Former WWE Champion turned global box office force Dave Bautista is back in action — this time in the explosive, post-apocalyptic heist film Afterburn. The official trailer has just been released, offering fans a high-octane preview of Bautista’s latest cinematic adventure, where he stars opposite Hollywood legend Samuel L. Jackson.
Based on the Red 5 comic series of the same name, Afterburn is set in a world devastated by a massive solar flare that obliterated the Earth’s eastern hemisphere. Bautista plays a hardened treasure hunter navigating the ruins of Europe in pursuit of an iconic relic — the Mona Lisa. But according to the official synopsis, what begins as a high-stakes retrieval mission quickly transforms into something much bigger:
“After a massive solar flare destroys the Earth’s eastern hemisphere, an emboldened treasure hunter for hire adventures to Europe to uncover the coveted Mona Lisa, only to learn the world needs a hero more than it needs a painting.”
Directed by J.J. Perry (Day Shift), with a screenplay penned by Matthew Johnson, Afterburn brings together explosive action, comic book inspiration, and star power. The film is produced by Original Film and Endurance Media, with international sales handled by Black Bear Pictures. While no exact release date has been confirmed, the movie is expected to hit theaters in early 2026.
For Bautista, Afterburn marks yet another major chapter in what has become one of the most critically respected acting careers of any former professional wrestler. Best known for his fan-favorite portrayal of Drax the Destroyer in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, Bautista has earned acclaim for his performances in Blade Runner 2049, Dune, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, and more.
As Bautista continues to break barriers between wrestling and mainstream Hollywood, Afterburn looks poised to deliver another memorable, action-packed entry to his growing legacy.
Stay tuned to PWMania.com for more on Afterburn, Bautista’s Hollywood rise, and all the latest in wrestling and entertainment news.
