September 8, 2026, 5:42 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Dave Bautista has been almost unrecognizable lately: The former wrestling legend has lost more than 30 kilograms, significantly transforming his body. The U.S. actor no longer focused on maximum muscle mass but instead on jiu-jitsu, boxing, cycling, and a mindful diet. However, for his new role as Kratos in the “God of War” series, another transformation is on the horizon.
His initial transformation is more than just an impressive number on the scale. Dave Bautista consciously said goodbye to the body image that defined him during his time as a professional wrestler and later as an action star two years ago. Instead of building as many muscles as possible, he recently focused on agility, endurance, and a good body feeling. For this, the now 57-year-old not only changed his training but also his diet.
From Muscle Mountain to Slim Action Star
Few Hollywood stars are as synonymous with physical transformation as Dave Bautista. As a WWE wrestler, he was known as “Batista” and became a muscle-bound figure until his career ended in 2019. Later, he portrayed characters such as Drax in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films. For his role in “Knock at the Cabin” (2023), the American gained weight again–to more than 300 pounds, or over 136 kilograms. He revealed this in the summer of 2024 on the talk show Live with Kelly and Mark.
However, he didn’t exclusively rely on nutrient-rich foods. On the contrary, pancakes and fries helped him quickly gain mass. In hindsight, Bautista views this phase critically. “I was just focused on: ‘I have to gain weight, I have to gain weight,'” he later reflected on the Podcast Insight with Chris van Vliet. Only in hindsight did he realize that he had become “really fat” and probably overdid it.
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So the turnaround began. By the end of 2024, Bautista had lost about 75 pounds–approximately 34 kilograms. He explicitly wasn’t aiming to keep his body as large and muscular as possible. On the contrary: “I sacrificed a lot of muscle. But that’s okay with me because I just feel more comfortable,” he emphasized.
New Training Focus: “Did Nothing Else for Hours”
A central role in the reversal was played by jiu-jitsu. During the filming of “Dune: Part Two” (2024) in Budapest, Bautista trained with his coach Jason Manly. The two spent hours wrestling and grappling. “I had trouble losing weight, so I brought my trainer–my friend Jason Manly–to Budapest,” he reported again on the talk show Live with Kelly and Mark. “We did nothing but grappling for hours, and I started losing weight.” He enjoyed the training so much that he decided to continue and aim for the brown belt.
He also shifted his training focus from heavy weightlifting to cycling and boxing. “Many people think I’m just a muscle-bound guy who spends his life lifting weights. And actually, I don’t,” Bautista told Men’s Health. He trains a lot, but not with the goal of looking like a bodybuilder. His still impressive physique is more of a “byproduct” of his active lifestyle.
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Diet Was Also Rethought
Bautista also radically changed his diet. He explained to the “Today” show that he temporarily consumed around 2,500 calories a day and relied on intermittent fasting. For him, this is nothing unusual anymore. “For me, it’s like nothing,” said the actor. “I just don’t eat much. And I’m not starving.”
His meal plan includes more than just a diet of protein shakes and chicken breast. The 6-foot-4 actor described a more balanced, plant-focused diet with eggs, fish, rice, and beans. In the long term, he could even imagine living vegan.
“Like Riding a Bike”: Bautista Becomes War God Kratos
Ironically, his slimmer stature now leads to the next physical challenge. As announced in August, Bautista is taking over the role of Kratos in the Amazon Prime series “God of War” from Ryan Hurst (bicep tear). For the legendary warrior from the popular video game series, an athletic body is not enough–Kratos is supposed to appear massive and powerful. Therefore, Bautista is now back in intense strength training. In early September 2026, he showed the first results on Instagram.
At this point, he was in the third week of his training, according to his own statements. In another two months, he wants to have achieved his desired body. Clearly, for Bautista, the return feels familiar. “It’s like riding a bike,” he commented. Because building muscle mass is anything but new territory for the former professional wrestler.