WWE legend Dave Bautista is looking quite a bit different these days.
Known as ‘The Animal’ during his time as a professional wrestler, Batista is one of the few stars who have gone on to crack Hollywood in more recent years.
He has starred in blockbusters including Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, Dune and Blade Runner 2049.
Bautista’s latest movie, The Last Showgirl, is set to release nationwide in January – and the former wrestler will look drastically different for his role.
The drama pairs him with Pamela Anderson, who plays Shelly, a seasoned showgirl who must plan for her future when her show abruptly closes after a 30-year run.
Bautista portrays the show’s director, and a new look at his character is a far cry from his days inside the ring.
The 55-year-old sports a full head of hair and a rugged, grey beard.
A picture 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 offer their thoughts.
“Now that’s what they call range,” one impressed follower wrote.
“The champ is a real actor,” another said.
“Damn, looking amazing! Been torn over wanting to see The Last Showgirl but I think I might have to now,” a third wrote.
“Immaculate look and vibes,” a fourth concluded.
It’s fair to say Bautista’s new look has caught plenty of fans off guard – but it shouldn’t come as too much of a shock.
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 squared circle, Bautista boasted an intimidating frame of 290lbs (21st) which later peaked at an astonishing 370lbs (26st).
In more recent years he has trimmed down, and revealed back in September that 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.”
