Dave Bautista Chose 'Army Of The Dead' Over 'The Suicide Squad' For A Chance To Work With Netflix & To Make "A Lot More Money"

There are serious problems that people experience every day. And then there are Hollywood problems. Not to diminish the feelings of actors, filmmakers, and studio types in Hollywood, who feel their problems are in fact real problems, but when you’re Dave Bautista, and you have to make a huge, emotional choice between starring in a major Netflix film and starring in a blockbuster DC superhero film, it’s truly an embarrassment of riches.

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Speaking to Digital Spy, Dave Bautista had to explain why he made the choice to star in “Army of the Dead” for filmmaker Zack Snyder even though it meant that he would have to turn down a role in “The Suicide Squad” from his friend James Gunn, which the actor publicly requested. And speaking honestly, it appears that Bautista had to think with his brain and not with his heart, making a choice that could benefit his future relationships more than just starring in another film for his buddy.

When describing the situation, Bautista said he was offered a role in “The Suicide Squad” that was written with him in mind. And he was game to do it. But then the complications arose.

“I was all up for it, and then I got ‘Army of the Dead,’ which was not only a lead role for me, but also I really wanted to work with Zack Snyder,” explained Bautista. “I’ve been wanting to work with him for years.”

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So, with offers for a lead role in Snyder’s zombie film and a supporting role in James Gunn’s superhero comeback, Bautista had to make a decision.

“I had ‘The Suicide Squad’ where I got to work with my boy again, even though it’s a smaller role, and then I had ‘Army of the Dead’ on which I get to work with Zack, I get to build a relationship with Netflix, I get a lead role in a great film – and I get paid a lot more money,” he said.

Bautista continued, “I had to call James, and I told him, ‘It breaks my heart because as a friend, I want to be there with you, but professionally, this is the smart decision for me.’ He said, ‘I completely get it. I’m proud of you that you’re even in this position. I’m proud that I had something to do with you being in this position where you have to make these hard decisions.'”

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Obviously, there are no hard feelings between Bautista and Gunn. The duo will reteam on the upcoming “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.” And considering the response to the trailers for both “Army of the Dead” and “The Suicide Squad,” it would appear that all parties involved are still going to be just fine with the outcome.

“Army of the Dead” arrives in select theaters on May 14 and on Netflix on May 21. “The Suicide Squad” hits theaters and HBO Max on August 6.