Filming action-packed blockbusters like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 often comes with its fair share of on-set mishaps, and actor Will Poulter recently revealed one such unexpected moment—accidentally punching his co-star, former WWE superstar Dave Bautista, during a fight scene.
The British actor, who joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Adam Warlock in the third Guardians installment, shared the amusing yet slightly embarrassing story in a recent interview. Despite the intensity of superhero filmmaking, Poulter’s anecdote highlights the unpredictable nature of stunt work and the camaraderie among cast members.
The Incident on Set
Poulter, known for his roles in The Maze Runner, Midsommar, and We’re the Millers, admitted that he didn’t mean to hit Bautista—who plays Drax the Destroyer—but the chaos of choreographed combat sometimes leads to accidents.
“I actually punched Dave in the face by accident,” Poulter confessed. “It was during one of our fight sequences, and let me tell you, punching a guy that big is not something you ever want to do on purpose.”
Given Bautista’s imposing physique—honed during his years as a professional wrestler—Poulter was understandably nervous about the mishap. However, the Dune star took it in stride, showcasing the good-natured dynamic among the Guardians cast.
“Luckily, Dave is one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet,” Poulter added. “He just laughed it off and said something like, ‘Kid, you’ve got a hell of a swing.’ But I was mortified!”
The Challenges of Superhero Stunt Work
Action sequences in big-budget films like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 require precise coordination between actors, stunt performers, and the camera crew. Even with extensive rehearsals, accidents can happen—especially when actors are fully immersed in their roles.
Poulter, who underwent rigorous physical training to prepare for his debut as Adam Warlock, spoke about the learning curve involved in performing complex fight scenes.
“There’s so much going on—timing, spacing, making sure you’re hitting your marks while also selling the emotion of the scene,” he explained. “Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned, and that’s when you end up accidentally decking a former WWE champion.”
Despite the mishap, Poulter praised the film’s stunt team for their professionalism and patience in guiding him through the process.
Bautista’s Reaction and On-Set Camaraderie
Dave Bautista, who has been a fan-favorite as Drax since 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy, is no stranger to the physical demands of action films. His background in professional wrestling likely helped him shrug off the accidental punch, but Poulter still felt guilty.
“I kept apologizing, and Dave just waved it off,” Poulter recalled. “He told me, ‘Man, I’ve taken way worse in the ring. Don’t sweat it.’ That’s the kind of guy he is—totally cool about everything.”
The incident only strengthened the bond between the two actors, with Poulter expressing admiration for Bautista’s mentorship on set.
“Dave’s been in this universe for years, and he really helped me feel at ease,” Poulter said. “Even after I punched him in the face, he was giving me tips on how to improve my form. That’s the kind of generosity you don’t forget.”
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
When news of the accidental punch surfaced, fans took to social media to share their amusement. Many joked about the sheer absurdity of the situation, while others praised Bautista’s good sportsmanship.
One fan tweeted, “Will Poulter punching Dave Bautista by accident is the most ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ thing ever. That movie is chaos on and off-screen.”
Another wrote, “Bautista getting punched and just laughing it off is peak Drax energy. Love this cast.”
The lighthearted moment also sparked discussions about the behind-the-scenes realities of superhero films, with some fans expressing surprise that such accidents don’t happen more often given the elaborate fight choreography.
Poulter’s Journey as Adam Warlock
Joining the MCU is a major milestone for any actor, and Poulter’s casting as Adam Warlock—a genetically engineered super-being with immense power—was met with excitement from comic book fans. The character, originally teased in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’s post-credits scene, finally made his live-action debut in the third film.
Poulter admitted that stepping into such a beloved role was daunting, especially given the passionate Marvel fanbase.
“There’s a lot of pressure when you’re playing a character that people have been waiting years to see,” he said. “But the cast and crew made me feel so welcome. Even after I punched Dave, they still let me stick around!”
His performance was well-received, with critics and audiences praising his portrayal of the enigmatic and powerful Adam Warlock.
What’s Next for Poulter and Bautista?
While Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 marked the end of an era for the original team, both Poulter and Bautista have exciting projects ahead.
Bautista has been vocal about moving on from Drax, focusing instead on dramatic roles in films like Knock at the Cabin and Dune: Part Two. However, he has left the door open for potential returns if the story is right.
Poulter, meanwhile, is set to appear in The Bear Season 3 and is rumored to be involved in future MCU projects. Given Adam Warlock’s comic book history, fans are eager to see where his character goes next.
Final Thoughts
Will Poulter’s accidental punch on Dave Bautista is just one of many behind-the-scenes stories that make Guardians of the Galaxy such a beloved franchise. The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of filmmaking—and the importance of having co-stars who can laugh off unexpected moments.
As Poulter put it: “If there’s one thing I learned from this experience, it’s that you should never, ever punch Dave Bautista unless it’s in the script. And even then, maybe double-check first.”