Dave Bautista refuses to work with actors who ‘complain’ on sets: ‘Absolutely awful’

Dave Bautista said he only wants to work with people he loves and respects, as he is passionate about filmmaking and avoids those lacking commitment
PUBLISHED SEP 24, 2025
Dave Bautista wants to keep negative people out of his life and career, focusing only on working with those who share his passion and respect (Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for Disney)
Dave Bautista wants to keep negative people out of his life and career, focusing only on working with those who share his passion and respect (Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for Disney)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Actor Dave Bautista believes in keeping his space positive and free from negativity. On set, he has no patience for toxic behavior and makes it clear that he only wants to work with people who share the same energy.

For the 'Afterburn' actor, filmmaking is more than just a career — it’s something he’s deeply passionate about. He chooses to surround himself with people who value the craft while also placing equal importance on building genuine connections.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 30: Dave Bautista attends Universal Pictures'
Dave Bautista attends Universal Pictures' 'Knock At The Cabin'  World Premiere at Jazz at Lincoln Center on January 30, 2023 in New York City (Getty Images) 

Dave Bautista not interested in working with negative people

During an interview with Collider, Dave Bautista, 56, opened up about his work ethic and priorities.

Working alongside 'Afterburn' director JJ Perry, the actor raved about the strong bond he has developed with him. Bautista has always been candid about his passion for acting, and in the interview he elaborated further on his thought process. 

Bautista agreed that working with someone difficult can make an entire film shoot, from what he understood, "absolutely awful" and even horrific. “I’m just at the age and at the point of my life where life’s just too godd— short,” Bautista told Collider.

“I want to work with people I just love and respect, because I love this business. I love filmmaking, and if people don’t want to be there, I don’t want to be there with them. You know?”


 
 
 
 
 
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“I’m happy to be there,” he continued. “It’s a love thing for me, and I’m passionate about it. I want to be there, and I want to make the most of it, so I don’t want to hear people b****ing, complaining, moaning, and groaning about doing something that we’re all fortunate enough to be doing and making.”

While speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, the 'Guardians of the Galaxy' actor reflected on his career. He said, “It’s an understatement when I say how much I love (acting).” 

Dave Bautista believes the best of his acting career is still to come

The actor believes the audience has not yet seen the best of him — and insists there’s more than meets the eye.

As per The Hollywood Reporter, Bautista said: “To hear that people think highly of you or they respect you, it feels great, but the thing that bothers me is that I don’t feel like people have seen the best of me.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 16: Dave Bautista is seen on July 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Raymond Hall/GC Images )
Dave Bautista is seen on July 16, 2024 in New York City (Raymond Hall/GC Images )

He added that he hasn’t seen the best of himself yet either and needs directors who can challenge him to grow as an actor.

“I don’t feel like I’ve seen the best of me. I feel like I can be better. I feel like I need that project. I need that director to challenge me and bring that out of me. And I will openly say that I want to be in award conversations.”

The former professional wrestler also admitted he doesn’t know how to be proactive in bringing out the best in himself.

The 'My Spy' actor expressed his desire to prove his caliber: “I want to be that calibre of actor, but I don’t know how I can be more proactive in trying to get those roles. I have these conversations with my agents every day. I really want to be thought of in that light. … I still have a lot to offer, and I hope that one day I can really blow people away with a performance,” he shared.

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