“I get to build a relationship with Netflix, I get a lead role in a great film — and I get paid a lot more money,” Bautista said about opting for “Army of the Dead” over “The Suicide Squad,” adding, “I had to call James, and I told him, ‘It breaks my heart, because as a friend, I want to be there with you, but professionally, this is the smart decision for me.’”

Bautista continued, “[Gunn] said, ‘I completely get it. I’m proud of you that you’re even in this position. I’m proud that I had something to do with you being in this position where you have to make these hard decisions.’” Related Zachary Levi Defends James Gunn, Peter Safran: They Need ‘Time to Make Something Special’ Dwayne Johnson’s Black Adam Will Not Be Part of the New DC’s ‘First Chapter’ of Films – but Could Return Later Related Oscars 2023: Best Visual Effects Predictions 7 New Netflix Shows in October 2022 – and the Best Reasons to Watch
“Army of the Dead” marks Bautista’s first collaboration with Snyder and Netflix, the latter of which could be a new home for the action star if all goes well with the zombie epic’s streaming release later this month. Gunn directed Bautista in two “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies, and the duo are reuniting for a third “Guardians” movie at a later date. Bautista is fiercely loyal to Gunn, using social media after Disney fired the filmmaker from the Marvel franchise over past controversial tweets to call out the studio and condemn executives for the decision. The actor went as far as telling Disney to terminate his contract if they were going to throw out Gunn’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” script. Disney eventually reversed course on the decision, but by then Gunn jumped to Warner Bros. for “The Suicide Squad.” “Army of the Dead” opens in theaters nationwide May 14 before streaming May 21 on Netflix. “The Suicide Squad” debuts in theaters and on HBO Max starting August 6. Gunn and Bautista’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” won’t be released in theaters until May 5, 2023. Sign Up: Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Email Newsletters here.