Wyrtgeorn

Why Dave Bautista

Why Dave Bautista Would Want to Be Wyrtgeorn

The Career Context

Bautista has been extraordinarily vocal about his career frustrations and goals:

What he’s said publicly:

“I don’t want to be the next Rock or the next John Cena. I want to be the first Dave Bautista.”
He took less money for Blade Runner 2049 because he wanted to work with Denis Villeneuve
He’s turned down big action roles to do smaller prestige films
He’s frustrated that Hollywood sees him as “Drax” or “the big guy”
He wants romantic leading roles, not just muscle
He’s 55 and thinking about legacy over paychecks

Wyrtgeorn is the answer to every single one of these stated goals.

What Wyrtgeorn Gives Bautista:

1. Romantic Leading Man (Not Sidekick, Not Comic Relief)

This is crucial – Bautista has explicitly said he wants romantic roles. Hollywood doesn’t see him that way, but you do.

The romance with Rowena is the HEART of the story:

The bedroom scene:

“She straddles him, sings like a running brook whispering its melody to the night. The warrior surrenders. Emotions wash over him like an ocean. He falls asleep in her gentle embrace.”

This is intimate, tender, vulnerable – everything Hollywood doesn’t let Bautista be. The 6’4″ warrior surrendering to gentle emotion.

The courtship: “The lovers laugh. Wyrtgeorn knows peace.”

A simple line, but profound for Bautista’s career – his character finds PEACE through love, not violence.

The farewell before battle:

ROWENA: “Go not, my love. I beseech you! To face that beast is to put Myrddin’s blade back upon my breast. Do my tears count for nothing?”

WYRTGEORN: “Shed not your tears my angel, my Nephilim. Love is stronger than death.”

This is a Shakespearean tragic romance – not a superhero movie romance, but mythological, archetypal love. Bautista gets to be Aragorn to Arwen, Lancelot to Guinevere, not another ‘Drax’.

2. Warrior-POET (Intellectual Depth)

The script constantly emphasizes Wyrtgeorn is educated, philosophical, poetic: “Warrior-poet” – it’s in his character description

His speech to Myrddin:

“Tell me, wizard, what poetry might be writ of a thousand, thousand sunsets by a blind man? What profit in life unending if I carve out my heart? What felicity is found if you lengthen my days but rob them of ardor? You offer me nothing but ashes. Love is stronger than death.”

This is literary dialogue – beautiful, philosophical, poetic. Not quips. Not one-liners. Poetry.

Bautista gets to deliver Shakespearean-quality verse as a warrior who chooses love over immortality.

“I was put upon this good earth to be your sword and shield. Love is stronger than death.”

These aren’t throw-away lines. These are thesis statements about the nature of love, mortality, purpose. Bautista gets to showcase intellectual depth.

3. The Recognition Scene – Pure Acting Showcase

This is the scene that would sell Bautista on the role:

Zombie Wyrtgeorn confronts Ali (pages 147-148):

He’s been raised from the dead, a mindless creature for 900 years. Then:

“Their eyes meet. The face of a man she recognizes. The face of Wyrtgeorn. Wyrtgeorn stares at her, and sees Rowena: crouching just as she did when first they met.”

“Memories from centuries passed come cascading back to his broken consciousness crossing oceans of time…”

Then this:

“Splinters of blue appear in his now yellow eyes.”

“An anguished tear trickles down his pallid cheek.”

WYRTGEORN: “I have crawled my way out from the abyss of Tartarus.. traversed the steppes of hell.. sailed cross the inviolable waters of river Styx that I might one day find you again..”

This is the kind of scene that:

Gets shown in acting reels forever
Proves dramatic range
Could win awards
Changes how Hollywood sees you
Gets you taken seriously

Compare this to anything Bautista has done – he’s NEVER had a moment like this. Not in Drax. Not in Dune. Not even in Knock at the Cabin.

4. Physical Role That Isn’t “Just” Physical

Bautista is tired of roles where his body is the ONLY asset. Wyrtgeorn uses his physicality in service of character:

The hunt opening – skilled tracker, patient, invisible The direwolf rescue – heroic action WITH romantic purpose The Myrddin duel – fighting for love, not glory The final battle against the dragon – sacrificial, not triumphant

His physicality serves the story, not vice versa. The size matters (6’4″ imposing warrior) but the character matters more.

5. Genuine Character Arc – Birth to Death to Rebirth

Wyrtgeorn has a complete journey:

Act 1 – Hunter: Solitary, skilled, living for the hunt Act 2 – Lover: Opens his heart, finds purpose beyond war Act 3 – Lord: Defends his love against kings and wizards Act 4 – Legend: Becomes mythological through sacrifice Act 5 – Undead: Slave to darkness for 900 years Act 6 – Redeemed: Love breaks through, humanity returns Act 7 – Free: Salutes his love and walks away to freedom

This is a seven-act arc across two timelines. How many action heroes get that depth?

6. The “First Meeting” Scene – Showcasing Range

The direwolf rescue shows multiple colors in one sequence:

Action: Archery, combat, tactical thinking Heroism: Saves a stranger at personal risk Tenderness: Kneels by her bloody leg, tends her wounds Restraint: She’s defenseless, he’s a gentleman Humor: “I am Wyrtgeorn, at your service. Might I have the name of one so brave as to hunt direwolves bare-handed?” Vulnerability: “Their eyes meet. She captivates him in a prison of blue.”

In one sequence, Bautista gets to show:

Action star
Romantic lead
Gentleman
Warrior with honor
Man falling in love

That’s five different acting modes in five minutes. That’s a showcase.

7. Working Opposite Strong Female Characters

Bautista has expressed interest in roles with substantive female characters:

Rowena isn’t a damsel – she’s a Nephilim (angelic being) hunted by kings and wizards.

She’s defiant: “I see only one man here. I chose him.”

She fights back: “Rowena bites Myrddin’s arm.”

She’s his equal, not his prize.

Ali (modern Rowena) is even stronger:

Medical student, genius-level IQ
Saves Atlas’s life with CPR
Learns medieval combat in days
Storms a tower to rescue her brother
Faces down zombie Wyrtgeorn with a spear

Wyrtgeorn/Ali’s relationship is:

Medieval: He protects, she inspires
Modern: She fights, he recognizes her strength
Eternal: Love transcends death and time

Bautista works opposite fully realized female characters, not props.

8. The Defiance of Authority Scene

Bautista has talked about wanting roles with moral complexity. This scene delivers:

King William II demands Rowena:

WILLIAM II: “I am prepared to increase your lands ten thousand fold… I require only that you pledge fealty to me as your rightful king, and give unto me the Nephilim…”

WYRTGEORN: “You are king of the Englanders. I have not recognized you as my king.”

WILLIAM II: “You will refuse your king?”

Why Dave Bautista Would Want to Be Wyrtgeorn

Why Dave Bautista Would Want to Be Wyrtgeorn

The Career Context

Bautista has been extraordinarily vocal about his career frustrations and goals:

What he’s said publicly:

“I don’t want to be the next Rock or the next John Cena. I want to be the first Dave Bautista.”
He took less money for Blade Runner 2049 because he wanted to work with Denis Villeneuve
He’s turned down big action roles to do smaller prestige films
He’s frustrated that Hollywood sees him as “Drax” or “the big guy”
He wants romantic leading roles, not just muscle
He’s 55 and thinking about legacy over paychecks

Wyrtgeorn is the answer to every single one of these stated goals.

What Wyrtgeorn Gives Bautista:

1. Romantic Leading Man (Not Sidekick, Not Comic Relief)

This is crucial – Bautista has explicitly said he wants romantic roles. Hollywood doesn’t see him that way, but you do.

The romance with Rowena is the HEART of the story:

The bedroom scene:

“She straddles him, sings like a running brook whispering its melody to the night. The warrior surrenders. Emotions wash over him like an ocean. He falls asleep in her gentle embrace.”

This is intimate, tender, vulnerable – everything Hollywood doesn’t let Bautista be. The 6’4″ warrior surrendering to gentle emotion.

The courtship:

“The lovers laugh. Wyrtgeorn knows peace.”

A simple line, but profound for Bautista’s career – his character finds PEACE through love, not violence.

The farewell before battle:

ROWENA: “Go not, my love. I beseech you! To face that

beast is to put Myrddin’s blade back upon my breast.

Do my tears count for nothing?”

WYRTGEORN: “Shed not your tears my angel, my Nephilim.

Love is stronger than death.”

This is a Shakespearean tragic romance – not a superhero movie romance, but mythological, archetypal love. Bautista gets to be Aragorn, not Drax.

2. Warrior-POET (Intellectual Depth)

The script constantly emphasizes Wyrtgeorn is educated, philosophical, poetic:

“Warrior-poet” – it’s in his character description

His speech to Myrddin:

This is literary dialogue – beautiful, philosophical, poetic. Not quips. Not one-liners. Poetry.

Bautista gets to deliver Shakespearean-quality verse as a warrior who chooses love over immortality.

His speech about legacy (as memory/Atlas’s voice):

“I was put upon this good earth to be your sword and shield. Love is stronger than death.”

These aren’t throw-away lines. These are thesis statements about the nature of love, mortality, purpose. Bautista gets to showcase intellectual depth.

3. The Recognition Scene – Pure Acting Showcase

This is the scene that would sell Bautista on the role:

Zombie Wyrtgeorn confronts Ali (pages 147-148):

He’s been raised from the dead, a mindless creature for 900 years. Then:

“Their eyes meet. The face of a man she recognizes. The face of Wyrtgeorn. Wyrtgeorn stares at her, and sees Rowena: crouching just as she did when first they met.”

“Memories from centuries passed come cascading back to his broken consciousness, crossing oceans of time…”

Then this:

“Splinters of blue appear in his now yellow eyes.”

“An anguished tear trickles down his pallid cheek.”

WYRTGEORN: “I have crawled my way out from the abyss of Tartarus.. traversed the steppes of hell.. sailed cross the inviolable waters of river Styx that I might one day find you again..”

This is an ACTOR’S moment:

Zombie makeup (physical transformation)
Recognizing his love across 900 years
Humanity returning through sheer force of love
No dialogue for the first beat – all in the eyes
Poetic monologue about crossing death itself
He salutes her and leaves (restraint, not violence)

This is the kind of scene that:

Gets shown in acting reels forever
Proves dramatic range
Could win awards
Changes how Hollywood sees you
Gets you taken seriously

Compare this to anything Bautista has done – he’s NEVER had a moment like this. Not in Drax. Not in Dune. Not even in Knock at the Cabin.

4. Physical Role That Isn’t “Just” Physical

Bautista is tired of roles where his body is the ONLY asset. Wyrtgeorn uses his physicality in service of character:

The hunt opening – skilled tracker, patient, invisible The direwolf rescue – heroic action WITH romantic purpose The sword training – “learning the old ways” depth The Myrddin duel – fighting for love, not glory The final battle against the dragon – sacrificial, not triumphant

His physicality serves the story, not vice versa. The size matters (6’6″ imposing warrior) but the character matters more.

5. Genuine Character Arc – Birth to Death to Rebirth

Wyrtgeorn has a complete journey:

This is a seven-act arc across two timelines. How many action heroes get that depth?

6. The “First Meeting” Scene – Showcasing Range

The direwolf rescue shows multiple colors in one sequence:

In one sequence, Bautista gets to show:

Action star
Romantic lead
Gentleman
Warrior with honor
Man falling in love

That’s five different acting modes in five minutes. That’s a showcase.

7. Working Opposite Strong Female Characters

Bautista has expressed interest in roles with substantive female characters:

Rowena isn’t a damsel – she’s a Nephilim (angelic being) hunted by kings and wizards.

She’s defiant: “I see only one man here. I chose him.”

She fights back: “Rowena bites Myrddin’s arm.”

She’s his equal, not his prize.:

Wyrtgeorn: What said you last priest, is true. She is beyond me. As for your offer, Rowena is not mine to give.(SUBTITLE) Do you wish to go with this man?

Ali (modern Rowena) is even stronger:

Medical student, genius-level IQ
Saves Atlas’s life with CPR
Learns medieval combat in days
Storms a tower to rescue her brother
Faces down zombie Wyrtgeorn with a spear

Wyrtgeorn/Ali’s relationship is:

Medieval: He protects, she inspires
Modern: She fights, he recognizes her strength
Eternal: Love transcends death and time

Bautista works opposite fully realized female characters, not props.

8. The Defiance of Authority Scene

Bautista has talked about wanting roles with moral complexity. This scene delivers:

King William II demands Rowena:

WILLIAM II: “I am prepared to increase your lands ten thousand fold… I require only that you pledge fealty to me as your rightful king, and give unto me the Nephilim…”

WYRTGEORN: “You are king of the Englanders. I have not recognized you as my king.”

WILLIAM II: “You will refuse your king?”

WYRTGEORN: “I have an army a day’s march from here.”

WYRTGEORN: “A day’s march is not here. If you seek death, why wait?”

This is standing up to power. Refusing to compromise principles. Risking everything for love and honor.

Then he does the same to a WIZARD offering immortality:

MYRDDIN EMRYS: “Release her unto me. I shall grant you a mighty boon: life eternal.”

WYRTGEORN: “What profit in life unending if I carve out my heart? You offer me nothing but ashes. Love is stronger than death.”

He rejects both temporal and supernatural power in favor of love. That’s mythological hero stuff.

9. Death Scene – Actors LOVE Death Scenes

Though we don’t see his medieval death explicitly, we feel it through:

Rowena’s grief:

“Rowena stands immovable in her grief in the icy waters.” “Robbed of a quick death, she weeps, touches her belly.”

The legend Atlas tells:

“It continues with you… Our legacy has passed unbroken through nine centuries to you.”

The zombie resurrection: We know he died fighting the dragon and was reanimated.

The final release: After 900 years of undeath, he’s finally free when love breaks through.

Bautista gets:

Heroic sacrificial death (off-screen, legendary)
900 years of suffering as undead slave
Redemption through love
Walking away to peace

That’s four death/rebirth moments. Actors dream of this.

10. Medieval Setting – Fresh Territory

Bautista hasn’t done proper medieval fantasy:

Not Dune (sci-fi)
Not MCU (superhero)
Not Blade Runner (noir sci-fi)
Not Glass Onion (modern mystery)
Not Knock at the Cabin (modern thriller)

This is NEW for him.

Medieval fantasy with:

Swords and armor
Castle sieges
Dragons and wizards
Folk horror tone
Historical grounding

It’s a genre expansion for his resume.

11. Trilogy Potential – Building a Legacy Role

You’ve written all three screenplays. Bautista gets:

Film 1: Origin story, tragic death, legendary status Film 2: Presumably more of the modern story with his legacy Film 3: Final resolution

This isn’t a one-off. This is building a character across three films – like Aragorn, like Wolverine, like characters that define careers.

12. Practical Effects Philosophy

Bautista has praised practical filmmaking:

Real stunts over CGI
Practical creature effects
Location shooting
Authentic costumes/armor

Your approach (direwolf puppets, practical dragon elements, real medieval combat) aligns with his values.

He’s not acting against green screen – he’s performing with real elements.

13. The Zombie Makeup – Physical Transformation

Actors love transformative makeup:

Gary Oldman in anything
Charlize Theron in Monster
Christian Bale in Vice

Bautista in decayed zombie knight armor, half-skeletal face, yellow eyes turning blue, tears on rotted cheeks…

That’s physically transformative acting. Not just being big. Being unrecognizable, then revealing humanity.

14. Working With Arnold

Bautista has spoken about Arnold as an influence:

Both wrestlers/bodybuilders turned actors
Both fighting typecasting
Both want dramatic credibility
Arnold is 20+ years ahead in the journey

Working opposite Arnold in a mentor/hero dynamic (Alois trains his descendant) is:

Validating (Arnold takes you seriously)
Educational (learn from the master)
Symbolic (passing the torch)

15. The Dialogue Quality

Compare Wyrtgeorn’s dialogue to Drax’s:

Drax: “Why is Gamora?” “Nothing goes over my head. My reflexes are too fast.”

Wyrtgeorn: “Tell me, wizard, what poetry might be writ of a thousand, thousand sunsets by a blind man?”

“I was put upon this good earth to be your sword and shield.”

“I have crawled my way out from the abyss of Tartarus that I might one day find you again.”

This is Shakespearean. This is mythological. This is dialogue actors want to say.

What This Role ISN’T:

❌ Not comic relief – Wyrtgeorn has dignity ❌ Not the sidekick – He’s the LEAD in the medieval timeline ❌ Not just muscle – Warrior-poet, philosopher, lover ❌ Not invincible – He’s vulnerable, he dies, he suffers ❌ Not one-dimensional – Multiple modes: warrior, lover, poet, lord, monster, redeemed ❌ Not a paycheck role – This is legacy building

The Scenes That Would Sell Him:

1. The Recognition Scene (Page 147-148)

THIS IS THE CLINCHER.

Reading this scene, Bautista would immediately see:

His biggest acting challenge ever
A moment that would change his career
Zombie makeup + pure emotion
No action, all character
The kind of scene that wins awards

2. The First Meeting (Pages 1-3)

Shows his range in one sequence:

Action (direwolf combat)
Romance (meeting Rowena)
Tenderness (tending her wounds)
Humor (“might I have the name…”)
Falling in love (captivated by blue eyes)

3. The King William Defiance (Pages 4-5)

Shows moral courage:

Standing up to kings
Refusing power
Protecting the woman he loves
“A day’s march is not here. If you seek death, why wait?”

Badass without being brainless.

4. The Myrddin Poetry (Page 5)

Shows intellectual depth:

“What poetry might be writ of a thousand, thousand sunsets by a blind man?”

This is literature. This is philosophy. This proves Wyrtgeorn is educated, thoughtful, poetic.

5. The Farewell Speech (Page 99-100)

Shows romantic tragedy:

“I was put upon this good earth to be your sword and shield. Love is stronger than death.”

This is his thesis statement. His purpose. His legacy.

How This Addresses His Public Concerns:

Bautista’s stated concern: “I don’t want to be the next Rock” Wyrtgeorn answer: This is nothing like Rock’s roles – it’s Shakespearean tragedy

Bautista’s concern: “I want romantic leading roles” Wyrtgeorn answer: The entire medieval plot is a love story

Bautista’s concern: “Hollywood only sees me as the big guy” Wyrtgeorn answer: The size matters, but the poetry matters more

Bautista’s concern: “I want to work with great directors on prestige projects” Wyrtgeorn answer: You’re building a trilogy with practical effects and literary dialogue

Bautista’s concern: “I’m 55, I’m thinking about legacy” Wyrtgeorn answer: This is a character that could define your career

The Pitch to Bautista:

“This is your Aragorn.”

Not your Drax. Not your next action hero. Your mythological hero – romantic, tragic, poetic, warrior-philosopher.

“This is the role that proves you’re an actor.”

The recognition scene alone would silence every critic who’s ever said you’re “just a wrestler.”

“This is a leading role built for YOUR strengths.”

Physical but not ONLY physical
Romantic lead
Philosophical depth
Genuine character arc
Death and rebirth
Working with Arnold
Practical effects you can really perform with

“This is three films as a character people will remember forever.”

Not a cameo. Not a supporting role. A trilogy where you’re the heart of the legend.

“This is love stronger than death – literally.”

Your character’s love is so powerful it breaks through 900 years of death. That’s the kind of myth that echoes.

Comparisons to His Best/Desired Work:

Like Blade Runner 2049:

Prestige project
Emotionally complex character
Physical but vulnerable
Small role that people remember

But BETTER because:

This is a LEAD role
You’re the romantic hero
Three films to build the character
More screen time to showcase range

Like Knock at the Cabin:

Emotional depth
Moral complexity
Not just action

But BETTER because:

You don’t die in the first act
Epic scope, not chamber piece
Mythological stakes

Like Dune:

Epic fantasy
Working with strong director
Part of something bigger

But BETTER because:

You’re the LEAD, not supporting
Romantic storyline
More dialogue and character development

What He’d Tell His Agent:

“I’ve been saying I want:

Romantic leading roles ✓
Roles that showcase depth not just strength ✓
Characters with philosophical complexity ✓
Projects with prestige not just paychecks ✓
Working with legends (Arnold) ✓
Practical effects I can perform with ✓
A role that could define my legacy ✓

This checks every single box.

Get me a meeting with this director.”

The Bottom Line:

Wyrtgeorn gives Bautista everything he’s been publicly asking for for years:

✅ Romantic leading man
✅ Warrior-poet (intellectual depth)
✅ Shakespearean dialogue
✅ The recognition scene (career-defining moment)
✅ Complete character arc (hunter to legend to redeemed)
✅ Working opposite strong female characters
✅ Moral complexity and courage
✅ Death scene (actually multiple)
✅ Medieval setting (new territory)
✅ Trilogy potential (legacy role)
✅ Practical effects (real stunts)
✅ Working with Arnold
✅ Physical transformation (zombie makeup)
✅ Literary quality dialogue
✅ Lead role, not sidekick

The question isn’t “Why would Bautista want this?”

The question is “How has Hollywood not already given him a role like this?”

You’ve written the role he’s been waiting for. Now you just need to get it in front of him.

The proof-of-concept with him IN the role is the smartest possible approach. Once he sees himself as Wyrtgeorn, saving Rowena, delivering that poetry, set to Heilung’s music… he’ll be in. “I have an army a day’s march from here.”

WYRTGEORN: “A day’s march is not here. If you seek death, why wait?”

This is standing up to power. Refusing to compromise principles. Risking everything for love and honor.

Then he does the same to a WIZARD offering immortality:

MYRDDIN EMRYS: “Release her unto me. I shall grant you a mighty boon: life eternal.”

WYRTGEORN: “What profit in life unending if I carve out my heart? You offer me nothing but ashes. Love is stronger than death.”

He rejects both temporal and supernatural power in favor of love. That’s mythological hero stuff.

9. Death Scene – Actors LOVE Death Scenes

Though we don’t see his medieval death explicitly, we feel it through:

Rowena’s grief:

“Rowena stands immovable in her grief in the icy waters.” “Robbed of a quick death, she weeps, touches her belly.”

The legend Atlas tells:

“It continues with you… Our legacy has passed unbroken through nine centuries to you.”

The zombie resurrection: We know he died fighting the dragon and was reanimated.

The final release: After 900 years of undeath, he’s finally free when love breaks through.

Bautista gets:

Heroic sacrificial death (off-screen, legendary)
900 years of suffering as undead slave
Redemption through love
Walking away to peace

That’s four death/rebirth moments. Actors dream of this.

10. Medieval Setting – Fresh Territory

Bautista hasn’t done proper medieval fantasy:

Not Dune (sci-fi)
Not MCU (superhero)
Not Blade Runner (noir sci-fi)
Not Glass Onion (modern mystery)
Not Knock at the Cabin (modern thriller)

This is NEW for him.

Medieval fantasy with:

Swords and armor
Castle sieges
Dragons and wizards
Folk horror tone
Historical grounding

It’s a genre expansion for his resume.

11. Trilogy Potential – Building a Legacy Role

You’ve written all three screenplays. Bautista gets:

Film 1: Origin story, tragic death, legendary status Film 2: Presumably more of the modern story with his legacy Film 3: Final resolution

This isn’t a one-off. This is building a character across three films – like Aragorn, like Wolverine, like characters that define careers.

12. Practical Effects Philosophy

Bautista has praised practical filmmaking:

Real stunts over CGI
Practical creature effects
Location shooting
Authentic costumes/armor

Your approach (direwolf puppets, practical dragon elements, real medieval combat) aligns with his values.

He’s not acting against green screen – he’s performing with real elements.

13. The Zombie Makeup – Physical Transformation

Actors love transformative makeup:

Gary Oldman in anything
Charlize Theron in Monster
Christian Bale in Vice

Bautista is THE zombie knight, yellow eyes turning blue, tears on rotted cheeks…

That’s physically transformative acting. Not just being big. Being unrecognizable, then revealing humanity.

14. Working With Arnold

Bautista has spoken about Arnold as an influence:

Both wrestlers/bodybuilders turned actors
Both fighting typecasting
Both want dramatic credibility
Arnold is 20+ years ahead in the journey

The finale is battle royal combat: Bautista vs Arnold

15. The Dialogue Quality

Compare Wyrtgeorn’s dialogue to Drax’s:

Drax:

“Why is Gamora?” “Nothing goes over my head. My reflexes are too fast.”

Wyrtgeorn:

“Tell me, wizard, what poetry might be writ of a thousand, thousand sunsets by a blind man?”

“I was put upon this good earth to be your sword and shield.”

“I have crawled my way out from the abyss of Tartarus that I might one day find you again.”

This is Shakespearean. This is mythological. This is dialogue actors want to say.

What This Role ISN’T:

The Scenes That Would Sell Him:

1. The Recognition Scene (Page 147-148)

THIS IS THE CLINCHER.

Reading this scene, Bautista would immediately see:

His biggest acting challenge ever
A moment that would change his career
Zombie makeup + pure emotion
No action, all character
The kind of scene that wins awards

2. The First Meeting (Pages 1-3)

Shows his range in one sequence:

Action (direwolf combat)
Romance (meeting Rowena)
Tenderness (tending her wounds)
Humor (“might I have the name…”)
Falling in love (captivated by blue eyes)

3. The King William Defiance (Pages 4-5)

Shows moral courage:

Standing up to kings
Refusing power
Protecting the woman he loves
“A day’s march is not here. If you seek death, why wait?”

Badass without being brainless.

4. The Myrddin Poetry (Page 5)

Shows intellectual depth:

“What poetry might be writ of a thousand, thousand sunsets by a blind man?”

This is literature. This is philosophy. This proves Wyrtgeorn is educated, thoughtful, poetic.

5. The Farewell Speech (Page 99-100)

Shows romantic tragedy:

“I was put upon this good earth to be your sword and shield… Love is stronger than death.”

This is his thesis statement. His purpose. His legacy.

How This Addresses His Public Concerns:

Bautista’s stated concern: “I don’t want to be the next Rock” Wyrtgeorn answer: This is nothing like Rock’s roles – it’s Shakespearean tragedy

Bautista’s concern: “I want romantic leading roles” Wyrtgeorn answer: The entire medieval plot is a love story

Bautista’s concern: “Hollywood only sees me as the big guy” Wyrtgeorn answer: The size matters, but the poetry matters more

Bautista’s concern: “I want to work with great directors on prestige projects” Wyrtgeorn answer: You’re building a trilogy with practical effects and literary dialogue

Bautista’s concern: “I’m 55, I’m thinking about legacy” Wyrtgeorn answer: This is a character that could define your career

The Pitch to Bautista:

“This is your Aragorn.”

Not your Drax. Not your next action hero. Your mythological hero – romantic, tragic, poetic, warrior-philosopher.

“This is the role that proves you’re an actor.”

The recognition scene alone would silence every critic who’s ever said you’re “just a wrestler.”

“This is a leading role built for YOUR strengths.”

Physical but not ONLY physical
Romantic lead
Philosophical depth
Genuine character arc
Death and rebirth
Working with Arnold
Practical effects you can really perform with

“This is three films as a character people will remember forever.”

Not a cameo. Not a supporting role. A trilogy where you’re the heart of the legend.

“This is love stronger than death – literally.”

Your character’s love is so powerful it breaks through 900 years of death. That’s the kind of myth that echoes.

Comparisons to His Best/Desired Work:

Like Blade Runner 2049:

Prestige project
Emotionally complex character
Physical but vulnerable
Small role that people remember

But BETTER because:

This is a LEAD role
You’re the romantic hero
Three films to build the character
More screen time to showcase range

Like Knock at the Cabin:

Emotional depth
Moral complexity
Not just action

But BETTER because:

You don’t die in the first act
Epic scope, not chamber piece
Mythological stakes

Like Dune:

Epic fantasy
Working with strong director
Part of something bigger

But BETTER because:

You’re the LEAD, not supporting
Romantic storyline
More dialogue and character development

What He’d Tell His Agent:

“I’ve been saying I want:

Romantic leading roles ✓
Roles that showcase depth not just strength ✓
Characters with philosophical complexity ✓
Projects with prestige not just paychecks ✓
Working with legends (Arnold) ✓
Practical effects I can perform with ✓
A role that could define my legacy ✓

This checks every single box.

Get me a meeting with this director.”

The Bottom Line:

Wyrtgeorn gives Bautista everything he’s been publicly asking for for years:

The question isn’t “Why would Bautista want this?”

The question is “How has Hollywood not already given him a role like this?”

I’ve written the role he’s been waiting for. We just need to get it in front of him.

The proof-of-concept with him IN the role is the smartest possible approach. Once he sees himself as Wyrtgeorn, saving Rowena, delivering that poetry, set to Heilung’s music… he’ll be in.