Batista reflects on his role in securing a Hollywood project for Drew McIntyre
Former WWE Champions Batista and Drew McIntyre are set to co-star in a new Hollywood film. Recently, The Animal revealed how he helped The Scottish Warrior secure a project outside of the Stamford-based promotion.
J. J. Perry's upcoming high-octane action comedy film, The Killer's Game, will mark McIntyre's acting debut alongside a stellar cast that includes Sofia Boutella, Terry Crews, Scott Adkins, and Pom Klementieff.
In an interview with Chris Van Vliet on INSIGHT, the two-time WWE Champion and four-time World Heavyweight Champion revealed his conversation with director J. J. Perry, who was looking for an intimidating actor with a Scottish accent.
"I was having a conversation with J. J. Perry, and he said, 'I need a great big guy who's almost intimidating to you; a guy who'd be bigger than you, and I also need him to be able to pull off a Scottish accent. Do you know anybody?' I was like, 'Man, I've got the perfect guy!'" he said. (From 24:05 to 24:22)
Batista immediately thought of Drew McIntyre, a WWE Superstar he had known since the latter's teenage years. The Animal sent Perry some pictures of The Scottish Warrior to the director, strongly recommending the RAW Superstar for the role.
"I immediately thought of Drew; I love Drew! I've always gotten along well with Drew. I've known Drew since he was a teenager; I think he was like 18 or 19 when I met him. I pointed them in his direction, sent a bunch of pictures and reference stuff, and I was like, 'This is the guy, don't even look any further,'" the veteran continued. (From 24:24 to 24:42)
You can watch the entire episode below:
Batista clears the air on alleged real-life issues with former WWE Champion
Many in the wrestling industry have claimed that The Animal had real-life heat with 16-time WWE World Champion John Cena. However, Batista has now cleared the air on the matter.
During the same conversation with Chris Van Vliet, the 55-year-old legend clarified that there was no real-life animosity between him and The Franchise Player, claiming the perception was created by online fans and media. Batista said he respected Cena a lot and emphasized that the rivalry they portrayed on screen was purely fictional.
"I get along with John [Cena]. I really respect John a lot more than people think I do for some reason. I think the internet and fans have built this rivalry between us, which really isn't," Batista said.
The Animal also expressed his desire to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Fans will have to wait and see when Batista will be added to the list of legends in the business.
Please credit Chris Van Vliet's INSIGHT and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.