Dave Batista, known as The Animal during his time in WWE, has been wowing fans with his acting skills in recent years – but his latest transformation has left people stunned
WWE icon Dave Batista looks completely unrecognisable in newly shared snaps from his latest Hollywood endeavour.
Formerly known as The Animal during his WWE days as a professional wrestler, Batista has been making a name for himself in the film industry. And during his stints in blockbusters including Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, Dune and Blade Runner 2049, his followers have often commented on how different he looks. And the American actor’s most recent movie, The Last Showgirl, once again sees a drastic change in the 55-year-old.
This transformation follows recent images of former Holby City favourite, Rosie Marcel, who played Jac Naylor in the drama, looking unrecognisable in a rare social media post.
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And former child star, Taylor Momsen looked a world away from her break out role in How The Grinch Stole Christmas when she stepped out on the red carpet.
Bautista’s latest film sees him team up with Pamela Anderson, who portrays Shelly, a veteran showgirl forced to plan for her future when her show suddenly ends after a 30-year run.
Bautista plays the role of the show’s director, and his character’s new look is a stark contrast from his wrestling days. He now sports a full head of hair and a rugged, grey beard.
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A snapshot of his transformation was shared by four-time Emmy Award-winning TV host Christopher Van Vliet on Sunday, December 15, and fans were quick to react.
“This is why Batista is a better actor than the rock because he can be a different person and doesn’t look like him,” one impressed follower wrote. “I thought that was Lou Diamond Phillips at first,” posted another fan, who wasn’t alone with their observation.
“It’s a nice look, I say keep it,” a third wrote. And a fourth gushed: “Damn, Batista rocking that hair style, it’s like a completely different person.”
Even though it’s a far cry from how he looked during his days in the ring, Bautista’s shouldn’t come as too much of a shock consider the lengths he’s gone to make the transformation.
He also made similar headlines earlier this year, when he dropped to 17 stone in a dramatic body transformation. For much of his time in the WWE, Bautista boasted an intimidating frame of 290lbs (21st) which later peaked a terrifying 370lbs (26st).
In more recent years he has trimmed down, and revealed back in September that he feels better in his current condition.
“I started trimming down for a particular reason [to play other roles]. I started trimming down because I just got fat,” he told Van Vliet. “I got really big for a role [Knock at the Cabin] and it was uncomfortably big. I got really big, I was around 315lbs (22.5st) and I put on the weight really fast.
“It took me forever to shed it off. And then I noticed, the more I trimmed down the better I felt. And I also noticed the more I trimmed down the better I looked on camera. The better I looked next to other actors.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
