Dave Bautista set to star in new rom-com ‘The Romantic’

Dave Bautista has finally landed his dream project! The actor is now set to star in a new romantic comedy by Paramount Pictures, The Romantic.

The announcement has garnered attention in light of Bautista’s comment in a Page Six interview back in 2023, where he had mentioned his interest in starring in a rom-com. “I know I’m not your typical rom-com lead. I’m a little rough around the edges. But I always, you know, I look in the mirror and I say, I ask myself, ‘Am I that unattractive? Is there something that unappealing about me that excludes me from these parts? I don’t know. It’s just never come my way. I’ve never had an offer to do a rom-com. I still have high hopes. I’ll just keep searching.” He was quoted as saying.

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Known for his action and adventure films like Dune and Guardians of the Galaxy, Bautista has finally managed to land his dream role. As per Deadline, the film tells the story of romance author Ed Schwenke who writes under the pen name Francine London. When his identity comes under scrutiny, Ed hires a quirky woman to pose as him at a convention, all while dodging a suspicious journalist who loathes love stories and liars.

Paramount Pictures acquired the rights of the script from Deborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont, who are also known for their notable rom-coms Can’t Hardly Wait, Josie and the Pussycats, Made of Honor and Leap Year. It will be backed by Maximum Effort under its first-look deal with the studio, alongside Bautista’s Dogbone Entertainment.

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On the work front, Bautista was previously seen starring opposite Pamela Anderson in the critically acclaimed drama The Last Showgirl. He will next be seen starring in the Aura Entertainment action flick Trap House, as well as the Amazon MGM buddy-cop action comedy The Wrecking Crewopposite Jason Momoa. He also has the Zellner Brothers’ alien invasion comedy Alpha Gang coming up and is also reportedly eyed for a role in Road House 2 at Amazon MGM.

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