Dave Bautista disappointed MCU fans when he recently announced that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will be his final performance as Drax the Destroyer. However, the former wrestler was quick to point out that other actors could play the role. After his memorable portrayal of the alien warrior, it is hard to imagine anyone else doing the part justice, but Bautista has a point. Marvel could recast Drax in a perfectly natural way because Drax the Destroyer has gone through several extreme physical and intellectual changes in the comics.
Drax first appeared in Jim Starlin and Mike Esposito's Iron Man #55 as a muscular but slim character in a purple cape and tights. This version of Drax can fly, communicate telepathically and emit blasts of energy from his hands in addition to his super-strength. He goes on to battle Thanos and assist the Avengers on numerous occasions until he is killed by his daughter Moondragon in Jim Shooter, Bob Hall and Dan Green's Avengers #220.
Years later, Kronos reanimates Drax in Silver Surfer #35 by Jim Starlin, Ron Lim and Tom Christopher. The resurrected Drax is much larger and stronger, but the trauma of his death has severely decreased his intellectual abilities. This iteration of the character is much more reminiscent of the Incredible Hulk in terms of both size and intelligence. Then - after a productive career of destruction - Drax seems to be killed once again in Keith Giffen, Mitch Breitweiser and Brian Reber's Drax the Destroyer #3. But, a slimmer, smarter Drax literally crawls out of the shell of who he was.
By 2012's Avengers Assemble #4, by Brian Michael Bendis, Mark Bagley, Danny Miki and Paul Mounts, Drax the Destroyer looked and spoke more like the character that fans of the MCU are familiar with. The numerous physical changes he undertakes in his comic book appearances indicate that there is an established precedent for a potentially infinite number of Drax's due to his Doctor Who-like ability to regenerate.
It might be a challenge to cast an actor larger and more muscular than Dave Bautista, but if Marvel were to look once again to the world of professional wrestling, they might find a few viable contenders. AEW's Brian Cage certainly rivals Bautista in terms of muscle mass, and he has already proven himself as a performer. Cage's youth would also be in his favor, seeing as how he would presumably be comfortable sticking around for a significant number of films, and it would be an interesting contrast to Bautista's more mature portrayal. Another wrestling giant who could deliver a distinct and entertaining depiction of Drax is Braun Strowman. Strowman is almost seven feet tall and his recent rivalry with Shane McMahon has highlighted his ability to be simultaneously charming and intimidating.
Of course, filmmakers could also go a completely different route and make the next Drax less physically dominating and more cerebral. A versatile performer like Donald Glover would be perfect for that type of Drax. Glover's role as Lando Calrissian in Solo demonstrated that he is capable of making classic sci-fi characters his own, and his numerous experiences with comedy would allow him to fit right in with the off-beat humor of the MCU's Guardians of the Galaxy.
No matter who plays Drax, the comics have set a precedent for significant changes to his appearance and personality. Filmmakers have a plethora of options for recasting Drax the Destroyer without confusing audiences or putting the continuity of the MCU at risk. Certainly, Bautista's version of the character will be missed, but it is exciting to imagine the endless future possibilities for the character.