Dave Bautista Joins T-800 as a Playable Character in Gears 5

Gears 5 is quickly becoming an ambitious crossover event now that WWE wrestler and Guardians of the Galaxy actor Dave Bautista is joining the game’s cast.

Bautista tweeted out the news with a video that features the man himself suited up in a Gears of War outfit. His thoughts echo the wishes of his fans, as the tweet reads, “It’s about damn time.”

It’s about damn time. Play as me in #Gears5 starting Sept 15 after @WWE Clash of Champions. @XBox @GearsofWar #DreamChaser pic.twitter.com/bCU4ZIjdw1

— Dave Bautista (@DaveBautista) September 3, 2019

Players will be able to play as Bautista (apparently under his stage name, “Batista”) come Sept. 15. Head of The Coalition, Rod Fergusson, discussed Bautista’s long-awaited inclusion in the Gears of War universe:

It’s been a long time coming, but I couldn’t be happier that we’re finally making Dave’s dream to be in Gears of War a reality in Gears 5. The iconic, larger-than-life persona of Batista fits perfectly in the Gears of War Universe, and the entire team at The Coalition can’t wait to see him take on the Swarm and all other challengers in multiplayer. Dave and the WWE have been a pleasure to work with, and I’m hopeful this is just the beginning of our partnership.

We have previously seen confirmation that Halo: Reach and Terminator (with T-800) are joining Gears 5’s multiplayer as well.

Bautista has been campaigning to join the Gears of War universe for the last few months. After the WWE star expressed his desire to play series regular Marcus Fenix in a live-action film adaptation, even the franchise’s original lead, Cliff Bleszinski, gave his blessing. Now, it seems Bautista’s chainsaw gun-wielding dreams are finally coming true, to an extent.

Let’s make that 💩 happen homie!! #DreamChasers https://t.co/PJFwruSqqp

— Dave Bautista (@DaveBautista) July 26, 2019

In other Gears 5 news from the last week, it turns out The Coalition has given the game a lengthy campaign mode. In addition, the game recently gave fans a look at the multiplayer maps coming at launch by way of a new trailer.

Gears 5 is revving up for its release and launches for Xbox One and PC owners Sept. 10. However, the game launches Sept. 6 for Game Pass Ultimate or Ultimate Edition owners.