Dave Bautista says he won’t work with complainers on film sets

Dave Bautista says he refuses to work with complainers and negative people on Hollywood film sets, arguing that life is too short and he prefers to collaborate with people he loves and respects. The remarks come as Bautista continues to promote his action-thriller Afterburn and as he voices a broader stance on on-set culture that prioritizes positivity and mutual respect.

In a recent interview highlighted by Fox News, Bautista described his mindset about the people he chooses to work with. He said he wants to be on a set with collaborators who are fully engaged and enthusiastic about the work, noting that he loves filmmaking and wants to make the most of the experience. “I’m happy to be there,” he said, emphasizing a belief that the job should feel like a shared passion rather than a burden. He added that he has “a love thing” for acting and wants to avoid environments where colleagues are

b----ing, complaining, moaning, and groaning about doing something they’re fortunate to be doing. Bautista also spoke about his departure from WWE to pursue acting, saying that while he still has affection for the wrestling world, he became “so passionate about acting” that he decided to pursue it full time. He noted that he would “still be involved with WWE, I hope,” and that he hoped the door would remain open because of the positive memories and relationships formed in that universe.

The actor’s comments fit into a broader conversation within the industry about on-set attitudes. Last year, Chris Pratt weighed in on the importance of keeping a constructive energy on set, telling a New York Comic Con audience for Netflix’s The Electric State that there is “no room for s----y attitudes” and that a bad attitude can derail a production. People magazine summarized Pratt’s remarks, underscoring that moviemaking relies on teamwork and that those who bring a negative vibe risk their longevity in the industry.

Bautista’s stance also touches on the personal discipline he has pursued during his acting career. He has been open about the physical demands of preparing for roles, including significant training and weight management, to stay competitive in action-heavy projects. In 2024, he discussed the lifestyle changes he has undertaken to sustain his performance level and his commitment to his craft, saying that his choices are driven by a desire to honor the work and the people who contribute to it.

Beyond his personal philosophy, Bautista spoke about his current projects and his ongoing relationship with the entertainment ecosystem that includes his past experiences in professional wrestling. He described acting as a vocation he values deeply and as a field where collaboration and mutual respect are essential for realizing ambitious stories. He reiterated that his priority is to work with teams that share that same commitment and enthusiasm, and he suggested that if a project or a set culture doesn’t align with that standard, he would rather not participate.

The discussion around Bautista’s approach comes at a time when audiences are increasingly attentive to the dynamics behind the camera. The actor’s candid reflections on positivity and professional courtesy reflect a broader industry trend toward healthier, more collaborative work environments. As Bautista continues promoting Afterburn and evaluating future roles, observers will watch to see how this stance influences his choices and potential partnerships in the years ahead.

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