Dave Batista Unveils Dramatic New Look for Upcoming Film ‘The Last Showgirl’

Dave Batista is turning heads with a surprising transformation for his latest big-screen role in The Last Showgirl.

Known to wrestling fans as “The Animal,” Batista has ditched his signature bald or close-cropped hair for long locks, revealing a far more refined and unexpected aesthetic. The dramatic change has fans doing a double-take as he steps into a role that’s a complete departure from his WWE days.

The new drama, directed by Gia Coppola, pairs Batista with Pamela Anderson, who plays Shelley, a veteran Las Vegas showgirl grappling with life after her glittering 30-year career comes to an end. Bautista plays the show’s director, and the first look at his character shows a slimmer, more subdued version of the former World Heavyweight Champion.

This transformation isn’t just for the cameras. Batista has openly discussed his journey to shed the hulking frame he carried during his wrestling and early acting years, admitting he feels much more comfortable and healthy after slimming down. The Last Showgirl marks yet another step in Batista’s mission to redefine himself as an actor, stepping away from the brawny tough guy roles in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise and Spectre.

The film dives into themes of reinvention and resilience, resonating with Batista’s own career trajectory. From dominating the WWE ring to earning critical acclaim for roles in Dune and Glass Onion, Batista has been vocal about his desire to grow as an actor and take on roles that challenge him beyond his physicality.

Fans will get to see Batista and Anderson light up the screen when The Last Showgirl hits theaters on January 10, 2025, distributed by Roadside Attractions.