Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 has been confirmed to close out the storytelling chapter of this latest iteration of the team, but details on how they will bid farewell are still being kept under wraps.
Directed by James Gunn, the MCU threequel will showcase the return of the fan-favorite cosmic team of heroes, including the likes of Chris Pratt's Star-Lord and Dave Bautista's Drax. The Guardians' next mission is unknown, but Avengers: Endgame teased that their main goal is to search for Zoe Saldana's Gamora somewhere in the galaxy.
Marvel Studios recently confirmed that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will release in theaters on May 5, 2023, alongside the reveal of a brand-new logo. Even though the film's premiere is two years away, this didn't stop major figures like Gunn and some cast members to tease juicy details about the upcoming project.
In the past weeks, Bautista has been at the forefront in terms of sharing details about his return in Vol. 3, mainly due to the fact that he is doing press for Netflix's Army of The Dead. Now, another interesting tidbit from the actor has emerged in a new interview.
DAVE BAUTISTA OPENS UP ABOUT MCU RETURN
Dave Bautista, who plays Drax in the Guardians of the Galaxy movies, recently sat down with USA Today to talk about his upcoming return to the third installment of the franchise.
While the MCU veteran said that he is “looking forward” to reunite with his friends, Bautista revealed that he is in a “weird place” with Drax, pointing out that he's played the character "so many times" and that getting in the makeup is “just a nightmare” for him:
“Well, I'm looking forward to being back with my friends. I like the camaraderie. I'm in a weird place with Drax because I've played Drax so many times, I'm on cruise control. I love the character, but getting in the makeup, it's just a nightmare. I couldn't explain how awful it is. I hate to sound like one of those high-maintenance actors, but it's just traumatizing. Once I'm in it and I'm on set with my friends and making this character come to life and interacting with these characters that I love so much as a fan, it's all fun and joy.”
The Army of the Dead lead actor then shared that the makeup has become more unbearable throughout the years due to the fact that he's gotten older and “more sensitive” to it, admitting that he is just looking forward to closing out “this journey of Drax:”
"Throughout the years, maybe because I've gotten older and more sensitive to it, (the makeup's) become more unbearable, but the one thing I'm just looking forward is closing out this journey of Drax."
WHAT'S NEXT FOR DAVE BAUTISTA'S DRAX?
This isn't the first time that Dave Bautista has opened up about the makeup process of turning into the MCU's Drax. In a previous interview, the actor said that he won't be open to lead his own Disney+ series as the fan-favorite Guardian of the Galaxy, citing the “makeup nightmare” ordeal of becoming the character.
Bautista's comment is understandable, considering that sitting in a makeup chair for hours is punishingly long. While this extensive process is not new in Hollywood, it gives fans insight into how difficult it is for actors to transform into otherworldly characters on-screen.
Despite that, Bautista's admission that “it's all fun and joy” once he gets in character for Drax might've softened the blow of his nightmarish experience. Drax is one of the MCU's beloved characters, and seeing him alongside several favorites is always a visual treat for anyone.
It is currently unknown how Drax's journey will end in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, but there's a sense that the character will receive a heroic goodbye after all his sacrifices.
Avengers: Endgame proved that death is not the only ending for the MCU heroes, and this presents numerous possibilities for Drax.
From settling down on an unknown planet to a quiet yet impactful retirement, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 seems poised to deliver a proper sendoff for Bautista's Marvel hero.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will release in theaters on May 5, 2023.
