AEW’s Wardlow is gearing up for a major move into Hollywood, setting his sights on a role in Gotham City. He expressed his willingness to play Bane in James Gunn’s upcoming DC Comics project, though he acknowledged that he’s not the only contender for the part.
Dave Bautista, who has a history with Gunn, is also interested in the role. Bautista famously played Drax in Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy films, and the two share a close friendship.
Wardlow and Bautista aren’t the first wrestlers linked to the character of Bane. The late Jeep Swenson, recognized by wrestling fans as WCW’s Ultimate Solution, portrayed Bane in the 1997 movie Batman and Robin—an interpretation that was widely panned by both fans and critics.
Bane is one of Batman’s most memorable villains, first introduced in 1993 as a cunning and physically powerful adversary who famously broke Batman’s back.
It remains uncertain if Gunn will include Bane in his revamped DC universe. Still, Wardlow’s growing presence and charisma in the wrestling world suggest he’s aiming to follow the path of crossover stars like John Cena and Bautista, potentially becoming the next big wrestling-to-Hollywood success.
Fan Take: This news is huge for AEW fans as it highlights the rising star power of Wardlow beyond the wrestling ring, potentially bringing AEW more mainstream attention. If Wardlow lands a major Hollywood role, it could open doors for the sport to gain even greater crossover appeal and showcase the versatility of its talent.
