M. Night Shyamalan casts Guardians of the Galaxy actor Dave Bautista in his new movie Knock at the Cabin after his performance in Blade Runner 2049.
Dave Bautista in Blade Runner 2049
Director M. Night Shyamalan recently spoke about why he cast Dave Bautista in his new film, Knock at the Cabin. Shyamalan, known for his work in the supernatural horror genre, is set to direct the new film while balancing his work on Apple TV’s Servant as producer and occasional director. Bautista, known for his work in Guardians of the Galaxy, will have another leading role in a film after previously headlining Zack Snyder’s Army of the Dead last year.
Little is known about Knock at the Cabin, except that its release date is tentatively set for February 3, 2023, and the title implies it will have a smaller scope within the horror genre, Shyamalan’s clear comfort zone after the successes of The Visit and Split , with cabins being the most common yet effective location for horror movies there is. Shymalan’s current work on Servant reflects this idea with most of the series taking place in one house. Besides Bautista, no other actors have yet been announced for the project.
In an interview with THR, Shymalan explains that he was inspired to cast Bautista after his performance in Blade Runner 2049. He explains how Bautista’s physical embodiment of the role made him stand out and catch his attention, inspiring him to write the role in Knock at the Cabin for Bautista. Shyamalan also notes it was the fastest he’s ever written a script, beating out the writing of his hit film Signs.
Bautista became known in Hollywood for his comedic timing and imposing screen presence, but with performances in Blade Runner 2049 (and its short 2048: Nowhere to Run,) Dune, and his appearance on the anthology series, Room 104, Bautista has shown that he has the range to carry more dramatic roles as well. Bautista is another on a growing list of wrestlers who develop successful acting careers along with Dwayne Johnson, John Cena, and CM Punk. Along with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Bautista is also scheduled to appear in the ensemble of Knives Out 2.
Though Shyamalan’s career has attracted mixed reception, it’s clear the director has a comfort zone in lower budget supernatural horror films, which hopefully Knock at the Cabin will adhere to. Though it’s important for directors to experiment, there’s also nothing wrong with having a genre that works for them, and M. Night Shyamalan has shown time and time again he works best in claustrophobic, atmospheric, thrillers. As for Dave Bautista, hopefully, Knock at the Cabin will prove worthy of his talents.
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