By Ryan Scott

Copyright slashfilm

Whether or not it was worth it? That’s something only Bautista could say. “Army of the Dead,” to Gunn’s point, probably paid pretty well, as Netflix tends to pay its stars up front since there are no box office bonuses or anything of the sort. “Army of the Dead” was supposed to get a sequel titled “Planet of the Dead,” but the franchise has been dead in the water for some time. Also, not to get into spoilers here, but let’s just say that Bautista’s character Scott Ward probably wouldn’t have been involved anyway.

Meanwhile, Cena is a part of the new DC Universe, with “Peacemaker” season 2 arriving to widespread acclaim. Be that as it may, Bautista has no hard feelings. Rather, he thinks everything worked out for the best, even if he’s a little jealous. Speaking further in the same ComicBook.com interview, the actor added:

“I think it was great. It was a blessing in disguise that I didn’t do that, because I have to say, I have to be honest, there’s no way that I would have been able to do that role like John. He’s just perfect for it, you know, and I wouldn’t have done it justice, and it wouldn’t have been as successful.”

“I’m saying that with a bit of envy, you know, I would love it,” Bautista added. “I just wouldn’t have been able to do the same thing that John does to bring to that character. It wouldn’t have been the same. It wouldn’t have been as good. I can honestly say it wouldn’t have been as good.”

Bautista has had a great career since appearing in “Army of the Dead,” starring in “Dune,” “Knock at the Cabin,” and “Glass Onion,” among other acclaimed movies. Plus, there’s still a chance he could appear as another character in the DCU. Indeed, Bautista previously talked to Gunn about him playing Bane, although that has since been ruled out. Still, it’s a big universe, and Gunn could undoubtedly find something for his friend to do down the road.

You can grab “Peacemaker” season 1 on Blu-ray or DVD from Amazon.