Dave Bautista slams complaining co-stars, vows to work only with people he respects

Dave Bautista says he refuses to work with “a**holes” in the movie business after enduring too many “absolutely awful” on-set experiences over his 16-year career. The WWE veteran-turned-actor, 56, made the remarks Tuesday while promoting his latest film Afterburn with director J.J. Perry. In a joint interview, Bautista echoed Collider’s Steve Weintraub, saying that spending long hours with a difficult co-star can turn a shoot into a nightmare, and that life is “too godd*mn short” to endure that kind of treatment on set.

The actor did not name anyone explicitly, but he stressed that he has zero tolerance for people who “complain” or “moan” about working in Hollywood, a privilege he says he appreciates and wants to protect. “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,” Bautista said. The sentiment resonated with Perry, who praised Bautista as a “gem” and said he’s “amazing” to collaborate with, adding that having Bautista in a project can make filmmaking enjoyable for everyone involved.

[Image: https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/09/24/03/102397657-0-image-m-50_1758679421768.jpg]

Bautista stressed that he does not want to be on set with people who are unhappy to be there, arguing that the business should be treated as a passion rather than a grind. He framed his stance as a personal decision rooted in respect for fans, colleagues, and the craft itself. “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,” he said. The actor added that he wants to “love” the experience of making a movie and to work with people who share that same enthusiasm and commitment. The interview underscored a broader message Bautista has shared in recent years: he values collaboration, professionalism, and a positive set culture as essential to creative work.

The discussion about on-set culture follows Bautista’s reflections on past projects, including his memories of the most physically demanding shoots he has endured. He recalled the 2014 Guardians of the Galaxy shoot, directed by James Gunn, as the toughest he has ever faced, describing a complex oner involving roughly 50 people and a major action sequence. Bautista recalled that the crew attempted around 23 takes to capture the moment, with the physical toll evident as the production tested both stamina and precision. He described the scene as intense—“people were dying, and I was dying”—and noted that, despite the effort, the shot was ultimately not used. The anecdote serves to illustrate why Bautista places such importance on a productive, collaborative environment where everyone is aligned and energized rather than bogged down by negativity.

Looking ahead, Bautista indicated that his upcoming project Highlander could present an even greater on-set challenge. He teased that he might have a new answer about which project or co-stars posed the toughest conditions once he completes Highlander, signaling that the learning curve on set remains a central theme of his career. In the meantime, he is turning his attention to Afterburn, which hits theaters on September 19. The post-apocalyptic action film centers on Jake (Bautista), a treasure hunter-for-hire who, after a massive solar flare devastates the Earth’s eastern hemisphere, travels to Europe to uncover the Mona Lisa. The quest, however, becomes a matter of heroism when it becomes clear that the world needs more than just a painting; it needs someone willing to step up in a crisis. Samuel L. Jackson and Olga Kurylenko co-star under Perry’s direction.

Fans who follow Bautista’s career have already lit up online forums with questions about which co-stars might have prompted his comments. Reddit users floated a number of high-profile names that have earned reputations for intensity in their craft, including Jared Leto of Blade Runner 2049 and Edward Norton of Glass Onion. Others pointed to Bautista’s Guardians of the Galaxy colleague Chris Pratt as a potential target, though many thought Pratt unlikely given Bautista’s on-set admiration for him. The conversations reflect longstanding chatter about professional dynamics in Hollywood, but Bautista’s broader message remains: he wants to collaborate with people who share his passion and respect for the work.

Perry’s praise for Bautista has underscored the actor’s reputation as a reliable and generous collaborator. “Steve, I’m just going to tell you something. If you don’t have someone like Dave Bautista in your life or a Dave Bautista, you’re missing out, bro,” Perry said during the interview. Bautista echoed the sentiment in part by describing the kind of rapport he seeks on set—one built on mutual support, shared purpose, and a commitment to making the filmmaking process enjoyable rather than draining.

As Afterburn prepares for its release, Bautista’s comments illuminate a broader conversation about on-set culture within the industry. While he did not name specific individuals, his remarks align with a growing emphasis on professionalism, teamwork, and respect among cast and crew—values that many in the industry say help sustain long, demanding shoots and high-stakes productions. In Bautista’s view, prioritizing a positive set environment is not just good for morale; it’s essential for delivering the best possible performances and, ultimately, a more compelling film.

The conversation also highlights Bautista’s evolving stance toward the business. At 56, after more than a decade-and-a-half in film and television, he appears more determined than ever to protect his time and energy for roles and collaborations that align with his values. His remarks about living with intention on set come at a moment when many artists are increasingly mindful of work culture and its impact on creativity, health, and longevity in the industry. Whether critics or fans read his comments as a candid critique of Hollywood’s behind-the-scenes dynamics or as a simple personal boundary, the sentiment emphasizes a shift toward more constructive, purpose-driven collaboration in culture and entertainment.