Dave Bautista is proving once again that he’s one of Hollywood’s most versatile—and underrated—stars.
While his name may often be associated with blockbuster action franchises like Guardians of the Galaxy or Dune, fans are now revisiting one of his overlooked comedic gems: Stuber.
The 2019 buddy cop comedy, co-starring Kumail Nanjiani, is gaining fresh attention as audiences rally behind its offbeat humor and unique chemistry—despite its lukewarm reception from critics at the time.
In Stuber, Bautista played Vic Manning, a tough Los Angeles detective forced to rely on an unsuspecting Uber driver after eye surgery leaves him temporarily impaired.
Though critics called the film formulaic and lacking punch, viewers on streaming platforms have since embraced its throwback charm, fast-paced slapstick, and the odd-couple pairing of Bautista and Nanjiani. Many now argue the film was unfairly dismissed by critics and deserves cult classic status.
“I didn’t care what the critics said—I laughed the whole time,” one fan wrote in a recent online review. “Bautista has serious comedic timing.”
Now, the former wrestling champ is back in the spotlight, this time in Budapest, Hungary, where filming has officially begun for Alpha Gang, a sci-fi comedy packed with Hollywood A-listers. The Zellner Brothers-directed film follows a group of aliens sent to conquer Earth—only to have second thoughts after experiencing human emotions.
Bautista joins a cast that includes Channing Tatum, Zoë Kravitz, Steven Yeun, Cate Blanchett, Riley Keough, and Léa Seydoux. According to Budapest Reporter, production will take place across iconic locations in Hungary throughout the summer.
Bautista himself has been spotted training at Flex Gym in Budapest and expressed excitement about the project in a social media post: “Thanks for the work, bro! I needed to get these old bones moving…”
This marks Bautista’s third major film project in Hungary, following Dune and The Killer’s Game. His return has sparked buzz among international film crews and fans who admire his steady transition from action roles to more dynamic performances.
Whether it’s comedy, science fiction, or heart-pounding action, Bautista continues to defy expectations. As audiences rediscover Stuber and eagerly await Alpha Gang, it’s clear that Dave Bautista isn’t just another action star—he’s a storyteller capable of surprising us all.