He may be one of Hollywood’s hardest hardmen, but Dave Bautista hasn’t been able to land his dream role – a part in the Star Wars franchise.

In London to promote his new movie Final Score, Bautista said he has auditioned twice for Star Wars films, but has been turned down on both occasions.

Bautista has carved out an impressive Hollywood career in the wake of his departure from WWE and the world of professional wrestling, from his standout Drax in the Guardians of the Galaxy movies and bruising Bond baddie in Spectre to more contemplative work as a rogue Replicant in Blade Runner 2049.

However, one of his favourite franchises has eluded him, despite his best attempts. It doesn’t sound like he’ll be wielding a lightsaber any time soon.

He said: “I’ve actually auditioned for a couple of Star Wars [movies] and they’ve turned me down. It was always a dream of mine to be in a Star Wars film.”

SEE ALSO: Dave Bautista will ask for his Marvel release if James Gunn’s script isn’t used for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

It also seems Bautista might share the views of some Star Wars fans when it comes to the way the films have been handled since Lucasfilm became a Disney asset in 2012.

“I can’t say I’m the biggest fan of the latest installments,” said the actor. “I particularly loved Rogue One. I thought it was a really great film and I love that they went a little bit dark with it. I thought it was really interesting.”

Bautista also revealed that he is still hoping to get a part in the Gears of War movie, saying he “really wants” to do it having been “after it for years”. Bautista has previously made public his desire to play Marcus Fenix in an adaptation of the video game, which is currently in gestation over at Universal.

SEE ALSO: Read our ★ ★ ★ ★ review of Final Score

A group of heavily armed criminals take control of a stadium packed with 35,000 football fans. Ex-soldier Michael Knox (Dave Bautista, AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, BLADE RUNNER 2049, SPECTRE) is forced to use skills from his military background and everything at his disposal to save the spectators, including the life of a fallen comrade’s daughter.

Final Score is set for release on September 7th.