Drew McIntyre, a powerful presence in the WWE scene, is venturing into Hollywood, achieving a significant accomplishment in his career. McIntyre, recognized for his power and charm in the realm of professional wrestling, is now exploring the realm of movies. His participation in a popular movie with a familiar WWE figure, Dave Bautista, is what makes this move especially thrilling. Bautista, known for his roles in successful movies like Guardians of the Galaxy and Knives Out: Glass Onion, is leading the path for other wrestlers to enter the film industry as bona fide action stars.
In a recent interview, McIntyre discussed how this unexpected opportunity arose. With palpable excitement, the Scottish wrestler shared how Bautista personally reached out to him about a role in the movie The Killer’s Game and explained how the film’s director, JJ, envisioned him in a unique and physically demanding role.
Everything Changed
It all started with an unexpected phone call from Dave Bautista himself. As McIntyre recalls, Bautista pitched the idea to him in a way only a close friend could. “JJ, the director, has this idea for these Scottish brothers, the Mackenzie brothers,” McIntyre explained, “and they’re going to kind of be like, I don’t know, Bebop and Rocksteady almost like.” It was a description that instantly grabbed McIntyre’s attention, not just for the quirky reference but for the distinct dynamic the director was seeking to create between the brothers.
Bautista told McIntyre that JJ needed someone who could stand alongside him on-screen and appear physically capable of matching his stature and strength. “Somebody who was physically imposing, that could look like they’re able to beat [Bautista] up,” McIntyre said, describing the director’s search for the right actor. To make things even more fitting, JJ was looking for someone with a thick Scottish accent to add authenticity to the role. It was clear from the moment Bautista described the character that McIntyre was the perfect fit.
As Bautista pitched the idea, he told McIntyre, “I know that guy, he exists. He’s called Drew McIntyre, let me call him right now.” The phone call that came next led McIntyre down a new path, eventually resulting in his debut as a movie star. “I’m happy he did,” McIntyre said smiling, thinking back to the moment he accepted the role.
A Unique Dynamic
McIntyre’s character in The Killer’s Game is no ordinary role. He plays one of the Mackenzie siblings, a pair characterized as rugged, strong, and exuding Scottish confidence. McIntyre explained that his character was designed to represent all the typical characteristics of a Scottish fighter. “Ideally Scottish with a thick accent, really ham up the accent, kind of unintelligible at times because the accent’s so thick,” McIntyre explained. His personality includes heavy drinking and intense fighting, which brings an element of unpredictability to his character.
McIntyre was drawn to more than just the physical aspect of the role. He couldn’t resist the challenge of incorporating his Scottish heritage and showcasing a charismatic personality on screen. While he recounted the experience, his pride in his heritage was evident. The character enabled McIntyre to showcase his Scottish heritage in a way that pays tribute to his roots while also adding a new comedic dimension to the movie.
From Ring to the Silver Screen
Entering the realm of acting can appear as a huge transition for Drew McIntyre, but the wrestler is quite adept at performing in high-pressure situations. His experience in WWE has readied him for the physical challenges of a fast-paced movie such as The Killer’s Game. Nevertheless, the feeling of seeing his own image on a movie poster for the first time left him feeling proud and surreal. He said he is now seated, discussing his debut film, gazing at his own image on the poster. “It’s quite surreal.”
This moment indicates more than just a shift in McIntyre’s career path, but also the realization of a dream he has had his whole life. Transitioning from WWE to Hollywood demonstrates his flexibility as an entertainer and his ability to conquer unfamiliar obstacles. In his performance, he is not just demonstrating his physical skills but also revealing his distinctive personality, humor, and ability to connect with viewers.
What does the future hold?
Even though The Killer’s Game is McIntyre’s first Hollywood project, fans are speculating if this is only the start of his career in the industry. McIntyre’s huge personality and undeniable charm suggest that he is on track for success in the film industry. His supporters, from WWE and other areas, are anxiously anticipating the movie’s release to find out how the Scottish warrior will do in his latest role.
McIntyre’s transition from being the WWE World Heavyweight Champion to becoming a movie star has been thrilling, and his role in The Killer’s Game might be just the beginning of his acting career. Currently, McIntyre’s main focus is to deliver a memorable performance with Bautista. It remains to be seen whether this shift from the wrestling ring to the movie set will help him achieve fame in Hollywood.
