Dave Bautista’s “The Killer’s Game” Delivers Action and Self-Aware Fun

Dave Bautista, known for his role as Drax the Destroyer in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, continues to star in action films that deserve attention. J.J. Perry’s “The Killer’s Game” is one such movie, featuring Bautista alongside fellow MCU alumni Pom Klementieff (“Guardians of the Galaxy”), Ben Kingsley (“Wonder Man”), and Scott Adkins (“Doctor Strange”).

The Plot

“The Killer’s Game” centers on Joe Flood (Bautista), a hitman who, believing he is dying from a neurodegenerative disease, puts a contract out on his own life. However, he discovers a misdiagnosis – he’s going to live – but the contract remains active, with other assassins still pursuing him. Complicating matters, his modern girlfriend, Maize (Sofia Boutella), also becomes a target, prompting Flood to capture action.

Ben Kingsley plays Joe’s mentor, urging him to abandon his life of killing. Pom Klementieff’s character assists Joe in orchestrating the initial hit on himself, while Scott Adkins portrays one of the assassins hired to eliminate Joe, teaming up with Drew Galloway (WWE’s Drew McIntyre).

Why Action Fans Will Enjoy It

“The Killer’s Game” doesn’t strive for originality, but offers a blend of action and self-awareness reminiscent of films like “Smokin’ Aces” and “John Wick.”^[1] One fan on Letterboxd described it as “dumb as hell and overly stylized, punctuated by silly jokes and brutal violence — I had a really solid time.”

The film features a variety of action sequences, including gunfights, knife fights, and hand-to-hand combat. Bautista incorporates wrestling moves into his fight scenes, and one scene features an assassin defeating an opponent with punches and kicks synchronized to salsa music.

While the story is somewhat cheesy, it’s delivered with a straight-faced bravado that enhances the entertainment value. Marvel fans should not expect Bautista and Klementieff to reprise their roles as allies.

Lionsgate’s Role

Lionsgate Films, founded in 1962 and headquartered in Santa Monica, California, is a Canadian-American film production and distribution company. ^[2] It is the second-largest mini-major film studio in North America, known for distributing commercially successful franchises such as Saw, The Hunger Games, and John Wick. ^[2] Lionsgate is owned by Lionsgate Studios since May 14, 2024. ^[2]

As a global content platform, Lionsgate produces films, television series, and digital products.^[3]