killer’s Game has had a long and tumultuous history. Originally titled Godforsaken, the project began with a script written by Rand Ravich in the mid-1990s and was sold to New Line Cinema in 1995. Though Wesley Snipes was initially set to star, production delays pushed the film’s start date from 2002 to 2015. Bautista joined the cast in 2019, and filming finally commenced after several more years of delays.
Bautista’s career transition from wrestling to acting continues to capture the attention of fans and critics alike, showcasing his dedication and versatility in the entertainment industry.
