From breaking bones to breaking hearts. Dave Bautista is set to star in a new rom-com titled The Romantic. Although the cast members and director have not been announced yet, the project already has rom-com fans buzzing.
In development at Paramount Pictures, with Ryan Reynolds’ production company on board. The script will be written by seasoned genre writers Deborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont. The film centers on Ed Schwenke (Bautista), a rugged man who secretly writes bestselling romance novels under the pen name Francine London.
His low-profile life in the mountains is upended when a suspicious, cynical journalist starts digging into Francine’s true identity. In a bid to maintain the illusion, Ed hires a bold, unpredictable woman to pose as Francine. Thus, setting the stage for what may just be an “enemies-to-lovers” dynamic.
“I want to do rom-com”
Bautista has been vocal about his desire to move away from traditional action roles and prove himself as a “real and respected actor.” In a 2023 interview, he shared his passion for smaller, character-driven films – and specifically, romantic comedies. “I want to do a full-on rom-com,” he said, emphasizing that he wasn’t looking for a rom-com with action elements, but something firmly rooted in the genre.
His candid comments sparked support from fans and filmmakers alike. Even The Mandalorian star Katy O’Brian expressed interest in co-starring with him. Bautista later revealed that after going public with his rom-com aspirations, his phone “blew up” with calls – and now, it seems, his wish is finally coming true.
Busy Year Ahead
2025 is already shaping up to be a busy year for Dave Bautista, with action films like Afterburn and Trap House on the horizon. He is currently considering an offer to join Road House 2 at Amazon MGM. He is also set to star in buddy cop comedy, The Wrecking Crew, where he stars alongside Jason Momoa.
Bautista was recently praised for his performance opposite Pamela Anderson in the critically acclaimed drama The Last Showgirl. He’s also part of the Zellner Brothers’ upcoming alien invasion comedy Alpha Gang.
But perhaps even more exciting is the news that the former pro wrestler is finally stepping into a genre he’s long dreamed of exploring: the romantic comedy.
