MANILA, Philippines — Filipino-American actor and former professional wrestler Dave Bautista shared an emotional farewell to his character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe after production wrapped on "The Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3."
Bautista found a resurgence in his career when he was cast as Drax the Destroyer in the first "Guardians" movie in 2014, a role he reprised in "Vol. 2," "Avengers: Infinity War," and "Avengers: Endgame."
The actor took to Instagram to express his speechlessness after finishing shoots, posting a photo with director James Gunn and co-stars Chris Pratt, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff and Sean Gunn.
"It ended so suddenly and I was on to my next film before I could process it all. End of a journey that changed my life,” he wrote in the caption.
He had previously said he was already prepared to leave the role as Marvel often works in trilogies, adding that he would exit if director James Gunn was also finished with the franchise.
Bautista is a big supporter of Gunn, going as much to defend him when Disney fired the filmmaker for inappropriate jokes made in the past; Bautista threatened to leave the role, which he indebted to the director, and Gunn was soon rehired.
The actor assured that Drax would still be a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, only that he may not play the character due to his age — he turned 53 this year.
Drax will appear next in "Thor: Love and Thunder" and "The Guardians of the Galaxy Christmas Special" this year before capping it off with "Vol. 3" in 2023.
Bautista, meanwhile, will appear in "Knives Out 2" later this year and possibly for "Dune Part Two."
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