Hollywood star Dave Bautista, known for his roles in Guardians of the Galaxy and his past as a professional wrestler, has been spotted exploring the famed Loch Ness while in Scotland to film the remake of the 80s classic, Highlander.
The actor, 57, who was formerly a professional wrestler known as Batista in the WWE, visited the Loch Ness Experience earlier this week, immersing himself in the local folklore. He was also seen at the Drumnadrochit Hotel near Inverness.
A spokesperson for the Loch Ness Experience expressed their delight at the high-profile visit. "The mystery of Loch Ness has long captured imaginations across the globe, so we were delighted to welcome Dave Bautista during his time in the Highlands filming Highlander," they said. "It’s always special to see the story resonate with Hollywood names, and with our annual quest event just around the corner, there’s a real buzz building. Who knows, maybe this will be the year we finally find Nessie."
The Drumnadrochit Hotel also shared a picture of Bautista with a staff member on Facebook, stating: "You never know who you might bump into at the Drumnadrochit Hotel. We were delighted to welcome actor and former wrestler Dave Bautista for lunch, a real pleasure to meet him."
Bautista is set to play The Kurgan, the antagonist to Henry Cavill’s Connor MacLeod in the Highlander remake. The film also features Russell Crowe and Karen Gillan, with production underway across various scenic locations in northern Scotland, including the Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle.
The actor previously spoke of his enthusiasm for filming in Scotland, telling the Sunday Mail in September: "I know in this era there is all sorts of technology to make it appear you are filming somewhere you aren’t, but for me it’s all about being authentic and that’s why we had to film in Scotland. The battle scenes are going to be incredible, some of the best I think audiences will have seen. You add that to the backdrops of the Scottish Highlands and we are going to end up with something that is visually stunning."
