Former WWE Champion and acclaimed actor Dave Bautista is expanding his Hollywood portfolio with starring roles in two highly anticipated Amazon MGM Studios productions: the sequel Road House 2 and the Highlander reboot. Bautista, best known to WWE fans as “The Animal,” is stepping into the world of iconic action franchises, joining forces with notable stars and acclaimed directors in projects slated to invigorate these classic properties for new audiences.

According to multiple reports, including from Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter, Bautista is closing in on contracts to play pivotal roles in both films, which are key parts of Amazon’s push into revitalizing beloved ‘80s and ‘90s franchises[1][3][4].

Taking on the Villainous Kurgan in “Highlander”

In the upcoming Highlander remake, Bautista is set to embody the villainous Immortal known as The Kurgan, a role originally made iconic by Clancy Brown in the 1986 cult classic. The film will be directed by Chad Stahelski, renowned for his work on the John Wick series, and will star Henry Cavill as the immortal Connor MacLeod. The cast also includes Russell Crowe portraying Ramirez, another central character[3][4].

Stahelski aims to modernize the story, moving the timeline from the Scottish Highlands in the 1500s to contemporary global locations such as New York and Hong Kong, promising a blend of action and romance[3]. Filming is scheduled to begin in late September 2025, with the production team including United Artists’ Scott Stuber and Nick Nesbitt, alongside Neal H. Moritz and 87Eleven Entertainment[1].

A WWE insider noted, “Dave Bautista’s larger-than-life presence and intense screen charisma make him the perfect fit to revive The Kurgan—a character every Highlander fan wants to see reimagined with brutality and depth.” This marks a significant turn for Bautista, transitioning from his WWE persona into complex cinematic villainy[1].

Joining the High-Octane Cast of “Road House 2”

Bautista’s involvement with Road House 2 reunites him with another high-caliber cast and production team. The sequel follows the 2024 Road House remake starring Jake Gyllenhaal as Dalton, an ex-UFC fighter who becomes a roadhouse bouncer in the Florida Keys. Bautista’s role remains under wraps, but sources indicate he will portray a former fighter with similarities to Gyllenhaal’s character. The film will introduce largely new characters with only a few returning from the original remake[2][4].

Produced by Atlas Entertainment’s Charles Roven and Alex Gartner, alongside Jake Gyllenhaal’s Nine Stories Productions, Road House 2 is helmed by director Ilya Naishuller, known for the action-packed Nobody and Hardcore Henry films[1][2]. The shift to a new director came after Guy Ritchie was originally attached but stepped down earlier in 2025[4].

A source close to Bautista’s camp revealed, “Road House 2 offers Dave an opportunity to engage with intense hand-to-hand combat on screen, something WWE fans know he excels at, while expanding his range in character-driven action dramas.” The combination of these two major films reflects Bautista’s continued evolution from wrestling champion to sought-after action lead[2].

From WWE Rings to Hollywood Spotlight

Dave Bautista’s move away from the WWE ring, where he last competed at WrestleMania 35 in a memorable bout against Triple H, has been marked by a successful transition into film. Besides starring roles in franchises like Guardians of the Galaxy and Dune, Bautista has recently made cameo appearances, such as in the action comedy The Naked Gun, drawing positive attention for his screen presence[1].

Industry insiders highlight Bautista’s physicality and charisma—traits forged in the wrestling world—that translate well into the action genre. He joins a growing list of WWE alumni turning to cinema, carving out niches that merge athleticism with acting skill. With these two Amazon MGM projects, Bautista is poised to consolidate his standing as a modern action star[1][3].

Anticipating the Releases

While official release dates for Highlander and Road House 2 have yet to be announced, filming for Highlander is expected to commence in late September 2025, with Road House 2 production similarly underway. Both films represent Amazon MGM Studios’ commitment to rejuvenating popular franchises with star-studded casts and fresh creative teams.

Fans and industry watchers will be eagerly anticipating Bautista’s performances, especially in a high-profile villain role as The Kurgan—a character whose brutal intensity is central to the Highlander mythos—and a dynamic fighter role in Road House 2.

With the convergence of Bautista, Henry Cavill, Jake Gyllenhaal, Chad Stahelski, and top-tier production teams, these projects are shaping up to be major action events for 2026 and beyond.

In summary:

• Dave Bautista is confirmed to star as The Kurgan in Chad Stahelski’s Highlander reboot, alongside Henry Cavill and Russell Crowe.
• He is also joining Road House 2, starring opposite Jake Gyllenhaal, with Ilya Naishuller directing.
• Both films are produced under Amazon MGM Studios and aim to revive two classic action franchises.
• Bautista’s transition from WWE to Hollywood continues to flourish, cementing his place as a leading action star[1][2][3][4][5].

This exciting news has been confirmed by sources close to WWE.com, Fightful, and industry insiders interviewed on podcasts and through entertainment reporting outlets. Wrestling fans and moviegoers alike will want to keep an eye on Bautista’s dynamic career as it continues to reach new heights.