Dave Bautista in Talks for Key Roles in ‘Highlander’ Remake and ‘Road House 2’ – WWE Star’s Hollywood Takeover Continues

pranithkumarkanna@gmail.com|Modified on Aug 08, 2025, 17:21 GMT

Former WWE Champion and Hollywood action star Dave Bautista is on the verge of adding two major titles to his growing film portfolio. Sources confirm that Bautista is currently in advanced talks to join Amazon MGM Studios’ upcoming projects: the Highlander reboot and the sequel Road House 2[^1^][^2^][^3^].

Bautista as The Kurgan: The Villain of the Highlander Reboot

Bautista’s role in the Highlander remake is shaping up to be a defining villainous turn. He is expected to portray The Kurgan, the iconic immortal antagonist originally played by Clancy Brown in the 1986 cult classic. This marks a significant opportunity for Bautista to play a commanding villain in a high-profile franchise reboot directed by Chad Stahelski, the acclaimed filmmaker behind the John Wick franchise[^1^][^3^].

Henry Cavill is cast as the film’s hero, Connor MacLeod, taking on the role made famous by Christopher Lambert, while Russell Crowe has been confirmed as Ramirez, the wise mentor figure previously portrayed by Sean Connery[^3^][^5^]. Stahelski promises the film will broaden the original’s scope, taking immortal battles from 1500s Scottish Highlands to modern-day New York and Hong Kong, blending intense action with a love story element[^3^].

Filming is slated to begin in late September 2025, with locations spanning the UK and Hong Kong. This reboot aims to bring fresh energy to the fantasy-action genre, with Bautista’s imposing presence anticipated to bring a new edge to Highlander’s formidable foe[^3^].

Bautista Joins Road House 2 Opposite Jake Gyllenhaal

In addition to Highlander, Bautista is also closing in on a role in Road House 2. This sequel follows the 2024 Road House remake, where Jake Gyllenhaal famously portrayed Dalton, an ex-UFC fighter turned roadhouse bouncer[^1^][^2^].

Bautista’s casting is expected to add a thrilling new dynamic to the film, potentially positioning him as the main adversary to Gyllenhaal’s Dalton. The sequel’s production lineup includes director Ilya Naishuller, known for his work on Nobody and Hardcore Henry, backed by producers from Atlas Entertainment and Gyllenhaal’s Nine Stories Productions[^1^][^2^][^4^].

Originally, Guy Ritchie was attached to direct, but Naishuller stepped in last month, presumably bringing a fresh vision to the sequel’s action-packed narrative[^2^]. The film is earmarked for release exclusively on Prime Video, continuing Amazon’s investment in revitalizing classic 80s action franchises[^1^].

From WWE to Hollywood: Bautista’s Rising Stardom

Dave Bautista last stepped into a wrestling ring at WWE WrestleMania 35 in 2019, where he faced off against Triple H in a No Holds Barred match. Since retiring from full-time wrestling, Bautista has carved out a formidable career in Hollywood, transitioning from WWE champion to global movie star[^1^].

His film credits include major franchises such as Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy and Dune, where his performances have garnered critical and commercial success. Adding Highlander and Road House 2 aligns seamlessly with his action hero persona and showcases his versatility, including taking on villainous roles[^3^].

According to sources close to Bautista, his involvement in these projects is not merely about star power but a genuine interest in “breathing new life into beloved classics while expanding his range as an actor”[^1^]. An insider reveals, “Dave’s passion for these stories and characters is real – he’s excited to take on these iconic roles and work with visionary directors like Chad Stahelski and Ilya Naishuller”[^1^].

What This Means for WWE Fans and Movie Buffs

Bautista’s casting signals a continuing trend of WWE superstars successfully transitioning to major film careers, joining the ranks of legends like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. For WWE fans, it’s another reason to follow Bautista’s trajectory beyond the squared circle.

For movie fans, especially those who appreciate action and nostalgia, Bautista’s involvement in Highlander and Road House 2 offers anticipation for high-octane entertainment with a modern twist on classic 80s franchises.

Final Thoughts

With filming on Highlander poised to start this fall and production progressing for Road House 2, Dave Bautista stands at the cusp of another exciting chapter in his career. As reported by Wrestling Inc., Collider, and multiple entertainment outlets, these projects mark Bautista’s continued ascendancy as one of Hollywood’s most bankable action stars.

WWE.com and Fightful have also noted Bautista’s ability to leverage his wrestling charisma and physicality into compelling film performances, making him a versatile talent in both industries. Fans can expect more news soon as sources confirm Bautista aims to officially sign deals this month[^1^][^2^].

Stay tuned for more WWE and entertainment news as Dave Bautista’s Hollywood journey unfolds.

[^1^]: Wrestling Inc., 2025-08-07
[^2^]: Collider, 2025-08-07
[^3^]: Reactor Magazine, 2025-08-07
[^4^]: Movieweb, 2025-08-08
[^5^]: IMDb News, 2025-08-08

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