As we progress through 2025, several films have made their mark. However, one title that has drawn considerable criticism is the sci-fi western In the Lost Lands, featuring Milla Jovovich and Dave Bautista. Despite its foundation in a short story by renowned author George R. R. Martin, the film has struggled to achieve success, with disappointing review scores and a dismal box office performance. Even with the star power of Jovovich and Bautista, the movie did not escape a lackluster reception.
Milla Jovovich appears to be in a career lull following the conclusion of her prominent franchise, Resident Evil, while Dave Bautista has been steadily expanding his acting résumé since gaining fame in Guardians of the Galaxy in 2014. Demonstrating versatility, Bautista has purposefully selected diverse roles in an effort to avoid being pigeonholed solely as an action hero, a common trajectory for many wrestlers entering the acting arena.
Bautista Rejects Continuous Action Roles
The Actor Is Seeking More Challenging Indie Roles
Since entering the mainstream acting scene, Bautista has been vocal about not wanting to settle into the role of a conventional action star. He has deliberately pursued opportunities that showcase his range rather than limiting him to fight-heavy performances. In a recent discussion with Polygon, Bautista expounded on his motivations for choosing different roles.
I don’t want to be an action star. It’s weird — I know I easily fit into that mold, but I really fought against it for years, and I turned down a lot of roles because I just didn’t want to be stuck in that rut, and I wanted for people to see me outside of that box.
Although he does appear more open to action films now, as evidenced by his recent projects, Bautista maintains a strong interest in indie films and more complex characters. His performances in titles like Blade Runner 2049, Knock at the Cabin, and his voice work in the English dub of The Boy and the Heron illustrate his ability to excel in less action-driven roles, further justifying Bautista’s professional transition.
Upcoming Action Movies for Bautista
Future Projects Are Heavily Action-Oriented
Despite his preference for more varied roles, Bautista has several upcoming projects firmly rooted in the action genre. These include The Wrecking Crew, a buddy-cop collaboration with Jason Momoa, Afterburn, a post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller, and Trap House, an action-thriller, along with Dreadnought, another post-apocalyptic film produced by Thunder Road Films, known for its contributions to the John Wick series.
At this stage in his career, Bautista is undeniably at the forefront of action-focused projects. Recent works such as the My Spy franchise and The Killer’s Game show that he continues to prove himself as a capable leading man within this genre, even as he expresses a desire to branch out.
Impact of In the Lost Lands on Bautista’s Career Choices
Bautista’s Ability in Action Roles Remains Strong
The disappointment surrounding In the Lost Lands could lead Bautista to reconsider his trajectory within the action genre. Despite this film’s struggles, his previous roles have highlighted his capacity to deliver compelling performances in action films. His portrayal of Drax demonstrated that he could bring depth and relatability to an archetypal action character, showing why he found success in that role despite the character’s fighting-heavy narrative.
While In the Lost Lands may be considered a misfire, it is clear that Bautista’s potential in action films remains strong. Retreating completely from this genre would be a miscalculation, as he has proven capable of excelling in well-crafted action projects.